The Big Island of Hawaii, with population of about 150,000 and area — 10,456 sq km, is largest and southernmost island of the state of Hawaii and coextensive with Hawaii county. The city of Hilo, on the east coast, with population of about 50,000 is the Island's largest city and chief port and is the county seat. The region of Big Island includes many smaller communities and travel destinations, such as Kailua Kona (pop. about 20,000), Waikoloa, Wailea, and others. North Kona is the most populated district in West Hawaii. Kailua-Kona stretches south to Keauhou with properties of every description. Vacation condominiums and retirement homes are available in all price ranges. Jobs, schools, restaurants, shopping and an array of entertainment are within a short drive. Holualoa, a beautiful little artists' colony, overlooks Kailua Bay at the cool elevation of about 370 m. South Kohala is home to many of the large resorts on the Island. Dry and sunny, it is also a choice location for golf, retirement and corporate condominiums, and vacation retreats. Waikoloa Village and Waimea are the major communities here, with shopping, restaurants, and fine white sand beaches.

Geologically the youngest of the Hawaiian group, Hawaii Island is made up of three volcanic mountain masses rising from the floor of the Pacific Ocean: Mauna Kea (4,205 m above sea level, the highest point in the state); Mauna Loa (with the huge Kilauea crater); and Hualalai. Lava flows, some of which reach the sea, and volcanic ash cover parts of the Island.

The north and northeast coasts are rugged with high cliffs; the west and south coasts are generally low, with some good bathing beaches. An unusual black-sand beach lies on the southeast coast. Short rivers radiate from the major summits; Wailuku River, the longest, flows into Hilo Bay. Many waterfalls are on the Island. Hawaii has a tropical-rainy climate, with the north and east slopes receiving the most rain. The west and south slopes are much drier; the Kau Desert is in Southern Hawaii. Temperatures decrease with elevation; Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea are usually snow-covered in winter.

Vegetation varies from tropical rain forest to grasslands to barren volcanic areas. Sugarcane and pineapples are the Island's principal products. The Kona district of Western Hawaii is the coffee belt of the United States and is also known for its health resorts and offshore deep-sea fishing.

A highway, linking the coastal towns, encircles the Island. At Kealakekua Bay there is a monument to Capt. James Cook, the first English explorer to visit (1778) the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park are on Hawaii. All over the Island 'heiaus' (ancient temples) are found. Take a midnight stroll along the ocean and feel the old time friendliness Kailua-Kona has to offer. This town offers many historical sites that are a must see on the Big Island of Hawaii. Aloha!

The Big Island area offers the finest variety of accommodation, dining, tours, sports, shows, cultural events & entertainment, nightlife, attractions, sightseeing, and all other genuine points of interest in the south of Hawaiian group!