| Current Conditions:   74° Light Rain
About the Big Island
Volcanoes, Kona coffee and more
Legend has it that two deities — the volcano goddess Pele and the demi-god Kamapua'a (the latter of whom could control the weather) — struck a deal to make the vast Big Island of Hawaii's west side so dry, and its east side so wet. The story's short version is that, after a battle, the pair divided the island in two, with Pele taking the western half and Kamapua'a, the eastern.


Climate & Geography
Even so, the island's weather isn't so cut-and-dried. Twelve distinct climate zones exist here, ranging from East Hawaii's tropical rain forests and Mauna Kea's frozen tundra to Ka'u's arid desert in the south.

Covering 4,028 square miles, the Big Island (or the "Orchid Isle") is the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands — twice the size of all the other major Islands combined. And with two of the five volcanoes that created the island still active, it continues to grow: Kilauea Caldera is the longest continuously erupting volcano in the world, its present eruptive phase dating back to 1983; Mauna Loa, meanwhile, last erupted in March of 1984, sending lava to within a few miles of East Hawaii's Hilo town. Of the remaining three volcanoes on the island, Mauna Kea and Kohala are extinct, while Hualalai is considered to be dormant, having last erupted in 1801.

To read the full article click here!
101 Things to Do
Explore more on The Big Island!
Browse our Stories:
Search for a BIG ISLAND Story:


There are 13 related blog entries - View Now!
»
We Recommend on the Big Island ...
Fair Wind Cruises
Certified divers are welcome, as well as beginners who want to try SCUBA for the first time. The diving is great because visibility is often 80-100 feet year round, with very calm
Blue Sea Cruises
Watch the Manta Ray Ballet at Keauhou Bay nightly feeding of plankton drawn by the lights under Spirit of Kona glass bottom viewing wells on the Evening on the Reef
Royal Kona Resort
Set oceanfront overlooking Kailua Bay, this full-service Resort offers newly remodeled rooms, new Don the Beachcomber Restaurant and Don’s Mai Tai Bar
Hapuna Golf Course
This 18-hole championship golf course is nestled into the dramatic natural contours of the land towering 700 feet above the sea.
Big Island Candies
The perfect gift for that special someone! From truffles to shortbreads, scrumptious treats to party favors, each taste is truly divine. Visit us today!
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Oceanfront village with protected saltwater lagoon and 3 pools offering golf, spa, and family packages. Rates from $199/ni
HOT CLICKS - All Islands
• Play Ko Olina, the course where the pros ...
• Swim with sharks! Special discounts avai ...
• Stay in the heart of Waikiki - from $75
• Maui Celebrity Series at The Hard Rock
• Moving and shipping to/from Hawaii - spe ...
• Most-viewed Hawaii ACTIVITY DEALS
• 12-Night Hawaii cruise from $849 - Vanco ...
• Great rates on beachfront rentals for yo ...
• Aston Winter Specials- Save up to 40% in ...
• Save up to 50% on a car rental
• Top HAWAII TRAVEL DEALS this week!
• Polynesian show, admission, and FREE din ...


Magnificent Micronesia USA Today The Honolulu Advertiser West Hawaii Today Hawaii Tribune Herald Las Vegas Review-Journal 101 Things To Do Hawaii Must Do Travel
Aloha, Guest
Not a Member Yet?
Earn 100 Points
Join Now to Redeem in the Member Store!
Join | My Home | Log In| Store | E-Mail