Hawaii Island Overview

Hawaii Island, often called the Big Island, is the state’s largest island, with landscapes ranging from active lava fields to high-alpine summit deserts, tropical valleys, and white, black, and green?sand beaches.

Culture

The island’s heritage is rooted in Native Hawaiian traditions, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) history, and multicultural plantation eras. Hilo hosts the renowned Merrie Monarch Festival, while Kona is known for coffee farms and coastal heiau (temple) sites.

Education

UH Hilo and Hawai?i Community College serve the island alongside public and charter K–12 schools organized under regional complexes.

Economy of Hawai?i Island

Tourism, astronomy and advanced instrumentation, diversified agriculture (including Kona coffee and macadamia nuts), port activity, and renewable energy form the island’s economic base.

Business Sectors

Visitor services; astronomy and optics; agriculture and aquaculture; energy and natural resources; small?scale manufacturing and crafts.

Tourism

Travelers come for dramatic volcanic scenery, dark?sky stargazing, distinctive beaches, waterfalls, and cultural sites.

Popular Tourist Attractions

Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park (K?lauea and Mauna Loa); Mauna Kea stargazing areas and visitor facilities; Akaka Falls State Park; Pu?uhonua o H?naunau National Historical Park; H?puna Beach State Recreation Area; Waipi?o Valley lookouts and scenic drives.

Best Things to Do in Hawai?i Island

Drive the island’s circumferential routes; visit a coffee farm; walk across recent lava fields where permitted; explore farmers’ markets; and respect cultural and natural sites.