Hawaii (island)

Hawaii (island)
source
Name	Hawaii
Local name	Hawaiʻi
Location	Pacific Ocean
Archipelago	Hawaiian Islands
Area km2	10,432
Highest mount	Mauna Kea
Elevation m	4205
Population	200,983
Population as of	2020 Census
Country	United States
State	Hawaii

Hawaii (island) is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and the largest island in the United States by land area. The island contains diverse landscapes from coral reefs around Kailua-Kona to alpine summits such as Mauna Kea and active volcanic areas including Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Political, cultural, and scientific institutions such as Hawaii County, Hawaii, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs all have significant presences on the island.

Geography

The island lies in the central Pacific Ocean within the Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain and is part of the State of Hawaii seat represented by Hawaii County, Hawaii. Geographic features include the summits Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualālai, Kohala, and Kīlauea, plus coastal towns like Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Waimea and Pāhoa. Waters surrounding the island host features recognized by Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and routes used historically by voyagers such as Hokuleʻa. The island's shoreline encompasses bays and harbors including Kealakekua Bay, Honokohau Harbor, and Hāmākua Coast headlands, while inland valleys include Pololū Valley and Waipiʻo Valley.

Geology and Volcanism

Formed by the Hawaii hotspot on the Pacific Plate, the island is the product of shield volcano construction exemplified by Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Volcanic activity at Kīlauea was central to the 2018 lower Puna eruption and has been monitored by agencies such as the United States Geological Survey and programs at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Geological study sites on island include Puu Oo and lava fields affecting communities like Kalapana. Geologic hazards prompted policies linked to agencies like Federal Emergency Management Agency during events similar to the 2018 Hawaii volcanic eruption. The island features soil series studied by the United States Department of Agriculture and hosts field research by institutions such as Hawaiʻi Community College and the Smithsonian Institution.

Climate and Ecology

The island's climate zones range from tropical Hilo rainforests to alpine summits on Mauna Kea and arid slopes near Kailua-Kona. Microclimates are influenced by trade winds and the island's topography, factors relevant to studies by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and United States Forest Service on rainfall patterns and erosion on the Hāmākua Coast. Ecological hotspots include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and conservation areas managed by The Nature Conservancy and Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources. Native flora and fauna such as ʻōhiʻa lehua, species endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and avifauna affected by mosquito-borne avian malaria are central to restoration projects involving Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative and Kamehameha Schools stewardship programs. Marine ecosystems adjacent to Kealakekua Bay and Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau support coral reef studies at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology.

History

Indigenous settlement by Polynesian voyagers from places such as Tahiti and Society Islands led to complex chiefdoms on the island and cultural centers like Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. European contact occurred with visits by explorers including James Cook; Cook's death at Kealakekua Bay became a pivotal historical episode. The island later featured in the reigns of monarchs like Kamehameha I, whose conquest united the islands at events tied to places like Huliheʻe Palace and Kapuʻupuʻu. Missionary activity involved figures associated with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions and influenced governance changes culminating in the Kingdom of Hawaii era, interactions with Great Britain, France, and the United States that affected treaties and trade. The overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii and subsequent Republic of Hawaii period preceded annexation by the United States and statehood in 1959, events that reshaped land use, plantation agriculture such as sugarcane interests linked to companies like Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company, and demographic composition.

Demographics and Economy

Population centers include Hilo and Kailua-Kona with cultural sites administered by Hawaii County, Hawaii and services provided by entities including Hawaii Health Systems Corporation and Hawaii Police Department. Economic sectors encompass tourism drawing visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Observatories, and resort areas at Kohala Coast and Puako; agriculture with crops like macadamia nuts and coffee in regions such as Kaʻū and Kona coffee living history farm-related sites; and scientific research at facilities affiliated with NASA and international observatories. Infrastructure includes Hilo International Airport, Kona International Airport at Keāhole, and ports like Kawaihae Harbor. Social services and education are provided by institutions such as University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation, and Hawaii State Department of Education schools across districts.

Culture and Recreation

Cultural life features practices and institutions such as hula, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi revitalization efforts by Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani, and festivals like Merrie Monarch Festival activities broadcast and supported by local organizations. Historic and sacred sites include Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, and numerous churches like Haili Church in Hilo. Recreation ranges from surfing at spots connected with Hawaii's north shores to snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay and trail access to crater rims managed by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park rangers. Astronomy at Mauna Kea Observatories draws partnerships with institutions including California Institute of Technology, University of California, and international consortia, while cultural stewardship and land management involve organizations such as Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Hawaii Community Foundation.

Category:Islands of Hawaii (island)