Island of Hawaii

Island of Hawaii
Hawaii Land Cover Analysis project, NOAA Coastal Services Center · Public domain · source
Name	Island of Hawaii
Native name	Hawaii
Nickname	"Big Island"
Location	Pacific Ocean
Archipelago	Hawaiian Islands
Area km2	10465
Highest point	Mauna Kea
Highest elevation m	4207
Population	200000 (approx.)
Country	United States
State	Hawaii

Island of Hawaii

The Island of Hawaii is the largest and southeasternmost island in the Hawaiian Islands, known colloquially as the "Big Island". It hosts major volcanic landmarks including Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea, and contains communities such as Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and Waimea. The island plays a central role in Hawaiian history involving figures like Kamehameha I, and in modern affairs related to federal stewardship, research, and National Park Service management.

Geography

The island's area surpasses that of all other Hawaiian Islands combined and includes districts such as Hawaii County subdivisions: South Kona, North Kohala, and Puna. Its topography ranges from sea level at Kealakekua Bay and Hapuna Beach to alpine summits like Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, intersecting coastal towns such as Kailua-Kona and Hilo and landmark roads including Hawaii Belt Road. Marine features include the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, offshore seamounts, and reef systems near Puako and Kealakekua Bay.

Geology and Volcanism

The island was built by hotspot volcanism attributed to the Hawaii hotspot and lies atop the Pacific Plate, with shield volcanoes like Mauna Loa, Kilauea, Hualālai, and Kohala creating distinct rift zones and lava flows recorded by agencies including the United States Geological Survey and researchers at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Historic eruptions such as the 2018 Lower Puna eruption and the 1790 explosions documented during the era of Kamehameha I illustrate interactions between lava, groundwater, and population centers, while submarine volcanism at Lōihi Seamount shows ongoing island growth studied by institutions like Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Climate and Ecosystems

Climatic gradients on the island range among leeward dryness, Hilo rainfall, and alpine aridity on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, influenced by the Pacific Ocean, the Trade winds, and features such as Haleakalā patterns seen across the archipelago. Biomes span coastal coral reefs with species cataloged by Bishop Museum, lowland dry forests near Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, montane cloud forests containing native plants like ʻŌhiʻa and koa associated with Hawaiian silversword relatives, and alpine deserts that host endemic arthropods studied by Smithsonian Institution. Conservation efforts involve National Park Service, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, and NGOs addressing threats from invasive species such as Miconia calvescens, Coqui frog, and feral cattle affecting watershed and native bird habitats like ʻiʻiwi and nēnē.

History and Human Settlement

Pre-contact settlement linked to Polynesian voyaging by navigators in canoe traditions associated with Austronesian peoples and Polynesian navigation led to socio-political structures culminating in chiefdom consolidation under leaders including Kamehameha I after campaigns that involved sites like Puʻukoholā Heiau. European contact occurred during voyages of James Cook and later interactions with traders, missionaries from institutions such as the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and agents of British Empire and British interest, leading to events like the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and eventual annexation processes involving the Republic of Hawaii and the Territory of Hawaii. Hawaiian resistance, legal battles, and cultural resurgence involved figures like Queen Liliʻuokalani and movements preserved at cultural centers such as Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.

Demographics and Economy

Population centers include Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Waimea, and Puna communities, with demographic composition reflecting Native Hawaiian, Filipino Americans, Japanese Americans, Caucasian Americans, and Pacific Islander populations recorded by United States Census Bureau. Economic sectors emphasize tourism tied to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kona coffee production from farms in North Kona linked to Coffea arabica varieties marketed through cooperatives and auctions, as well as agriculture including macadamia production associated with firms such as Hawaii Agricultural Research Center and fisheries operating near Hawaii Marine Life Conservation Districts. Infrastructure involves Hilo International Airport, Kona International Airport at Keāhole, and port facilities managed by Hawaii Department of Transportation.

Culture and Society

Cultural institutions include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park interpretive centers, the Bishop Museum, Hawaii State Art Museum, and community organizations promoting ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi revitalization, hula led by halau rooted in lineages of practitioners like those associated with King Kalākaua revival initiatives. Festivals such as Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo and agricultural fairs in Parker Ranch celebrate traditions, while religious and cultural sites include Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site and Lāhainā-era connections. Contemporary debates on land use, water rights, and cultural preservation involve stakeholders including Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaii County Council, and Native Hawaiian organizations advocating for practices like traditional fishpond restoration.

Tourism and Recreation

Tourism centers around activities at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, stargazing on Mauna Kea supported by observatories such as W. M. Keck Observatory and Subaru Telescope, snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, and coffee tourism in Kona District. Outdoor recreation includes hiking routes like Mauna Loa Trail, diving sites at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park and Honaunau Bay, surfing at Honoliʻi, and cultural tourism visiting sites like Puʼukohola Heiau and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. Management and stewardship intersect with agencies including National Park Service, Hawaii County, and scientific partners such as International Astronomical Union-linked observatories.

Category:Islands of Hawaii