Big Island Facts and Trivia

As the departure date for your vacation rapidly approaches, it becomes time for the anticipation to really build, excitement to take over, and every free thought to be occupied by the Hawaiian Islands. It is entirely understandable that you will be entirely pre-occupied by Hawaii and your vacation, and to get you ready for your trip to the youngest and largest Hawaiian Island, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Big Island Facts and Trivia for your trip.

• The name of the Hawaiian Islands is taken from the Big Island, or Hawaii (commonly referred to as Hawaii Island).
• Big Island is the youngest Hawaiian Island, and is actually more than double the size of all other islands combined.
• King Kamehameha the Great was born on the island in the town of Kohloa.
• There are 2 main towns that a majority of visitors travel to: Hilo and Kona
• As travel to the island has increased over the years, the Kohala Coast is quickly becoming a popular destination as well.
• The Big Island is made up of 5 different shield volcanoes, some active, some extinct. Those volcanoes are: Kohala (extinct), Mauna Kea (dormant), Hualalai (active), Mauna Loa (active), and Kilauea (active).
• Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea are two of the most prominent features of the island and can be seen from most places on the island.
• Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii, and when measured from the base that is beneath the ocean, is the highest point in the world.
• Mauna Kea last erupted over 4,600 years ago.
• Mt. Kilauea has been erupting since January 3, 1983, adding over 500 acres of land to the island.
• While exploring the island, you are sure to come across many historic sites that date back to ancient Hawaii, including petroglyphs that are found throughout Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Off of the Kona Coast, Big game fishing is a popular sport and many record catches have come in from these waters.
• Due to a history of volcanic activity, black sand beaches are found around the island, made up entirely of lava rock that has eroded over thousands of years.
• The southern most point in the United States is on the island at Ka Lae, known as South Point, and most interesting of all, the next closest piece of land is Antarctica.

Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Kona tours and Kona activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.