The island of Hawaii is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain and known as the “Big Island” or as the “Orchid Isle”. Originally formed by five volcanoes creating a land area of 4,028 square miles, twice the combined size of the other islands and still growing because of two active volcanoes Mauna Loa and Kilauea.
The world’s tallest mountain when measured from its submarine base is Mauna Kea, with a height of 13,796 feet above sea level. Thus, it is often snowcapped during the winter.
Ka Lae is the southern most point in the United States and also known as South Point.
CLIMATE: Average daily temperatures: Hilo (71.2° F.)
Kailua, Kona (73.1° F.)
Mauna Kea summit temperatures range from
31 to 43° F.
Average annual rainfall: 131 inches at Hilo Airport
10 inches near Kawaihae
ISLAND COLOR: Red
ISLAND FLOWER: Red blossom called Pua Lehua.
TOURISM: Major attractions: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Akaka Falls
Pu'uhonau o Honaunau National Historical Park
(City of Refuge)
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Lapakahi State Historic Park
Additional attractions: Viewing petroglyph sites
Deep-sea fishing
Merrie Monarch Hula Festival
Kona Coffee Festival
Iron man Triathlon
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