Learn the top 10 facts about the Big Island
1. Home to the world’s tallest mountain (yes, taller than Everest!)
Mauna Kea rises 33,500 feet from its base on the ocean floor, making it the tallest mountain on Earth when measured from base to peak.
2. One island, 8 climate zones
From tropical rainforests and lava deserts to alpine tundra, the Big Island hosts 8 of the world’s 13 major climate zones, more than any other island on Earth.
3. The volcanoes are still growing the island
Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most active volcanoes on Earth, continuously reshape and add new land to the island through lava flows.
4. Birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great
The legendary Hawaiian king who united all the Hawaiian Islands was born in North Kohala on the Big Island.
5. Where the world’s clearest skies meet the stars
Mauna Kea’s summit offers some of the clearest, darkest skies on the planet, so good that over a dozen international observatories are built there.
6. Home to Hawaii’s only green sand beach
Papakōlea Beach gets its rare olive-green color from volcanic olivine crystals, making it one of only four green sand beaches in the world.
7. Coffee grows on ancient lava
Kona coffee thrives on the volcanic slopes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa, its rich flavor comes from mineral-rich soil and perfect microclimates.
8. The youngest island in Hawaii
At just under a million years old, the Big Island is the youngest in the Hawaiian chain and continues to grow thanks to active volcanism.
9. Waterfalls, lava tubes & rainforests, all in one day
The island’s diverse landscapes make it one of the few places where you can hike through cloud forests, explore lava tubes, and stand under waterfalls in the same tour.
10. Home to the rare Hawaiian honeycreepers
Bird lovers flock here to spot colorful, endangered native species, many found nowhere else on Earth, deep in protected rainforest reserves.
