Hawaii - The Big Island - Photos

cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by paul (dex)

cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by eye of einstein

cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by eye of einstein

cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by eye of einstein

Category: File - :Hawaii-Big-Island-TF.jpg|thumb|right|Aerial view, 3D computer generated image

The Island of Hawaii,According to the Geographic Names Information System, Island of Hawaii is the preferred name, see . also called the Big Island or Hawaii Island (; Hawaiian: or ), is a volcanic island (the eastern-most and southern-most in the Hawaiian islands chain) in the North Pacific Ocean. With an area of 4,028 square miles (10,432 km²), it is larger than all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined and is the largest island in the United States.

The Island of Hawaii is administered as the County of Hawaii within the state of Hawaii. The county seat is Hilo.

Traditionally, Hawaii is known as the "Big Island" to reduce confusion between Hawaii Island and the state.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park  

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, is a United States National Park located in the U.S. State of Hawaii on the island of Hawaii. It encompasses two active volcanoes: K?lauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's most massive volcano. The park gives scientists insight into the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and ongoing studies into the processes of vulcanism. For visitors, the park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes as well as glimpses of rare flora and fauna.

In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1987. In 2000 the name was changed by the Hawaiian National Park Language Correction Act of 2000 observing the Hawaiian spelling.Hawaiian National Park Language Correction Act of 2000 (S.939)

read the rest of the Wikipedia article



Pele: Goddess of Hawaii's Volcanoes [Paperback]

cc licensed ( BY ND ) flickr photo shared by aprilandrandy

cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by dbking

The altitude and isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean makes Mauna Kea one of the best locations on earth for ground-based astronomy. It is an ideal location for submillimeter, infrared and optical observations.

Powered by Wikipedia

cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by eye of einstein

Mauna Kea, A Guide To Hawaii's Sacred Mountain [Paperback]

Waipio Valley is a valley located in the Hamakua District of the Big Island of Hawaii. "Waipio" means "curved water" in the Hawaiian language.lookup of Waipio on Hawaiian place names web site

It was the capital and permanent residence of many early Hawaiian alii (kings) up until the time of King Umi. A place celebrated for its nioi tree (Eugenia reinwardtiana) known as the "Nioi wela o Paakalana" (The burning Nioi of Paakalana). It was the location of the ancient grass palace of the ancient kings of Hawaii with the nioi stands. Kahekili II raided Waipio in the 18th century and burned the four sacred trees to the ground.

Located at coordinates , the valley floor at sea level is almost below the surrounding terrain. A steep road leads down into the valley from a lookout point located on the top of the southern wall of the valley. The road gains 800 vertical feet (243.84 m) in 0.6 miles (0.9 km) at a 25% average grade, with steeper grades in sections. This is a paved public road but it is open only to 4 wheel drive vehicles. If classified as a road, it would be the steepest road of its length in the United States Summerson, J: "The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike)", page 165. Extreme Press, 2007 and possibly the world. The shore line in the valley is a black sand beach, popular with surfers. A few taro farms are located in the valley.

Several large waterfalls fall into the valley to feed the river which flows from the foot of the largest falls at the back of the valley out to the ocean.History of the Waipio Valley

The valley was the site of the final scene in the 1995 sci-fi film Waterworld, at which the main characters found dry land.Waipio Valley | Hawaii Travel Guide

Ancient Hawaii [Paperback]