Island of Hawai’i is known as The Big Island of Hawaii to avoid confusion with the name of the State of Hawaii.
The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian archipelago. It is the Southeastern most of the Hawaiian island chain. Boasting a land area approximating the state of Connecticut, it is perhaps the most ‘Hawaiian’ of the major island. Also known as the Volcano Island, Orchid Isle, Big Island or simply Hawaii.
There are two main population centers on the Big Island, Hilo on the East and Kona on the West. Both settlements have a close by airport as well as ports for cruise ships.
For those visiting for the day from Honolulu, entry via Hilo is recommended as it is much closer to our star attraction, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The island also boast world renowned resorts and golf courses and activities galore. Atop Mauna Kea stands the largest astronomical complex in the world with the largest optical and infrared telescopes on the planet, Keck I and II leading the pack.
On the leeward side of the island is Kailua, Kona. It is an ocean front town like Hilo, but with more options for lodging.