Maps, Geography and Topography

The buzz is happening about Hawaii’s Big Island and people want to know what it is that makes us unique and special. Travelers aren’t looking for a repeat of O`ahu or Maui, no matter how much they enjoyed themselves. The Big Island is new, different and well, BIG, so clients sometimes don’t know where to start. That’s why getting your bearings about the Big Island is important before you book.

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Keep in mind two things that differentiate us from the other Hawaiian Islands: size and diversity. At just over 4,000 square miles is more than twice the area of the other Hawaiian Islands combined. And, the Big Island of Hawai`i is one of the most geographically diverse spots on Earth—with valleys, rainforests, deserts, grasslands, and high mountain peaks (and don’t forget beautiful beaches). This topographical variation also means you’ll find 11 of Earth’s 13 climatic zones here. You can be in a bikini on a hot, sun-baked beach in the morning and in a parka on the snowy 13,796 foot summit of Maunakea at night.

The simplest way to visualize the Big Island is in terms of a west side and an east side, two distinctly different halves. The west side is an area of dramatic contrast, where raw black lava meets white sand beaches, rocky, waterless shorelines lead to forested uplands, vast pastures and manicured resort landscaping. The east side, meanwhile, is much more native green and lush, with rainforests, valleys, ocean cliffs, waterfalls, rainbow gardens, flowers and farms. The west side is where you find top luxury resorts, condos and golf courses, and the active visitor destination of Kailua-Kona, and the east side is home to an active volcano – along with lots of other interesting things to see and do.

The Big Island’s climate is moderate and comfortable in all seasons. Ocean temperatures are also practically perfect 75–82 degrees. The west side is usually sunny and dry; the east side is much wetter with frequent showers year-round.

It’s a great destination to explore by car, and almost all Big Island visitors rent their own. Highways outside of Kona and Hilo are two lanes (no freeways here yet!) and are often hilly and winding. (Kona and Waimea can be crowded during morning and evening rush hours—so suggest your clients plan their sightseeing around them.) Like other Hawaiian Islands, one main perimeter road connects east-side Hilo and west-side Kona and communities along the way. From Kona to Hilo, by either the northern route (Highway 19) or southern route (Highway 11 – same road), is about a 100-miles trip one way, 2-2 ½ hours at 55mph or less, not counting stops. A circle-island drive is a full day, about 12 hours, including stops.