Hawaii (Island)

Geography

Hawaii — the “Big Island” — is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian archipelago. Two active shield volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, dominate the landscape, with Mauna Kea rising 4,205 m above sea level and over 10,000 m from its underwater base.

Climate

The island spans 10 of the world’s 14 climate zones, from tropical wet on the Hilo side to arid on the Kona side. Trade winds wrap the east coast in rain while the leeward west stays dry and sunny.

Notable features

Kīlauea, on the southern flank, is one of Earth’s most active volcanoes. The island grows yearly as lava enters the Pacific. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park covers much of the volcanic terrain.