The Island of Hawaii is nicknamed the Big Island, is the youngest and largest of all the islands and has the most diverse geography and climate. It is twice as large as all the other islands combined and you will find 11 of the earth's 13 different climate zones here. You can find one of the largest cattle ranches in the U.S., black sand beaches, and snow-capped mountains. During some winter days you can ski down snow-covered slopes and then relax in your bathing suit on the beach.

Two volcanoes dominate the geography of the Big Island. Mauna Kea (meaning White Mountain) dominates the north rising 13,796 feet above sea level with an astronomical facility on top. Mauna Loa rises to 13,677 feet in the south-central part of the island and is the location of the Volcanoes National Park. Ka Lae, or
South Point, is the southernmost point in the 50 states. The Big Island is home to the Volcanoes National Park containing the only active volcanoes in the islands.
Kilauea volcano has been erupting almost continuously since 1983.