Island of Hawaii
Also known as the “Orchid Isle,” Hawaii is the largest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago, encompassing over 4,038 square miles, larger than all the other islands twice combined. Here you will find quaint and sunny towns like Kailua-Kona on the west coast, five-star beach resorts in Waikoloa, vast ranchland in Waimea and the lush port city of Hilo on the East Coast. Hawaii offers vast diversity for those seeking an alternative from crowds and freezing weather. The Big Island is also truly a natural wonder. You will find everything from rocky deserts, to tropical forests, to high alpine zones, all on just our island. The Big Island in fact offers an opportunity to experience eleven of the world's thirteen climate zones.

The following island information will help you become familiar with what we hope will be your new home.

A brief History
Weather
Agriculture
Island Sports/Activities
Events Schedule
Moving to Hawaii?

A brief History

Hawaii was first discovered and populated by Polynesians in voyaging canoes sometime in the first millennium. A young chief of Hawaii by the name of Kamehameha united the islands under one rule and it remained a kingdom until 1775 when the young English Captain, James Cook, rediscovered the islands and named them the “Sandwich Islands” after the Earl of Sandwich. In 1893 the last monarchy of the islands was overthrown and a provisional government comprised mainly of American plantation owners was installed. Hawaii remained a territory of the United States until its annexation to the union in 1959.

Weather

Hawaiian weather varies very little throughout the year. The weather you'll experience on the Big Island depends more on location than time of year. The wide variety of climates and the resulting range of temperatures and rainfall across the island are due primarily to differences in elevation and exposure to the moist northeasterly trade winds. The East and Northeast sides of the island tend to receive more annual rainfall. The West and South sides tend to be dryer and sunnier. The average day-time temperature in the coastal resort areas ranges from the mid 80s in the summer months of May to October to the mid-to-low 70s during the winter months of November to April.

For beach-goers, the sea water temperatures at the Big Island's beaches range from the high 70s in summer to the low-mid 70s in the winter. Unlike some of her neighbors, most of the beaches on The Big Island are not known for high surf and are therefore inviting almost year round.


Diversified Agriculture

The Big Island is the largest commercial grower of orchids in the world. The Kona area is well known for producing world famous Kona gourmet coffee. You will also find many orchards of macadamia nuts along the west coast and papaya farms on the East. Other tropical fruits that are grown include mangoes, lychee, star fruit and guava. Hawaii also has the largest privately owned cattle ranch in the United States, Parker Ranch.

Island Sports and Activities

On the Water

The Kona Coast is well known for its world-class sports fishing. The local marina is full of sports fishing boats that you can charter for catching huge Marlin, ono, mahimahi and ahi -some of the best tasting fish in the world. The annual International Billfish tournament held in August attracts sports fisherman from around the globe.

If you are a scuba diver, there is no better place in the 50 states to don your tanks than the Kona Coast. Lava rock shorelines and light swells attribute to the crystal blue waters that boast visibility that averages 80 to 100 feet. Many local dive shops are located along the coast.

The primary whale watching season begins every year about the middle of November and lasts through April. During this time you can see spectacular sightings of humpback whales frolicking along the coast with their young. Many tour companies offer daily charters.

The Kona Coast also offers the perfect conditions for single or multi-day sailing. You will find soft, warm winds to leisurely take you up and down the coast. There is also a local sailing club that holds a race one Sunday every month.

Although not known for its big surf like the North Shore of Oahu, the Big Island does offer nice surfing throughout the year. Several spots on the West side offer an interesting variety of breaks. You can actually see the tropical fish swimming under your surfboard. There are even places where you can learn to surf. Lessons are available. The windward side (east) tends to receive a bit more of the heavier surf and the water is not quite as clear because of runoff from nearby rivers.

On the Land

If golfing is your sport of choice, the Big Island offers a wide variety of uncrowded courses at reasonable rates. Prices average from $35 to $150 for 18 holes including cart. Special twilight rates are available.

Tennis is also a popular sport on the West side. You can play outdoors in the sunshine practically 365 days a year. There are various tennis clubs and public courts to choose from. Most resorts along the coast offer memberships. It is a great way to stay in shape!

Calender of Local Island Events

January 19-23 - Hilton Waikoloa Village USTA Challenger - (Men’s Professional Tennis Tournament) Hilton Waikoloa Village
Info: 808-886-1234

January 31-February 2 - Senior PGA Mastercard Championship - Hualalai Golf Course, Hualalai Resort
Info: 808-325-8480

March 8 - Annual Kona Brewer’s Festival - King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Hosted by Kona Brewing Company.
Info: 808-334-BREW

April 13 - Kona Outdoor Circle’s - Pua Plantasia - (Famous Botanical Show/Fundraiser) Held at Aston Keauhou Beach Hotel.
Info: 808-329-7286

April 20-26 - The Merrie Monarch Festival (Hula Festival) Edith Kanaka'ole Tennis Stadium - Hilo
Info-808-961-5797

June 26-28 - Dolphin Days - (festival/fundraiser) Hilton Waikoloa Village Waikoloa Beach Resort
Info: 808-886-1234

July 21 - Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Outrigger Race - Kailua Bay
Info: 808-329-0833

July 21 - Big Island Slack Key Guitar Festival - Hilo

July 27 - Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Run - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Info: 808-985-8725

August 3-10 - Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament - Kona Coast
Info: 329-6155

September 13-15 - Annual Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel - Sam Choy Poke Festival
(Culinary Event)
Info: 880-3023

September 20-29 - Aloha Festivals Hawai’i - Volcano National Park to City of Refuge.
Info: 808-589-1771

October 19 - Ironman Triathlon World Championship - Kona Coast
Info: 808-326-2131

November 1-10 - Kona Coffee Cultural Festival - Kona
Info: 808-326-7820

December 8 - Christmas at Kona Village - (Culinary/Wine tasting) Kona Village Resort - Kona Coast
Info: 808-325-5555

Real Estate Licensees
in the State of Hawaii