When picturing the island of Hawaii, you might be curious about what the land is like. The greenery, the different tropical plants, vines, trees, the varying atmospheres, and the dynamic weather, the different land formations spread across this massive island are all mesmerizing sights for the mind’s eyes and the body alike to experience. Just how big is the Big Island of Hawaii? It’s actually more than 4,000 square miles and still growing daily thanks to Kilauea Volcano on the island’s southeastern coast. The land, or the ‘āina, I like to refer to her as generous, nurturing, and far-reaching. From this earthly mother-like spirit, we receive aloha from her gracious precepts spread across her body. There is much to this charming homeland and country; it’s a rock of beauty in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Shaped by Fire: The Volcanic Wonders of Hawaii
In this reading, we’ll explore some of the amazing features of this blessed land.
Foundationally, the Island of Hawaii is the youngest amongst the chain of smaller islands. This is because it is positioned directly over the “hotspot” in the Earth’s mantle, where volcanic activity is most active, causing it to continuously grow due to eruptions from volcanoes like Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Five significant volcanoes that make up this land: Mauna Kea (the largest), Mauna Loa (the most widespread), Kohala (northern), Hualālai (which most of Kona sits on in the west side), and Kīlauea (the most active, southern). These volcanoes have all had their time creating terrain for the island. Think of how the eruptions produced lava flows that reshaped the island’s landscape over time. Those flows are part of what makes Hawaii’s geology and geography so dynamic and continually changing.
From Lava to Landscape: Understanding Hawaii’s Volcanic Origins
The volcanoes on Hawaii Island have created a variety of unique and stunning land features. These include vast plateaus formed by solidified flowing lava, intricate lava tubes that can be explored, and large calderas like the one at Kīlauea. The island also has fissures where lava emerges through cracks in the earth and distinctive pāhoehoe and a’a lava flows that create smooth or jagged surfaces. Coastal areas are shaped by sea arches, sea caves, and lava deltas, where lava meets the ocean and forms new land. Of course, the island’s black sand beaches are created by the erosion of volcanic rock. The towering Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are massive shield volcanoes that define the island’s landscape. All of these features showcase the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the island’s volcanic activity.
Exploring the Big Island’s Unique Flora
Moreover, the vegetation on the Big Island of Hawaii is incredibly diverse due to the island’s varied climate zones, elevations, and ecosystems. From lush rainforests to arid desert landscapes, the Big Island’s vegetation reflects its unique topography.
A Land of Contrasts: The Big Island’s Diverse Plant Life
On the windward side, lush rainforests are home to native trees like ‘ōhi’a lehua and kōlea, while coastal areas feature hardy plants like nai‘o and tī. Dry forests and grassland with scattered trees and shrubs dominate the drier western regions. At higher elevations, you’ll find alpine plants like nehe and the endemic silver sword. Volcanic landscapes are gradually reclaimed by pioneer species such as fireweed, while wetland areas support plants like watercress and cattails. The island also has agricultural lands filled with crops like coffee, macadamia nuts, and tropical fruits. Invasive species and ornamental plants, such as plumeria and bougainvillea, are also common throughout the island. This combination of ecosystems makes the Big Island’s vegetation unique and vibrant.
Hawaii’s Majestic Valleys – Nature’s Masterpiece
Impressively, the Big Island’s vegetation is as diverse as the island itself, transitioning from lush, tropical rainforests to dry savannas, and from coastal shrublands to high-altitude environments. On the Northeastern coast of the land are large valleys of distinct cultural and waterfalls. Waipi‘o, Pololu, Kohala, and the Hāmākua Coast Valleys are all awe-inspiring and characterized by their unique picture. They are attributed to steep cliffs, lush vegetation, waterfalls, and fertile lands.
Lava Rocks and Clear Waters: The Big Island’s Coastal Charm
On top of that, shaped by the island’s volcanic activity and coastal landscapes, the Big Island is home to a diverse array of beaches. Hawaii Island presents notable shoreline environments, from beaches with black and green sands to those with transparent waters. There aren’t loads of long, sandy beaches since lava rock predominates most of the coastline. Much of the beaches, or even shoreline for that matter, are surrounded by crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and swimming, with some offering peaceful, calm conditions while others boast dramatic waves.
The majesty of the Island of Hawaii, altogether, is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
