What is the Largest Island in Hawaii?

The largest island in Hawaii is the Big Island, officially known as Hawaii Island. Spanning an area of approximately 4,028 square miles (10,432 square kilometers), the Big Island is the largest in the state of Hawaii and in the entire United States. This diverse island is celebrated for its unique and impressive landscapes, including volcanic craters, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches.

Understanding Hawaii’s Archipelago

The Hawaiian Islands, including the Big Island, form an extensive chain of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean. The term 'Hawaii' can refer to the entire archipelago or specifically to the island of Hawaii. Historically, Hawaiians refer to it as 'the Big Island' to differentiate it from the state.

Notable Landmarks and Activities

Visitors to the Big Island will find charming towns such as Kailua-Kona and Hilo. The island is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. While these volcanoes are currently dormant, they are significant geographical features and tourist attractions. Kilauea, in particular, has received extensive attention in recent years due to its active lava flow.

Geographical Highlights and Travel Time

Driving across the island takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the route and stops along the way. If one were to drive from the southeastern coast to the summit of Mauna Kea, it would take approximately 2 hours. Mauna Kea, noted for its clear skies and pristine conditions, offers some of the best stargazing in the world. Additionally, visiting Haleakala on Maui offers stunning views and about a 2-hour drive.

Comparative Geography

Regarding the term 'main island,' one must be specific. The Big Island is the largest, but if you refer to the main island hosting the state’s capital, Honolulu, then Oahu is the one. The Big Island is the 75th largest non-continent island globally, with an area of 4,029 square miles (10,434 square kilometers). In comparison, Sardinia is the 48th largest island in the world, measuring 9,247 square miles (23,949 square kilometers).

Oahu, while being the second-largest island in the Hawaiian chain, is significantly smaller, at 246th in size with an area of 611 square miles (1,583 square kilometers).

Given this information, the term 'main island of Hawaii' is somewhat ambiguous without further clarification. The Big Island, also called Hawaii Island, is the largest, yet Oahu is the island where the most populous and modern city, Honolulu, is located.

If you wish to explore more about the specific islands and their geographical features, I recommend consulting reliable sources such as Google or Wikipedia for precise information.