Each Hawaiian Island is filled to the brim with beautiful scenery, friendly people, and tropical beaches, but only one can be the winner of the coveted “Best Island” award. So, which one is it?
Spoilers: It’s the Big Island.
The Big Island has everything that you’d want in a tropical paradise and more! Here are just a few reasons why the Big Island is the best Hawaiian Island.
It Has Live Volcanoes
All the Hawaiian Islands were made by underwater volcanoes, but only one is still under construction. The Big Island is the only place in Hawaii where you can find active volcanoes.
Kilauea is the most active volcano in the world, and you can find it in Volcanoes National Park on the southeastern coast of the Big Island. Because it’s a shield volcano, the lava flows are slow and steady, perfect for a unique viewing experience. The park’s visitor’s center is right at the rim of the crater. You can see the glow of the lava while eating dinner in the park’s restaurant. For the best view of the volcano, take a helicopter tour!
It’s Bigger than All the Other Islands Combined
Many people don’t like the idea of living on an island. After a while, wouldn’t you run out of things to do? Well, if you move to the Big Island, you don’t have to worry about getting island fever.
The Big Island isn’t called “Big” for fun. It has an area of 4,028 square miles, which is almost double the size of all the other Hawaiian Islands combined! When you’re on the Big Island, it doesn’t feel like you’re on an island.
No Major Cities
You don’t go to a tropical paradise to get stuck in traffic or wait in line. The Big Island might be the largest island in Hawaii, but it’s not the most populated.
Kona and Hilo are the two major cities on the Big Island, but they wouldn’t be considered “major” by any mainland definition. Only 12,000 people live in Kona, and 43,000 live in Hilo. Despite being the largest, the Big Island has less than 1/5th the population of Oahu, the most populated Island.
Tallest Mountain in the World
Yes, the highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest—which stands at 29,029 feet—but the world’s tallest mountain is found in Hawaii.
Mauna Kea on the Big Island has a height of 14,000 feet. While that might be less than half the altitude of Everest, its base begins almost 19,000 feet below the oceans’ surface. From base to peak, Mauna kea stands an impressive 32,808 feet tall, whooping Mount Everest at only 29,035 feet, officially claiming the title as World’s Tallest Mountain.
The best part: You can drive right to the peak of Mauna Kea. No hiking, no Sherpas, and no risk of death. See what the world looks like above the clouds from atop the tallest mountain in the world.
Make the Move to the Best Island in Hawaii
Are you ready to start your life in paradise? Move to the best island in Hawaii: the Big Island. Whether you’re looking for a vacation home or a year-round residence, there are plenty of properties available to suit any lifestyle. Give me a call at 808-209-6244 or send an email to RandyRipley808@gmail.com. I’m sure we can find the perfect place for you to call home.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.