The Southernmost Hawaiian Island: The Big Island

The southernmost inhabited island in the Hawaiian archipelago is Hawaiʻi Island, commonly known as The Big Island (to distinguish it from the state name).

Key Facts

• Geology: The largest (4,028 sq mi) and youngest island, still growing from active volcanism.
• Volcanoes: Home to Kīlauea (one of the world's most active) and Mauna Loa (Earth's largest active volcano). Mauna Kea, dormant, is the tallest mountain from base on the ocean floor.
• Climate Zones: Contains 8 of the world's 13 climate zones, from tropical rainforest (Hilo) to arid desert (Kaʻū) to alpine (Mauna Kea summit).
• Notable Sites: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, black/green sand beaches, coffee farms (Kona), historic Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.

Uninhabited islets like Kure Atoll and Midway Atoll lie further northwest, but the Big Island is the southernmost major island with a permanent population (~200,000).