The Big Island of Hawaii is the
most diverse and unique Hawaiian island.

The Big Island of Hawaii (it is actually named "Hawaii") is larger in land area than all of the other Hawaiian islands combined. Furthermore, it is said to contain 11 of the 13 different climate zones in the world.

Beautiful beach on the west side of the island with lots of white coral and black lava rocks along the shoreline.

From lush tropical rain forests to barren and dry desert regions. From warm and sunny beaches to cold alpine temperatures at the top of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea mountains. And nearly everything in between.

View of the coastline on the northeast side of the island.

Another view of the dryer west side of Hawaii. The vegetation here is similar to what one would see in southern California.

Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea both climb over 13,000 feet in altitude. Mauna Kea is the highest peak at 13,796 feet. Both mountains can frequently be seen with snow at the top (an unusual site in a tropical climate setting). There is an observatory at the top of Mauna Kea. Mauna Loa is an active volcano, and so is Kilauea (which is very active). In fact, Kilauea has been erupting since January of 1983 and is still adding land area to the island with its continuing flow of lava down its slopes to the ocean.

Steam rises from steam vents in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

When lava flows cool and harden, they leave behind beautiful and intricate designs. When the red hot lava is actively flowing, it reaches temperatures of more than 2,000 degrees farenheit.

There are two main population centers on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kailua-Kona is on the dry west side of the island and boasts some of the nicest resorts along with crystal clear warm ocean water (underwater visibility averages 80 feet or more on the island's west side). Hilo is the Big Island's largest city and is located on the lush eastern side of the island. It is close to some beautiful waterfalls such as Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls. It is also close to some beautiful black sand beaches (formed by the constant wave action of the ocean against lava rocks along the shoreline).

This is tall and beautiful Akaka Falls on the east side of the Big Island.

Akaka Falls is the tallest waterfall on the Big Island. This is the base of the falls (at the time, I did not have a wide-angle lens so I could not photograph the entire waterfall in one shot).

This is Rainbow Falls. It is located very close to the city of Hilo.

Between the towns of Kailua-Kona and Hilo is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. To the north of Mauna Kea mountain lies beautiful rolling hillsides and grazing land for cattle. In fact, one of the largest cattle ranches in the U.S. (Parker Ranch) is located here on the Big Island of Hawaii . It sits on 175,000 acres of land near the small town of Kamuela.

Much of the landscape on the northwest side of the island is gentle rolling pasture. The lower slope of Mauna Kea mountain is seen in the distance.

Beautiful Hawaii photographs are now available on disc.

This rural scene looks as if it belongs in Oregon or Colorado. Instead, it is found on the Big Island of Hawaii near the town of Kamuela.

Some of the most spectacular seaside cliffs to be found anywhere are located on the northeast side of Hawaii. Only the Hawaiian island of Molokai has taller seaside cliffs. The Big Island is truly a very diverse and unique tropical destination. For the photographer, it offers excellent opportunities to create a special and unique photo album of Hawaii.

Natural waterfalls stream down the side of tall seaside cliffs on the northeast shore of the Big Island.

Another beautiful Hawaiian beach with white coral and black lava rocks.

The Big Island of Hawaii has many gorgeous tropical flowers and lush vegetation.

To see more photos of the Big Island, click here.

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