The Big island of Hawaii is the largest island in the US.
There are many large islands in the United States but the Big Island in Hawaii is the biggest, it covers 4,028 square miles. The second and third largest islands in the country are Kodiak Island, Alaska and Puerto Rico. Kodiak Island is 3,588 square miles, Puerto Rico is a mere 3,515 square miles of area.
The Big Island got its name, “Hawaii” from the Polynesian navigator Hawai’iloa. According to legends, it is said to have gotten its name from Hawaiki, an ancient place from where the Polynesian people are believed to have originated. It was the home island of Pai’ea Kamehameha, who united the island under his rule in 1795.
The Big Island covers 62% of the whole State. The population of the island was 185,079 in the last census in 2010 and the households reported were 64,382. The median age of the people of the island is 39 years old and for every 100 females, there were an equal 100 males reported.
Most people know the Big Island is known for tourism, but what few people know is that agricultural production is also a major part of the economy. The crops grown here include bananas, papaya, avocado, coffee beans, Macadamia nuts and a whole lot more. The Big Island is also a center for ocean-related research, solar technology, aquaculture and much more.
To learn more about the towns on the Big Island Tap Here! I hope you enjoyed our lesson for today about Hawaii! If you would like to get notified about our interesting posts about the Big Island and Kailua Kona, Like our Facebook Page or Follow our Twitter Feed! To find out about 25 interesting Facts about Hawaii, Click Here! Mahalo for checking us out!