Interestingly, with about 125 miles of mapped lava tubes (which are long caves that lava flowed thru before it solidified), Hawaii's Big Island also contains the most widespread lava tube system known to mankind and at over 40 miles long, the Kazumura Cave is the longest known lava tube in the world. At 420 feet, Akaka falls is the tallest single waterfall in all of Hawaii and it is located along the Hamakua Coast. On this awe inspiring island you can go from fields of lava to sandy beaches and up into the snow within a matter of hours. You'll probably never catch rock fever on the Big island because there are over 500 Highway miles to cover and over 4,000 square miles of land to explore.

On January 18, 1778 Captain James Cook became the first person from the western world to step ashore Hawaiian lands. He did so at Kealakekua Bay, but he was killed about one year later on his third fateful visit to that very same bay.

King Kamehameha II abolished the Kapu system that often penalized violators with death in 1819 by symbolically sharing a meal of forbidden foods with the women of his court. Christianity then became widespread by missionaries and accepted throughout Hawaii.

Prior to the origin of Hawaii's current land system, the Kings were the owners of all the lands. They were separated into ahupuaa (narrow tracts that ran from the ocean to the mountain with the flow of the land), ili (unusually shaped tracts), and kuleanas (houselots). The Great Mahele, or division of lands, was established in 1848 by King Kamehameha III, and it provided the basis for modern land titles in the islands. It wasn't until 1927 that the final steps were taken in the designation of boundaries and every piece of land was surveyed. Today, all official boundary maps are logged as public records at the Bureau of Conveyances in Honolulu.

Hamakua

Size in Square Miles: 580.5
Size in Acres: 371,520

Characterized by strong trade wind breezes, moderate temperatures, and late afternoon or evening rain showers, this district has steep cliffs along the coastline except within the Waipio and Waimanu valleys. Rolling grassy fields and seasonal streams are found throughout this area. The sugar cane industry contributed greatly to the evolution of the entire Hamakua Coast but in its wake the plantations of yesteryear have been replaced with thousands of acres of Eucalyptus trees.

Towns/Cities: Kukuihaele, Honokaa, Ahualoa, Paauilo

North Hilo

Highway 19 runs through the Kawaili, Laupahoehoe, and Maulua gulches and continues through this lush and sparsely populated district very close to the coastline. The upward (Mauka) slopes receive high rainfall totals and are considered to be tropical rainforest. Here, rivers and waterfalls flow year round with grace & majesty while large sweeping ocean views are commonly found in most areas.

Towns/Cities: Ookala, Laupahoehoe, Ninole, Umauma

South Hilo

This district begins at the Hakalau Gulch and encompasses all of Hilo and several smaller nearby towns. North of Hilo there are an ample amount of rivers and the land has deep soil that's perfectly suited for the many established agricultural businesses. Ocean views are plentiful. The coastline offers several swimming, surfing, and fishing sites but the river runoff reduces the water clarity.

East of Hilo and beyond the harbor break-wall is the magnificent Keaukaha coastline, which contains several lovely beach parks, many spring-fed places to swim or snorkel, and even a few surfing sites.

The city of Hilo is rich in history and is blessed with an abundance of gorgeous gardens and inviting public grounds. Hilo is the primary commercial hub of the Big Island, and with over 40,000 residents and a thriving economy, there are plenty of things to see & do. Year round attractions include: the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo, the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, the Lyman House Museum, and the Pacific Tsunami Meuseum.

Towns/Cities: Hakalau, Honomu, Pepeekeo, Papaikou, Kaiwiki, Hilo, Kaumana

Puna

Puna is quite a diverse landscape. There are thickly forested areas, Ohia & Uluhe fern scrub lands, and even areas completely inundated by lava flows. Here you can find geothermal steam vents, warm ponds, lava trees, lava tubes, and many black sands beaches.

Within Puna there are several very large subdivisions which each contain thousands of lots. In short, the supply level is huge. Because of this, the real estate prices in Puna are much much lower than the statewide averages are for newly built houses of the same size and quality.

Towns/Cities: Keaau, Pahoa, Kaimu, Kapoho, Kurtistown, Mountain View, Volcano Village

Kau

Kau has microclimates and ecosystems within it that greatly vary. Some areas are lush and green while other places can be completely barren, desolate, and devoid of vegetation. The majority of the Hawaii Volcano National Park is within the Kau district and South Point, also known as Ka Lae, is the southernmost point in the US. Along the South Point Road you can see trees that grow sideways rather than upwards because of the persistently gusty trade winds.

Towns/Cities: Wood Valley, Pahala, Punaluu, Naalehu, Waiohinu

South Kona

South Kona is a relatively dry area of the Big Island that is full of historical sites. Most notable would be the City of Refuge (Puuhonua o Honaunau) and Kealakekua Bay. The terrain changes rapidly here and most areas are rather rocky but many places are ideal for growing coffee. Some of the best scuba diving sites in all of Hawaii are found along this coastline and the deep-sea fishing just offshore is exceptional.

Towns/Cities: Milolii, Captain Cook, Kealakekua

North Kona

The weather in the North Kona District is generally dry and sunny all year long and considering that along Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona there are numerous beaches and parks that offer fantastic swimming, snorkeling, and surfing plenty of people enjoy spending time here. There's a multitude of interesting historical sites that you can visit even right within the heart of Kailua-Kona. Outside of town, you can find lots of neat little stores to check out. Known for amazing sunsets, North Kona has something for everyone.

Towns/Cities: Holualoa, Keahou, Kailua-Kona

South Kohala

South Kohala is the hottest and sunniest portion of the Big Island. In fact, Kawaihae averages about only seven inches of rain per year. Along the lower highway there are a few large resorts and lots of beautiful white sandy beaches. Hawaiian heiaus, petroglyphs and natural fishponds can also be seen along this coast. Higher up at about 2,500 feet elevation, the town of Kamuela (also known as Waimea) is located at the base of the Kohala mountain range. Kamuela is next to the Parker Ranch, which is one of the largest livestock ranches in the world. You can take pleasure in fine dining, upscale shopping and playing world-class golf courses in this district.

Towns/Cities: Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Kamuela (Waimea)

North Kohala

Rolling green pastures are found up in the Kohala mountains along with impressive oceanic vistas where from certain places you can see up to 270 degree ocean views with neighboring Maui not far off in the distance. Once past Hawi, there are rivers with waterfalls along the way to Pololu. Most of the coastline has steep cliffs that restrict access but there are a few good entry / exit points.

Towns: Hawi, Kapaau