Hawaii County, Hawaii is the largest and most diverse county in the state of Hawaii. It is comprised of nine islands, including the Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe. The Big Island is the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago with a total area of 4,028 square miles making it larger than all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined. The population of Hawaii County is 185,079 people as of 2019. See list of counties in Hawaii.
The climate in Hawaii County is tropical and warm year-round with an average temperature around 78°F (25°C). The county receives abundant rainfall throughout the year ranging from 10 to 15 inches per month during the summer months to 4 to 5 inches per month during winter months.
Hawaii County is home to a variety of landscapes from lush green rainforests with cascading waterfalls to black sand beaches and rugged lava fields. There are many recreational activities available in Hawaii County such as hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking and snorkeling. Visitors can also experience traditional Hawaiian culture by visiting local villages or participating in hula classes or lei making workshops.
The economy of Hawaii County is largely driven by tourism which accounts for about 20% of its GDP. Other industries include agriculture (sugar cane and macadamia nut production), fishing and aquaculture (tuna fishing), food processing (coffee production) and construction (building resorts).
Hawaii County has a rich history dating back thousands of years when ancient Polynesians first settled on the islands. Today there are many cultural sites throughout the county including heiau (temples), petroglyphs (rock carvings) and ancient settlement sites that tell stories about life long ago on these islands.
Hawaii County also has a number of protected areas such as National Parks like Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park which features active volcanoes like Mauna Loa and Kīlauea; coastal reserves like Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park; wildlife refuges such as Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge; wilderness areas like Mauna Kea State Recreation Area; marine sanctuaries like Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument; historic sites such as Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park; national forests like Hamakua Coast State Forest Reserve; botanical gardens such as Nani Mau Gardens; archaeological sites including Puuhonua O Honaunau Archaeological District; scenic drives along Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa Mountains; hot springs like Kaumana Caves Hot Springs State Park; waterfalls including Akaka Falls State Park; beaches such as Punaluu Black Sand Beach or Kailua Bay Beach Park ; trails such as Waipio Valley Trail or Ala Kahakai Trail along the coast line; sea caves; whale watching spots; astronomic observatories at Mauna Kea summit; golf courses; resort areas at Kohala Coast or Kona Coast; museums; galleries; farmers markets etc… All offering an amazing array of activities for residents and visitors alike!
In conclusion, Hawaii County offers something for everyone with its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, abundance of recreational opportunities and thriving economy. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or just want to relax on one its stunning beaches there’s something for everyone here.
History of Hawaii County, Hawaii
Hawaii County, the largest county in the state of Hawaii, is located on the Big Island and is home to a rich and diverse history. The county was formed in 1905 when the islands of Hawaii were annexed by the United States. Prior to this, the islands had been inhabited by Polynesian settlers since approximately 300 A.D., and they had developed a complex social system that included an extensive oral tradition as well as a written language called olelo Hawai’i.
In 1778, Captain James Cook became the first European to visit Hawaii, ushering in a period of western contact that would eventually lead to colonization and annexation by the United States. During this time, whalers and missionaries from America began to settle on the Big Island, introducing new plants and animals that would forever alter its ecology. In 1810, King Kamehameha I united all of the Hawaiian Islands under his rule and established a monarchy that lasted until 1894 when Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown by American businessmen who sought to annex Hawaii for economic gain.
In 1898, Hawaii officially became part of the United States with President William McKinley signing an act of Congress granting it statehood. That same year saw Hawaii County formed out of land taken from Maui County as well as parts of other counties on different islands. This new county was named after King Kamehameha I who had unified all Hawaiian Islands under his rule nearly two centuries earlier.
Hawaii County has seen many changes since its formation in 1905 but has also maintained much of its traditional culture and values over time. In 1959, it became part of the newly-formed State of Hawaii when it achieved official statehood status within America’s union; however its local government remained unchanged until 1983 when it adopted a charter form with an elected mayor-council form of government which remains in place today.
The economy of Hawaii County is largely driven by tourism due to its stunning natural beauty ranging from lush green rainforests to snow-covered mountains; however agriculture still plays an important role with coffee being one main crop grown here for export purposes. The island also hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year including rodeos, festivals celebrating local music and food, as well as surfing competitions along some spectacular coastlines – further drawing visitors from all over world each year!
Hawaii’s culture is also reflected in its cuisine which has been heavily influenced by both Polynesian settlers as well as more recent immigrants from Asia; many dishes feature fresh seafood such as poke (raw fish), lomi salmon (salted salmon), lau lau (pork wrapped in taro leaves) and poi (a starchy paste made from taro root). These unique dishes are just one example among many others that make up what makes eating out in this beautiful island so special!
In conclusion, Hawaii County has an incredibly rich history stretching back centuries before European contact which continues to shape its identity today through traditional customs like hula dancing or surfing competitions; but also through more modern influences like tourism or agriculture – making it one truly unique place full of diversity.