When people think of the Hawaiian islands,what comes to their mind?perhaps white sandy beaches,pristine waters,swaying coconut palm trees,and warm nights on lanais lit by romantic tiki torches.throw in a Polynesian luau replete salmon and,of course,kalua pig,and the picture is nearly complete.who could want more?

well on Hawaii many enjoy more than that,much more!to begin with,the island of Hawaii is called the Big island because you could take the other major islands of the Hawaiian islands-Oahu,Maui,and Kauai-and easily fit them all into the Big Island!This amazing island cover over 10,432 square kilometers and is still growing.But more about that later.

LOCATION AND CLIMATE
Since it is the most southerly island,the Big island enjoys a mild climate.The average daytime temperatures in the coastal resort areas vary from about 30 in the summer(may to October) to the low 20;s in the winter(November to April),and nighttime lows of between 15 and 18 degree Celsius are thee norm.Usually,the kona district,on the leeward side of the island,is more sunny,and the Hilo area,on the windward side,is much more rainy.

The tropical climate and rich volcanic soil allow for the growth's of an abundance of fruits and vegetables.Delicious mangoes,papayas,lychee's,and other exotic fruits abound,along with beautiful orchids and anthuriums.Macadamia nut trees and coffee plants flourish.Kona coffee is world famous.Coffee distributors from all over flock to the annual Kona Coffee Festival to taste it and to place orders.