Hawaii County Facts

Encompasses the island of Hawai‘i and is the youngest island in the chain. It was formed by five volcanoes, two of which are still active (Mauna Loa and Kilauea).

It is known as the "Big Island" and as the "Orchid Isle". With a land area of 4,028 square miles, it is almost twice the combined size of the other islands.

Ka Lae, also know as South Point, is the southern most point in the United States.

Mauna Kea, which rises 13,796 feet above sea level, is the world's tallest mountain when measured from the ocean floor. It is often snowcapped in winter.

The island flower is a red blossom called pua lehua.

Average daily temperatures: Hilo (71.2° F.); Kailua-Kona (73.1° F.) Mauna Kea summit temperatures range from 31° to 43° F.

Average annual rainfall: 131 inches at Hilo Airport; 10 inches near Kawaihae.

POPULATION
Resident population (2007): 171,057

By age (2007): Under 18 (22.5%); 18-64 (63.9); 65 and over (13.5)

By ethnic groups (2007): Hawaiian/Part Hawaiian (30.5%); Caucasian (31.3); Japanese (11.2); Filipino (7.5)

Main cities and towns: (2007) Hilo (50,289); (2000) Kailua-Kona (9,870); Waimea (7,028)

TOURISM
Visitor arrivals (2007): 1,622,359

Major attractions are the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (City of Refuge), Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site and Lapakahi State Historic Park. Additional activities include viewing petroglyph sites, deep-sea fishing, cultural events such as the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival and the Kona Coffee Festival and sports events such as the Ironman Triathlon.

AGRICULTURE
Important products are beef, kona coffee, macadamia nuts, papaya and tropical flowers such as orchids and anthuriums. Aquaculture (2005): 25 farms producing shellfish, finfish, and algae valued at $20.2 million

Sugarcane production was abandoned in 1996. There are efforts to convert the use of these lands to forestry and to expand diversified agriculture.

A 33-acre site is being developed for the $60 million Pacific Basin Agriculture Center. It will be operated by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo's University Park of Science and Technology.

HEALTH
Licenses (2007): 399 doctors, 104 dentists, 1,359 nurses and 109 pharmacists.

EDUCATION
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo offers four-year degrees and a Master's of Art degree in Hawaiian language. Hawai‘i Community College, part of the University of Hawai‘i system, offers two-year degrees.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
In 2007, there were 4 banks with 23 branches and 3 savings and loans with 9 branches

PRINT AND BROADCAST MEDIA
Principal newspapers are the Hawai‘i Tribune-Herald and West Hawai‘i Today

Radio stations (2008): 7 AM stations; 17 FM stations. TV stations (2008): 6 commercial stations; (2007) 2 cable stations with 47,959 subscribers

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Mauna Kea has 13 major astronomical facilities representing the cooperation of ten countries. The 'Imiloa Astronomy Center explores the connections between Hawaiian cultural traditions and the science of astronomy.

The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority at Keahole Point promotes ocean-related research, education and commercial activities utilizing deep-ocean water technology.

GOVERNMENT
Mayor: William P. Kenoi; nine-member county council (www.hawaii-county.com)