Hawaii (The Big Island)

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Hilo and the Big Island

The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo is situated on the island of Hawai‘i, the largest in the Hawaiian Archipelago. With an area of 4,060 square miles, it has more land than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. With its great variety of physical features, including peaks that are snowcapped in winter, pasture lands, sugarcane fields, active volcanoes, and rain-swept valleys, the Big Island of Hawai‘i has been described as a tropical mini-continent. Located in the Pacific Ocean, Hawai‘i Island is almost 2,500 miles from the mainland U.S.A. Its marine environment, geological diversity and cultural richness are valuable and well utilized educational resources by the faculty and administration.

A shot of Downtown Hilo on a beautiful Hilo day.The island’s economy is centered largely on agriculture and tourism. Hilo, which has a major harbor and airport, is a peaceful city with a population of 45,000. It is located 200 air miles from Honolulu, Hawai‘i’s state capital. Kailua-Kona, on the western side of Hawai‘i Island, is one of the fastest growing population centers in the State. Its airport with direct service to the mainland, world-class resorts and golfing, deep-sea fishing and historic landmarks make this an ideal setting for the University’s West Hawai‘i center. Hilo and Kailua-Kona provide a full range of medical, social and community services.

Disclaimer: The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo is not responsible for the contents, links and/or materials presented in the web sites listed herein. Links here do not indicate official University of Hawaii at Hilo endorsement. All comments, complaints and grievances should be filed with the author and/or owner of said site.

Big Island Resources

East Hawaii Hotels

West Hawaii Hotels

Reservations for Car Rentals

  • Alamo - 1-800-327-9633 / (808) 961-3343 (Hilo) / (808) 329-8896 (Kona)
  • Avis - 1-800-321-3712 / (808) 935-1290 (Hilo) / (808) 327-3000 (Kona)
  • Budget - 1-800-527-0700 / (808) 935-6878 (Hilo) /(808) 329-8511 (Kona)
  • Dollar Car Rental - 1-800-342-7398
  • Enterprise - 1-800-261-7331 / (808) 934-0359 (Hilo) / (808) 331-2509 (Kona)
  • Hertz - 1-800-654-3011 / (808) 933-2566 (Hilo) / (808) 329-3567 (Kona)
  • National - 1-800-227-7368 / (808) 935-0891 (Hilo) / (808) 329-1674 (Kona)
  • Thrifty - 1-877-283-0898

East Hawaii Shopping Centers

Theatres

  • Local movie listings
  • Hualalai Theatres (West Hawai‘i)
  • Kona Marketplace Theatres (West Hawai‘i)
  • Kress Cinemas
  • Prince Kuhio Stadium Theatres

Points of Interest

Also:

  • Visit the luxurious resorts on the western side of the island
  • Enjoy fun in the sun on any of the beaches scattered around the island