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Larger than all of the other islands combined, Hawaii is known locally as
the Big Island. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, has been in a
state of activity since 1983, and its fiery creation of hot, new land is
often spectacular. The rich fertile soil left by Pele, the Hawaiian
goddess of fire, produces orchids, coffee and macadamia nuts. There are
black sand and white sand beaches, gorgeous waterfalls and hidden valleys.
From the Ka'u desert to the Ola'a rain forest to the snow-capped peaks of
Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the Big Island is a splendor of ecological
diversity. The majority of hotels and resorts are on the drier and hotter
west side, where Kailua-Kona is the main town. The east side, where Hilo
is the population center, is very lush and tropical. The Big Island's gay
community gets together for socials in private homes. Gay nightlife is
extremely limited. |