And, thanks to constant volcanic activity, it's still growing. That activity nurtures 22,000 varieties of exotic blossoms, notably orchids and anthuriums exported worldwide, but also creates bleak lava-rock landscapes that stretch for miles. But that doesn't discourage resort or commercial architects. At Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea and Mauna Loa are two of the world's most active volcanoes. The former is the legendary home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire, while the latter is the most massive mountain on earth, rising 30,000 feet from its seafloor base.
Hot lava plunging into the ocean leaves a steady steam plume that can be seen for miles.
The youngest and largest island, Hawaii has only 120,000 people, or 30 per square mile. Wild goats, donkeys, and turtles cross Route 19 frequently but wild boar and mongoose are more elusive. Locals compete in the world's largest outrigger canoe race, the world's largest billfish tournament, and an annual hula contest. They also hand-pick the famous Kona coffee beans from bushes high above the coast. Like Maui, the Big Island has black-sand beaches, lush tropical valleys filled with waterfalls, and historical sites, including monuments to British Capt.