The Big Island is trying hard to diversify its economy. Today the island is unique in growing coffee, orchids, tropical flowers for export and Macadamia nuts in its many different regions and climates. The US military operates camps in the area between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Special units are trained there for deployments in the Gulf War and other extreme climates. On the top of Mauna Kea is Science City , a big research center, which is equipped with the most expensive devices to monitor the sky.
Tourism is the main industry on the island.
The Kona side is lined with luxurious hotels and resorts which provide most of the 7,500 hotel rooms are in this area. In recent years the Big Islands tourism figures have been good, relative to the results of the other islands. Many Hawaii residents are involved indirectly in the tourism industry. Please write us .