At an impressive 4,038 square miles, Hawaii is twice the size of all the other islands combined. It is more commonly (and less confusingly) referred to as the Big Island. Its other nicknames are Volcano Isle and Orchid Isle.

The island is triangular in shape. It is 76 miles east to west, 93 miles north to south, and has 266 miles of scenic coastline. Formed by volcanic action, the landscape here is dramatic, with ash-covered volcanic peaks, lava ridges, and black lava-covered land and roads. There are also tropical rainforests, cattle ranches on wide, grassy plains, and spectacular waterfalls. At times parts of the island are covered in vog (thick volcanic dust).

There are three volcanoes here, including the dormant Mauna Kea—at 13,796 feet, it is the highest—and the state’s two most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa at 13,680 feet, and Kilauea. Kilauea projects from the side of Mauna Loa. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses the latter two.

Tourism, the production of sugar, coffee, and pineapple, plus energy, aquatic, and astronomical research, support the economy. Hilo is the administrative center, largest community, and principal seaport. There are about 123,000 people on Hawaii.

Volcanoes rank as the number one attraction here, and the Puna Region is where all the action is. Kilauea erupts nearly every day. Much of the region has been covered in lava. The town of Kalapana was destroyed in 1990, as was the Chain of Craters Road leading down from Kilauea’s crater to the coast.

The Kona Coast is 70 miles of black sand and blue water teeming with sea life. Sunbathing is as popular as sports fishing. The town is developed but not too crowded. Kailua-Kona is a commercial center, and, Keauhou, a bit further south, is a hub of condominiums, hotels, and restaurants. The more rural South Kona Coast has macadamia farms and coffee plantations, and the little fishing village of Milolii. The marine-life preserve at Kealakekua Bay has the best dive-spot on the island.

The Kohala Coast on the northern tip overlooks the Alenuihaha Channel. Jet-setters sunbathe at Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, and Mauna Kea resorts, while cowboys and cattle roam the upcountry Parker Ranch, the largest working ranch in the state. The largest optical telescope in the world, the Keck, is at the Mauna Kea Observatory.

Waipio Valley on the Hamakua coast is a lush, tropical valley leading out to a striking blacksand beach. Hilo, America’s wettest city, is the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Lodging options vary from plentiful B&Bs to campgrounds, with a few budget motels. Take precautions against the elements, most notably the sun.

Two airports, Kona International and Hilo International, service the island. Some international and many domestic airlines fly directly into Kona, or there are inter-island flights from Honolulu to Kona. Cars are essential on Hawaii.