Hawaii’s Big Island is most famous for the active Kilauea volcano. Eleven different climate zones generate everything from lush rain forests to arid deserts, black sand beaches to snow-capped mountaintops. At more than 4,000 square miles, is so large that all the other major islands of the chain, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Niihau, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe could fit on Hawaii Island.

Hilo is the seat of County government with a Mayor and nine-member County Council. Council does hold regular meetings on the west side of the island, too. The County police and fire departments are headquartered in Hilo.

Hawaii Island’s economic base is built on small business; nearly 100% of its businesses are small and 72 percent of the workforce is employed by small business. Tourism, employ’s 17% of our residents. Agriculture, especially coffee, macadamia nuts and flowers, are also important for our economy.

Additional Information

• Disaster Supplies Kit
• Evacuation Supplies Kit
• Four Step Disaster Plan
• Get Involved
• Golden Rules
• Home Chemical Emergency
• How to Evacuate
• Major Chemical Emergency
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Prevent Home Accidents
• Shelter In Place