Hawai'i (Big Island)
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Regional Zones of the Hawaiian Islands:
Regions of the Hawaiian Islands:
 The Islands of Hawai’i, known as Hawai'i - The Big Island, Maui, O'ahu, Kaua'i, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Kaho'olawe, and Ni' ihau, are contrasted by the geographic diversity specific to each individual Island. This "diversity" is the essence of the notion we denote as a "Regional" contrast - or literally what makes each area different form another. The difference (we see) is largely the by-product of the way the Hawaiian Islands were formed volcanically, and the weather patterns introduced by the winds from the Pacific Ocean. Very little fresh water would be available to the Islands of Hawai'i if there were not large (extinct and non-extinct) volcanic mountains to slow the progress of the water-bearing clouds.These water-bearing clouds, when precipitous, can deposit large amounts of fresh water on dry land. This introduction of fresh water encourages organic growth, and can also facilitate erosion and soil run off. Erosion can also generate more collected soil for additional plant growth, and the process of life as we know it, can continue. With time, vast areas of plant growth can also stimulate weather patterns conducive to even more plant growth, and the scope and size of the plants will increase. As the plants get larger, their ability to create land changing phenomena increases. As an example, consider the contrast of the lush Rain Forests of the Puna Region (on the Big Island of Hawai'i), and the lava fields of the Kohala Region on the same Island. Lava flowed equally on both sides of the volcano, yet the windard side of Hawai'i has infinitely more plant growth due to the nature of the way the wind provided, and the volcanic peak retained - rain bearing clouds. Many Regional differenations on the Hawaiian Islands are classified for these reasons. Some Regional differentaiations however, are cultural or historic Regional distictions, and owe their classification to Hawaiian Island indigenous predilection. Some Regional generalizations are that "Windward" side Island weather will be more windy, have larger waves on the beach in the winter, and probably have more rain year round. Northshore generalizations generally share the "Windward" characteristics. The "Leeward" side will have less winds (although not always!), have smaller waves in the winter months, and probably less rain year round. Southsore characteristics will look more like "Leeward" side generalizations. And lastly, the higher you go up the mountain (Mauka) on any Hawaiian Island, the cooler and more likely you are to find some rain and clouds in the mix. So whither you find yourself "Windward" or "Leeward" on the Islands of Hawai'i, you are going to find some very beautiful Regions to explore. Lastly, remember that "exceptions" are always the rule in Hawai'i - so be prepared! |
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