geologically - Search Results

Islands are unique ecosystems steeped in mystery, adventure and novelty. The isolation of islands effects the types of plants and animals found on them. Ninety five percent of Hawaii's plants are found nowhere else in the world. How islands are formed is equally unique. Geologically speaking, not all islands are created equally. Geographers claim two major classifications of islands: oceanic islands and continental islands.

At less than a million years old, the Big Island of Hawaii is, geologically speaking, a youngster. And with the help of lava flowing from Kilauea volcano, it's still growing. So, unlike the other islands in the Hawaiian chain, the Big Island hasn't had time to develop many sandy beaches along its shores. Although they are few in number, the beaches of the Kona and Kohala coasts (especially the bright white strand at Hapuna Beach State Parks) are beautiful, and the black-sand beach at Punaluu is otherworldly. What the Big Island does have in spades is big-game fishing (particularly...