As the largest island in the state (4,000 square miles and still growing), this geographically diverse destination has been aptly nicknamed the Big Island. However, the proper name is Hawaii. In 1810, King Kamehameha 1, born on this island, united all the islands into one kingdom. And what better name than Hawaii for his new kingdom. Known as the land of fire and ice, this island boasts climates ranging from arid deserts to rain forests to a snow-capped mountain. It’s the only place on the planet where you can trek across the world’s largest active volcano, climb to a snowy peak and end the day with a swim in the ocean.