Hawaii is the biggest and least populated of the islands that make up the state of Hawaii, with only one significant population center, Hilo, with about 40,000 residents. The remainder of the island's population of less than 140,000 people are spread out widely, in many small towns and villages that are scattered across hillsides or rugged coasts, or surrounded by tropical forests or volcanic ash. Vegetation and topography vary dramatically, from lush jungles to barren volcanic devastation, from sea level to snowcapped mountain tops at nearly 14,000 feet.
Unlike the better known islands of Oahu or Maui, Hawaii moves at a slower pace. Tourism is clearly not as important here, at least not yet: Many natural attractions are poorly signed and hard to find, except near the active volcano. The island's economy changed drastically in 1990, when the last of the major sugar plantations closed, wiping out 4,000 jobs. But that event led to some positive changes, as well. Many workers were able to buy the houses they occupied for only the processing fee. Now the old plantation sites are home to many small farms that raise a variety of crops, many of them for export to the U.S. mainland or to Japan. Ginger, papaya, sugar and macadamia nuts are among the most popular crops, along with tropical flowers of various kinds.
Although locals consider education a weakness and job opportunities are few, there is an evident sense of pride among the people, a strong tradition of extended families, and a recent resurgence of Hawaiian culture. Hawaiian terms have crept back into everyday language.
Unemployment, according to 1996 census data, was 10.5%, compared with 6.5% statewide. Per capita income was 25% less than that of the state as a whole. Teen pregnancy occurred at a rate 30% greater.
Native peoples literally live outside, as most homes have a cooking and eating area outside their homes, similar to a car porch on the mainland. One team member who is married to a native islander said when he describes their home to a stranger, all he talks about are exterior features.
The island is a popular place to retire, due to its climate and comparatively low cost of living…low, that is, compared to the state as a whole which is known for a high cost of living compared with most other states in the U.S. Quality of life is represented by extremes, with tent cities located next door to walled mansions.
Community teams in the Cluster are spread throughout the island, where cross-island travel is a rarity. Driving from one side to the other is a half-day affair, and island residents talk about that trip the way mainlanders talk of driving cross-country.
