The name of the island being referred to is Maui.
The southernmost island in Europe is Gavdos. However, this large island you're referring to is Crete.
If you are referring to Ellis Island, it is because many families were split and sent back, and it was tear provoking; on an island. Hence the name.
You are probably referring to Sicily
I believe you are referring to Berkner Island. It has also been known as Berkner Ice Rise or Hubley Island.
Rochelle is a name rather than referring to an island. However, there are islands with similar names, such as La Rochelle in France or Saint Roch Island in Canada.
You are probably referring to Sicily
What island are you referring to.
The noun 'Snares Island' is a proper noun, the name of a specific place in New Zealand.
Yes Big Island generally does refer to Hawaii, as this is another name for it. However, there's also establishments and companies that also call themselves Big Island such as Big Island Coffee.
Island is capitalized when it is part of a proper noun, like in a specific island's name (e.g. Staten Island). Otherwise, it is not usually capitalized as it is a common noun referring to a landmass surrounded by water.
Only guess really, but perhaps by island he is referring to Britian and by continent he is referring to North America (as it was known then) and/or Europe.
It was first described thus by Marco Polo in his memoirs, although latterly it has been postulated he was referring to Mogadishu. However, Italian renaissance cartographers, knowing no better, attached the name to the island.