The impressive group of volcanic islands which form the Hawaiian archipelago are home to some of the world's most exotic land formations, diverse species of animals and beautiful flora. The island chain is the 50 th US State and is comprised of the eight major land masses: Big Island, Maui, O'ahu, Kaua'i, Lana'i, Moloka'i, Ni'ihau, Kaho'olawe and also the Northwestern Islands.

It is considered an ideal tourist destination because of its relatively stable climate, geological features, breathtaking beaches and natural beauty. The most populated regions of the archipelago are cultural melting pots with considerable influence from their Southeast neighbors Japan, North America and Asia. It has maintained its reputation as a place of unparalleled intrigue and visual appeal and continues to attract millions of visitors annually.

The Hawaiian Islands
Hawaii's eight major land masses are unified by their shared history and location, yet each has a set of defining characteristics that distinguishes it from its nearest neighbor. The variations in population density, landscapes and scenery are easily discernible. The Big Island, for example, is the youngest and largest of the islands and also the most geologically diverse. While some regions are open to visitors and expatriates, others like Kahoolawe and Niihau are limited to military personnel and invited guests.

Hawaii Big Island
Big Island displays considerable allure, greatly attributed to its fascinating features. The largest in the archipelago, is still expanding as a result of volcanic activity. It is home to Kilauea, an active volcano that stands at an impressive 33,000 feet in height when measured from below sea level. There are several diverse environments within the monumental island, including snow capped mountains, volcanoes, rain forests and black sand beaches. The island has managed to maintain much of its natural appeal while providing recreational activities for visitors such as tours of historical sites, golfing on scenic courses and hiking along the dynamic terrain.

Maui
Maui is the second largest island in the entire Hawaiian chain. It is the center of activity for humpback whales migrating from Alaska. Visitors are encouraged to savor the view provided all along its sea coast during the December to April period. Large herds of whales can be seen basking in the warm waters while teaching their young necessary survival skills. The island also boasts amazing waterfalls, attractive beaches and visually striking landscapes.

Oahu
Oahu or the "Gathering Place" is the only metropolis within the archipelago. It has a thriving tourist industry and is the most populous of all the islands. The relatively large land mass offers visitors a taste of the tropics with its beautiful scenery and lush beaches, yet with far more conveniences. It is home to Pearl Harbor and other historical sites dedicated to preserving the memory of the attacks which occurred there. Other attractions include white sand beaches, quaint shopping villages and restaurants that specialize in fusion cuisine.

Kaua'i
Kauai or the "Garden Isle" is the oldest island in the archipelago. It is a place of untouched beauty that is often paralleled to the Garden of Eden. The atmosphere within this tropical paradise is laid back and inviting. Among the most interesting spectacles are rain forests, captivating waterfalls, cliffs and mountainous formations. The island also provides several activities for visitors including kayaking down the Wailu River, snorkeling and hiking.

Lanai
The scantly populated island of Lanai offers a picturesque rustic setting with dirt roads that can only be accessed by foot or SUVs. The secluded region offers visitors the feeling of privacy and oneness with nature. It is the perfect place for rest and relaxation with its awe-inspiring coast line and historical landmarks. Much of the Hawaiian culture has been preserved on the island and is largely expressed through the amicable natives.

Molokai
Molokai, much like Lanai, is sparsely populated with limited development of its roads and villages. The former leper colony has become an ideal tourist destination and historical site. The serene island is best known for its crystal clear beaches, challenging hiking trails and the Big Wind Kite Factory where tours are conducted throughout the day.

Niihau
Niihau or the "the Forbidden Isle" is a privately owned island, that can only be accessed with special permission. It is the least populated of all the inhabited regions and boasts a culture that remains true to many of the Hawaiian ideals. The residents generally speak in the native Hawaiian language and measures are taken to keep the culture unadulterated. The modest houses occupied by the 250 permanent residents are made of wood and do not have electricity or standard modern day plumbing. Much of the lands are used for ranching, with cattle, sheep and turkey being the island's most profitable exports.

Kahoolawe
Kahoolawe is the smallest of the eight major land masses. It has become a desolate area with very little vegetation. It was once used as a military training ground which meant many areas were equipped with explosives. A cleanup effort is currently under way to restore the island to its original state. Many of the mines that were embedded in the earth have been moved by military personnel and projects to open the island to tourism are currently underway.

The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
The Northwestern Islands are a combination of very small islands and atolls that are virtually uninhabited. The entire area is considered a sanctuary for many of Hawaii's endangered species including the monk seal, olive ridley, hawksbill, logger-head and green turtles, albatross, boobies, petrels, tropic-birds, shear-waters, terns, humpback whales and dolphins.

Shared History
The earliest inhabitants known to have lived on the diverse set of islands are the Polynesians from Marquesas, who established the first settlements between 300 to 500 CE. They introduced a set of practices including the Kapu system, which outlined several taboos and punishments for each. The societies fluctuated between peaceful and chaotic periods brought on by territorial wars. Chiefs or ali'i's ruled these small villages and homage was paid to the great deities at heiaus built in their honor.

By 1778 the natives encountered the first European explorers. Captain James Cook deemed the archipelago the "Sandwich Islands" and documented his accounts that detailed his interactions with the natives. During this period many locals succumbed to the Old World diseases transmitted by British explorers including measles, smallpox and influenza which decimated an estimated one-fifth of the population.

The eight major land masses became unified in 1795 under the rule of King Kamehameha the Great. He is considered the first Christian chief having been converted by the early missionaries. These missionaries outlawed many of the ancient practices and brought literacy to the island chain. A voting system was introduced in 1887 which rendered the monarchy and poorer citizens powerless.

Presently the Islands are home to 1.3 million people including permanent residents, tourists, military personnel and expatriates.

Hawaiian Island Offerings
Hawaii presents an opportunity for visitors to indulge in a uniquely tropical experience. Sandy beaches, historical sites, whale watching, breathtaking landscapes, amazing volcanoes, brilliant underwater cathedrals and Hawaiian cuisine are just a few of the wonderful attractions that are offered on the island chain.

Hawaiian Historical Sites
There are several historical sites that can be viewed by visitors. Pearl Harbor located on Oahu, is perhaps the most popular. Other landmarks of significance include the Polynesian cultural center and Queen Emma's summer palace.

Whale Watching
Whale watching can be enjoyed during the winter period from December 15 th to April 15 th. The large Humpbacks enter the warm waters of Hawaii to bear their young and feed. The ideal location for whale watching is Maui although some humpbacks do travel to the coastal regions of the Big Island and Oahu.

Intriguing Landscapes
Hawaiian landscapes are absolutely wondrous. Kauai, in particular, presents the most picturesque example of natural beauty. Much of it can be viewed by foot although some areas can only be accessed via helicopter tours.

Hawaiian Volcanoes
The Big Island is home to some of the world's most active volcanoes. Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea continue to erupt intermittently. The last eruption at Mauna Loa occurred in 1984 and was a potential threat to the city of Hilo and its inhabitants. Viewing these large mountainous, magma filled structures can be undertaken via scheduled tours or during hiking expeditions.

Hawaiian Beaches
Hawaii is comprised of black, brown and white sand beaches. The former is considered a spectacle of nature and is actually a temporary geological formation created after extreme volcanic activity. Though beautiful, some black sand beaches are considered unsafe because of their unstable structures. The Hawaiian coastline presents several opportunities for basking in the radiance of alluring beaches on all the major land masses with the exception of Niihau and Kahoolawe.

Local Hawaiian Cuisine
Hawaiian cuisine is representative of the island's multiculturalism. It is a blend of Portuguese, American, Asian, Japanese and Pacific palettes. It has been deemed fusion cuisine and many of the creations seen in restaurants are unique to Hawaii. The dishes are prepared with tropical fruits including mangoes, pineapples, bananas, guavas, papaya and sugar cane. Several different meats are combined to create main courses that typically include sea-food, pork and local beef.

Hawaiian treats that are often served in restaurants or at luaus include lomi salmon, kalua pork, poi (taro root paste), haupia (dessert similar to gelatin), pipi kalua (Hawaiian beef jerky), ahi (tuna), mahi mahi (dolphin steak), ono (a breed of fish), malasada (fried bread roll), loco moco (specially made hamburger on rice) and chicken katsu (fried chicken dish served with sauce).

The Hawaiian archipelago is a place of wonderment and tropical delight. Each island has its own unique appeal that is defined by its individual characteristics. There are many new things to do, see and learn once within the confines of the picturesque environment. While some areas are completely restricted, capturing the true essence of Hawaii is entirely possible through guided tours of the Pacific waters and its enchanting scenery. Its uncompromising beauty, rich heritage and unequivocal allure have maintained its popularity as an ideal getaway.

You might also be interested in these other Discover Hawaii articles:
Sights to See in Hawaii | Most Beautiful Hawaiian Beaches | Hawaiian Sea Life | Hawaiian Diving | Whales Migration from Alaska to Hawaii | Interesting Facts on Hawaiian Flowers | Hawaiian Birds | Hawaiian Waterfalls | Hawaiian Hot Springs | Hawaiian Water Sports | Hawaiian Spa Vacations | Hawaiian fun facts

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