The Hawaiian Islands make up part of the larger area within the Pacific Ocean known as the Polynesian Triangle. Collectively they share many distinct similarities with their closest neighbors including their mythologies, languages and fascinating culture. The ancient Polynesians who first settled in the Hawaiian belt brought with them their traditions which largely shaped the creation of these dynamic societies. The first area to be inhabited was the "Big Island" which became the primary center of activity. As the population grew, other nearby islands were settled by the natives ensuring the propagation of their traditions and unique culture.

The Hawaiian Islands are comprised of eight larger islands, a considerable number of atolls and multiple sea islets. They are the product of volcanic activity that occurred some thousands of years ago. The land masses that are visible are actually connected to a mountain range submerged beneath the sea known as the "Hawaiian Emperor seamount chain".

The Islands were once commonly called the "Sandwich Islands" a name that originated with the famous European explorer James Cook. It was later in the country's history that the "Big Island" deemed Hawaii would be used to describe all the land masses found within the belt. Today the Hawaiian islands are officially recognized as a part of the United States of America. Aspects of ancient Polynesian culture are still strongly emphasized, which has helped strengthen its allure as an exotic tourist destination.

Contact with the Europeans
The island enjoyed a period of being undisturbed by outside contact for centuries. On January 18, 1778 European Explorer James Cook entered the territorial waters of Hawaii which led to a total transformation. The population was significantly reduced and the natives' once robust culture fell into disfavor. Once Europeans discovered the untouched beauty of the majestic lands, they made it their mission to Christianize the natives who they thought were heathens and established a new order in these societies.

Since that time, some of the original cultural dynamics have been destroyed, yet, those things that were preserved are revered for their distinctly Hawaiian attributes. The islands are home to some of the most adept canoe builders and navigators, beautiful crafts, indigenous instruments and remarkable customs.

The Great Hawaiian Islands
Currently the eight main islands identified within the chain are Hawai'i, Maui, O'ahu, Kaua'i, Lana'i, Moloka'i, and Ni'ihau. With the exception of Kaho'olawe, all the larger islands within the chain are inhabited by mainly natives of Polynesian decent. Together they form the 50 th State of the U.S.A. Other land masses included in the entire Hawaiian chain of islands, specifically, the atolls, reefs and small islands include: Nihoa, French Frigate Shoals, Necker, Maro Reef, Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Midway Atoll, Kure Atoll, Lisianski Island.

Just south of the Hawaiian Islands are the Line Islands which are composed of eleven atolls and low coral islands. They are considered one of the longest chain of islands in the entire globe. Sections of the this lengthy chain are considered part of Kiribati while a smaller area falls within the domain of the United States. The main land masses found within the Line Islands include Teraina, Tabuaeran, Kiribati Kiritimati, Jarvis, Malden, Starbuck, Caroline and Vostok.

Fauna and Flora native to the Hawaiian Islands
Before the arrival of ancient Polynesians there were animal and plant species that have been estimated to have existed on the large island chain for millions of years. Birds were some of the primary inhabitants of these territories where they flourished because of the tropical climate and easy access to food sources. Lush forests could be found inland that were home to massive trees and different types of plant life. The exotic, untouched beauty of the islands, while still charming now, could not compare to that which can only be imagined at this point in the world's history.

When the Polynesians first settled on the coastal regions of the "Big Island" they brought with them rats, pigs and dogs. These animals being natural predators hunted and killed many species of birds who had evolved to live in an atmosphere of relative stability and peace. The first humans to occupy the islands were less concerned about the preservation of exotic creatures than they were about the breeding of domesticated food sources.

In addition to the reduction of the indigenous animal populations the vast plant life became less resilient as the years progressed. The natives' steadily increasing populations meant more trees had to be used to build shelters. This led to deforestation in some areas and massive environmental shifts which caused soil erosion, landslides and occasional flooding in affected regions. The decimation of plant life in certain places contributed to the death of indigenous species that depended on large trees for both sustenance and shelter. The farming practices employed also helped to lower the sustainability of many endemic plant species.

The threat to indigenous animals was exacerbated once European settlers arrived on the islands. The mass construction of modernized buildings meant an increase in deforestation to clear the way for new towns and city centers. Many animals which were already on the verge of extinction finally succumbed to this fate. Today very few of the island's indigenous animals are still a part of the ecosystem. Although some of the extraordinary plant life still thrive to this day, the few surviving species of native animals are now classified as endangered.

The Hawaiian islands are still richly majestic and strikingly beautiful. Despite some of the less pleasant aspects of its history the island state still maintains many of the features that are responsible for its reputation as one of the top destinations worldwide. The fairly stable climate, which is neither too hot nor too cold at any time of year, the amazing plant life, the vibrant customs and awe-inspiring scenery all contribute to the overall allure. The diverse characteristics of the islands make each an appreciative testament to the wonders that the world has to offer. They are home to inhabitants who revere the connection to their land, their distinctive history and their boldly resilient culture.

All content protected by Walton Internet Law - Copyright strictly enforced - Do not reproduce without prior written permission