The Islands of Aloha
Hawaii - The home of volcanos and surfing
Hawaii is an archipelago of over nineteen distinct volcanic islands located over a geological "hot spot" in the Central Pacific. The Pacific plate on which the islands ride moves to the northwest, so in general, the islands are older and smaller (due to erosion) as you move from southeast to northwest. There are eight major islands, six of which are open to tourism.
- Oahu is the home of the state capital Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, the home of surfing.
- Big Island is the biggest of the islands and home to Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa (the largest and one of the most active volcanoes on Earth), Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, coffee and macadamia nut plantations, working ranches, and even green sand beaches which are very good for swimming.
- Kauai the "Garden Isle," is home to several natural wonders, such as the Wailua River, Waimea Canyon, and the Na Pali Coast. Mount Waialeale is known as one of the rainiest spots in the world.
- Maui is the second biggest island in the chain and is home to a 10,023 foot (3,055 m) tall volcanic mountain crater of Haleakala.
- Molokai the "Friendly Isle," is one of the least developed islands in the chain. It is home to Kalaupapa, the leper colony on Molokai's north shore that was the home of Father Damien.
- Lanai was at one time completely owned by Dole Foods and was the largest pineapple plantation in the world; it is now home to several exclusive resorts.
- Niihau a private island owned the Robinson Family.
- Kahoolawe is an uninhabited island formely used by the military.
Activities
Things to do
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, extending fron sea level to 13, 680 feet, protects the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718, United States
Pearl Harbor Historical site and USS Arizona Memorial
Pearl Harbor remains an active military base, Headquarters of the Pacific Fleet, and a National Historic Landmark. Located on the island of Oahu, "The Gathering Place," halfway between Japan and the mainland United States.
Address: Kualoa Ranch, Kaneohe, HI, USA
Hawaiʻi Film locations
The Kualoa Ranch movie tour is a great opportunity to see the famous “Jurassic Park” movie location from the 1993 film that kicked off the franchise.