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Hawaiian Islands Of Maui, Oahu, Kauai And Big Island
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Published: June 21, 2007
For many, the Hawaiian Islands are synonymous with tropical beauty. Isolated far out in the tropical Pacific Ocean, this archipelago of islands, atolls, and islets is a geological marvel, a stunning spectacle of natural beauty, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Getting to know the Hawaiian Islands can take time. All in all there are 132 Hawaiian islands with 8 major islands housing most of the population and development. The Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated chain in the world with the nearest landfall being over 2,000 miles away.
The Hawaiian Islands formed over what's known as a geological “hot spot,” a place in the Earth's crust where volcanic activity deposits magma into ocean water. Over time, these deposits form underwater mountain ranges, the tallest of which peak above water and form islands. While most of the Hawaiian Islands no longer exist over active volcanoes, the Big Island consists of 5 active volcanoes including Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on earth.
The major Hawaiian Islands all have distinct personalities, amenities and features, allowing for any number of experiences. Maui has its 5-star resorts, gorgeous beaches, and waterfalls and more surf spots than anyone knows what to do with. However, Maui does maintain a remote, rural island feel that allows for exploration of tropical rainforests, striking (though dormant) volcanic craters, and quiet local beaches that can feel private at just the right time of day. Don't be fooled by the island's A-list reputation, there's plenty there for everyone visiting the Hawaiian Islands to discover and enjoy.
Oahu, on which the capital Honolulu is located, is known to be overcrowded, overdeveloped, and touristy. It's true that the city can be overwhelming to those looking for relaxing beach time, but the island has its benefits. The shopping and nightlife on Oahu are unparalleled and the famous Waikiki beachfront is historical at the very least. The rest of the island has enough nature and beaches to satisfy, but if escape is the objective, there are other much more relaxing Hawaiian Islands.
The Big Island, home to erupting fountains of glowing lava and volcanic black sand beaches, provides a more land based outdoor leisure. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails through Hawaii Volcano National Park, leading to the tops of mountains and along cooling lava flows. Thought to be the landing site for the settling Polynesians nearly 1,600 years ago, Hawaii has deep ties to mythology, land spirits, and mana (spiritual power). It's the best place, perhaps on Earth, to see volcanoes in action and how the Hawaiian Islands were formed.
Then there's Kauai, the Garden Island, a lush, thick forested place complete with wandering chickens, dirt roads, and lively locals. The beauty of the island lies in its soft, quiet beaches, misty mountains, and awesome waterfalls. Almost 90% of the island can't be reached by road, so when in Kauai, hop on a helicopter and marvel at the gorgeous, largely untouched natural beauty.
The rest of the major Hawaiian Islands get smaller and more remote. Molokai is rugged and diverse, with a large native Hawaiian population and a friendly feel. Lanai is small and very quiet, a remote outpost for that deserted island feel. Scuba diving and spa treatments are still available, but on a much calmer scale than the Honolulu strip. Niihau is the smallest of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands, but is largely reserved for friends and guests of the island's landowners. Tours are available, but the island is largely off limits to most tourists.
Whether its Honolulu nightclubs, Big Island lava flows or the waterfalls of Kauai, the Hawaiian Islands have something incredible to offer everyone. Buy a plane ticket today and discover the wonders of the Hawaiian Islands.
Sources:
"Hawaiian Islands." Wikipedia.10 June 2007. 21 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_Islands.
Duane, Daniel. “A-List Island – Why Maui is Matchless.” Outside Magazine. March 2005. Mariah Media. 21 June 2007. http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/20050 3/hawaii_7.html.
Black, Kent. “Hot Spot – Why the Big Island Rules.” Outside Magazine. March 2005. Mariah Media. 21 June 2007. http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/20050 3/hawaii_3.html.
Linn, Amy. “Wild Thing – Why Kauai is Best.” Outside Magazine. March 2005. Mariah Media. 21 June 2007. http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/20050 3/hawaii_2.html.
Kane, Joe. “Real Aloha – Why Molokai's Tops.” Outside Magazine. March 2005. Mariah Media. 21 June 2007. http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/20050 3/hawaii_5.html.
Watters, Ethan. “Luxe Outpost – Why Lanai Rocks.” Outside Magazine. March 2005. Mariah Media. 21 June 2007. http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/20050 3/hawaii_4.html.
Heard, Alex. “Blue Diamond – Why Oahu Sweeps.” Outside Magazine. March 2005. Mariah Media. 21 June 2007.
Rubin, Ken. “The Formation of the Hawaiian Islands.” Hawaii Center for Volcanology. 4 April 2005. 21 June 2007. http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/GG/HCV/haw_formation.h tml.
Getting to know the Hawaiian Islands can take time. All in all there are 132 Hawaiian islands with 8 major islands housing most of the population and development. The Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated chain in the world with the nearest landfall being over 2,000 miles away.
The Hawaiian Islands formed over what's known as a geological “hot spot,” a place in the Earth's crust where volcanic activity deposits magma into ocean water. Over time, these deposits form underwater mountain ranges, the tallest of which peak above water and form islands. While most of the Hawaiian Islands no longer exist over active volcanoes, the Big Island consists of 5 active volcanoes including Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on earth.
The major Hawaiian Islands all have distinct personalities, amenities and features, allowing for any number of experiences. Maui has its 5-star resorts, gorgeous beaches, and waterfalls and more surf spots than anyone knows what to do with. However, Maui does maintain a remote, rural island feel that allows for exploration of tropical rainforests, striking (though dormant) volcanic craters, and quiet local beaches that can feel private at just the right time of day. Don't be fooled by the island's A-list reputation, there's plenty there for everyone visiting the Hawaiian Islands to discover and enjoy.
Oahu, on which the capital Honolulu is located, is known to be overcrowded, overdeveloped, and touristy. It's true that the city can be overwhelming to those looking for relaxing beach time, but the island has its benefits. The shopping and nightlife on Oahu are unparalleled and the famous Waikiki beachfront is historical at the very least. The rest of the island has enough nature and beaches to satisfy, but if escape is the objective, there are other much more relaxing Hawaiian Islands.
The Big Island, home to erupting fountains of glowing lava and volcanic black sand beaches, provides a more land based outdoor leisure. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails through Hawaii Volcano National Park, leading to the tops of mountains and along cooling lava flows. Thought to be the landing site for the settling Polynesians nearly 1,600 years ago, Hawaii has deep ties to mythology, land spirits, and mana (spiritual power). It's the best place, perhaps on Earth, to see volcanoes in action and how the Hawaiian Islands were formed.
Then there's Kauai, the Garden Island, a lush, thick forested place complete with wandering chickens, dirt roads, and lively locals. The beauty of the island lies in its soft, quiet beaches, misty mountains, and awesome waterfalls. Almost 90% of the island can't be reached by road, so when in Kauai, hop on a helicopter and marvel at the gorgeous, largely untouched natural beauty.
The rest of the major Hawaiian Islands get smaller and more remote. Molokai is rugged and diverse, with a large native Hawaiian population and a friendly feel. Lanai is small and very quiet, a remote outpost for that deserted island feel. Scuba diving and spa treatments are still available, but on a much calmer scale than the Honolulu strip. Niihau is the smallest of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands, but is largely reserved for friends and guests of the island's landowners. Tours are available, but the island is largely off limits to most tourists.
Whether its Honolulu nightclubs, Big Island lava flows or the waterfalls of Kauai, the Hawaiian Islands have something incredible to offer everyone. Buy a plane ticket today and discover the wonders of the Hawaiian Islands.
Sources:
"Hawaiian Islands." Wikipedia.10 June 2007. 21 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_Islands.
Duane, Daniel. “A-List Island – Why Maui is Matchless.” Outside Magazine. March 2005. Mariah Media. 21 June 2007. http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/20050 3/hawaii_7.html.
Black, Kent. “Hot Spot – Why the Big Island Rules.” Outside Magazine. March 2005. Mariah Media. 21 June 2007. http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/20050 3/hawaii_3.html.
Linn, Amy. “Wild Thing – Why Kauai is Best.” Outside Magazine. March 2005. Mariah Media. 21 June 2007. http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/20050 3/hawaii_2.html.
Kane, Joe. “Real Aloha – Why Molokai's Tops.” Outside Magazine. March 2005. Mariah Media. 21 June 2007. http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/20050 3/hawaii_5.html.
Watters, Ethan. “Luxe Outpost – Why Lanai Rocks.” Outside Magazine. March 2005. Mariah Media. 21 June 2007. http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/20050 3/hawaii_4.html.
Heard, Alex. “Blue Diamond – Why Oahu Sweeps.” Outside Magazine. March 2005. Mariah Media. 21 June 2007.
Rubin, Ken. “The Formation of the Hawaiian Islands.” Hawaii Center for Volcanology. 4 April 2005. 21 June 2007. http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/GG/HCV/haw_formation.h tml.
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