The eight main islands of Hawaii are: Hawaii (The Big Island), Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Niihau, Oahu and our favorite Kauai. Located 2,390 from California, the widest state in the USA and the only state that grows coffee, the Hawaiian Islands largest source of outside income is tourism. The wind blows east to west in Hawaii and the highest recorded temperature is 96' F, the lowest is 56' F and average daily temperature is 82' F. If you have the opportunity to visit Hawaii, don't pass it up, this will be one of the most beautiful trips you will ever take. Here's some information about several of the islands and you can visit www.gohawaii.com for more details and information.

Kauai


Kauai is what most people envision Hawaii to be like with lush vegetation, spectacular waterfalls and lots of outdoor activities. Highly recommend renting a jeep, taking the top down and driving around the island to take in the views. This is great a great place to hike, mountain bike, surf or whatever outdoor hobby you enjoy, it's just beautiful. Take a catamaran ride around the Napali coast which is 22 miles of scenic coastline with 3,000 foot cliffs (don't forget your camera). We did this and were lucky enough to also see whales, dolphins, sea turtles on our trip to the coast. Poipu Beach Park is known as the best beach on Kauai but we drove around most of the island and visited many beaches and they are all beautiful. If you visit Hawaii, you must make Kauai as part of your trip you will be very happy you did.

Maui

Maui has the second largest population in the state behind Oahu and Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world. The temperature ranges in the 70's and 80's year round on Maui so that makes this a great destination for any time. Besides a great place to enjoy many of the beautiful waterfalls, sunbathe and snorkel Maui also has great shopping in  Lahaina and sightseeing. Makena Beach State Park is ideal for sunbathing and snorkeling but make sure you check out Haleakala Crater, this dormant volcano rises 10,000 feet above sea level.

Big Island

The Big Island runs 4,028 square miles and is the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands, it's twice the size of all the other major Islands combined.  Two of the five volcanoes that created the island are still active so it continues to grow. Kilauea Caldera is the longest continuously erupting volcano in the world. Go west &  follow the sun to find the best beaches on The Big Island. The Kohala Coast has the most sunny days per year according to a statewide survey, and some of the best beaches you'll find anywhere. Every beach in Hawaii is open to the public, and Big Island state and county beach parks are highly rated by national travel magazines like Conde Nast, Travel & Leisure and ”Dr. Beach,” Stephen Leatherman from the University of Maryland.

Oahu

Oahu is the populated and the visited of all the Hawaiian islands. This is where you will find Honolulu, Waikiki and the Hawaiian islands major airports as well business district. The beaches are just as beautiful as all of the other islands and ideal for water sports, surfing, snorkeling and fishing. There's also a lot of arts and cultural things to do, such as The Maritime Museum, Hawaii State Arts Museum, temples, cultural centers and festivals.

Molokai

Known as "The Friendly Island" Molokai is laid back and relaxing but also interesting and diversified. Be sure to visit Kaupoa Beach, the water is calm and it's a great swimming spot. One of the most fun things to do is take a Hula lesson or explore the many tide pools around the island and also be sure to take in the biggest attraction, which is the tallest sea cliffs in the world.

More about Hawaii:

• Has no daylights time

• Has no snakes in the wild

• Considered the nation's endangered species capital

• Has the only U.S. city to be founded by royalty (Honolulu, on the island of Oahu), and hosts the only royal residence on U.S. soil ('Iolani Palace)

• Home to (reportedly) the wettest spot on earth (Wai'ale'ale, Kaua'i's highest mountain, records about 485 inches of rainfall per year)

• Is the only place on earth that hosts all branches of the U.S. military

• Has two official languages — Hawaiian and English

• It's still growing (Lo'ihi, a new seamount 20 miles off the Big Island of Hawai'i, is giving birth to the chain's next island — due to rise above the waves in another 60,000 years)

• Has the most advanced telecommunications system in the world; is one of only five states in the U.S. with 100 percent digital switching for telephones; and has more fiber optic cable per mile, per capita, than any other state.

   

MAPS OF HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

HAWAII	KAUAI	MAUI	OAHU	BIG ISLAND

 

             Find out more about Hawaii at: http://www.city-data.com/city/Hawaii.html

	More about Hawaii on the Web www.beachystreet.com