Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States of America. Situated nearly at the centre of the north Pacific Ocean, Hawaii marks the north east corner of Polynesia. While it was once a major hub for the whaling, sugar and pineapple industries, it is now economically dependent on tourism and the U.S. military. The natural beauty of the islands continues to be one of Hawaii's greatest assets. Honolulu is the state's capital, largest city, and cultural hub.
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 north west, so in general the islands are older and smaller (due to erosion) as you move from south east to north west.
There are eight major islands, six of which are open to tourism.
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The island of Hawaii, also known as "the Big Island" to avoid confusion with the state, is the largest island, and lends its name to the whole island chain. Larger than all the other islands combined and still expanding in land area thanks to the active volcanoes on its south eastern coast, it is home to the major resort area of Kona, two of the world's largest mountains, and the world's most active volcano.
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Oahu, nicknamed "the Gathering Place," is the most populous and developed island. Its southern shore is home to the city of Honolulu; four out of every five Hawaii residents call it home. It is the governmental and commercial centre of the state, and Waikiki Beach is arguably the best known tourist destination in Hawaii. The North Shore of Oahu is known as the home of some of the largest waves in the world which occur each winter. The USS Arizona National Memorial at Pearl Harbour is also very popular visitor destination.
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Maui is the second largest island in the chain and is home to 10,023 foot volcanic mountain crater of Haleakala. It is nicknamed "the Valley Isle" for the narrow plain between Haleakala and the West Maui mountains. On the west side of the island are the resort areas of Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kihei, and Wailea. On the east side is the tiny village of Hana, reached by one of the most winding and beautiful roads in the world.
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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.
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.
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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.
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Niihau is a privately owned island with an entirely Native Hawaiian population. Until very recently, the island was off limits to all but family members and invited guests of the owners. Tourism to the island is limited to Helicopter, ATV, and hunting excursions originating on Kauai.
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Kahoolawe, which was once a former US Navy bombing range, remains uninhabited. Efforts are being made to rehabilitate the island, but clean up efforts continue.
Text from Wikitravel Hawaii where additional general information can be found. Please share your knowledge by editing the pages of Wikitravel.
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