Overview to Hawaii : Travel Guide and Tourist Information
Hawaii is an archipelago of nineteen separate islands, stranded over two thousand miles away from mainland America. The islands are incredibly beautiful, their many remarkable natural resources including golden beaches, tumbling waterfalls and striking volcanoes.
The largest island, Hawaii (or the ‘Big Island‘ as it’s also known), is home to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; a vivid testament to the area’s active geothermal status.
Of the main islands, Oahu is by far the most populated with its capital, Honolulu, forming the point of arrival and departure for most travelers. Nearby, the world-renowned beach of Waikiki combines with Honolulu as a center of nightlife, eating and all manner of general indulgence.
Independent travelers, however, may prefer to explore the other slightly less developed islands. Maui has a number of popular beaches - such as the long strips of sand at Kihei and Kaanapali - and exceptional snorkeling at Molokini.
Kauai, meanwhile, also has its fair share of beaches with Secret Beach, Lumahai and Kee all top spots. The island is known as the ‘Garden Isle’ for its delicate beauty and unparalleled natural riches which include the Wailua River, the stunning Na Pali coastline and the immense Waimea Canyon.
Adventure sports and outdoor activities are many and varied on the islands. As the sport's home, Hawaii naturally has a number of outstanding surfing sites, with Oahu’s north shore offering some of the very finest breaks.
But Hawaii has a split personality; on the one hand, there’s the violence of its volcanic eruptions, surging cliffs and wild waves. And then there’s a serenity about its beaches, rainforests and misty peaks. On one thing, though, there’s no ambiguity; Hawaii is truly wonderful.
