Thursday, December 17, 2015

What Are The Differences Between The Hawaiian Islands

The state of Hawaii has seven islands (Koho'olawe not pictured)


The Hawaiian Island chain is a grouping of 132 islands in the South Pacific approximately 2,160 miles from California. Of these, only seven are incorporated into the state of Hawaii: Kauai; Molokai, Lanai; Maui; Koho'olawe; Oahu; and the Big Island. All of the islands were formed individually by volcanic forces between 0.4 and 5.6 million years ago. Culture on the individual islands varies, with each island offering an array of attractions including beaches, national parks and urban nightlife.


Kauai


Mist lingers on the Garden Isle


Kauai is Hawaii's oldest island, forming between 3.8 and 5.6 million years ago. It is the fourth largest island with a shoreline of 90 miles. The nickname of Kauai is the "Garden Island" due to the large quantity of rivers and abundant rainfall that enable a large variety of plant life to thrive. The rains produce spectacular rainbows and often leave a lingering mist that makes Kauai appear to be the epitome of the tropics.


Attractions on tropical Kauai include the Anahola Mountains, Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) and the Kilauea Lighthouse. Along the shoreline at Spouting Horn the ocean can spray up to 50 feet into the air.


Oahu


Oahu was home to surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku


Oahu was formed approximately 2.2 and 2.5 million years ago and is the third largest Hawaiian island with 112 miles of shoreline. Oahu, home to the majority of the state's population, is known as the "Gathering Place." The capital city of Honolulu and famous Waikiki Beach attract a diverse group of people.


Oahu combines fine dining and luxury resorts with surf and hulu culture. Oahu is an historic island; the USS Arizona and USS Missouri commemorates the fallen soldiers at Pearl Harbor and Lolani Palace housed the last two Hawaiian monarchs: King Kalakaua; and Queen Lili'uokalani. Hanauma Bay Marine Preserve provides some of the world's best snorkeling.


Molokai


Molokai is home to the world's tallest sea cliffs


Molokai is the second least developed of the Hawaiian Islands, leading only Koho'olawe. The people of Molokai historically are outcasts. The island is home to Kalaupapa National Historic Park, a former leper's colony run by Belgium priest Father Damien. During Hawaiian monarchial rule, rebels and women prisoners found solace on the island and established small, rural communities. Attractions on Molokai include the word's tallest sea cliffs along the North Shore, rising out of the landscape at 3,600 feet.


Lanai


Lanai is the Pineapple Isle


Lanai is named the "Pineapple Isle" due to the mass production and farming efforts instigated by James Dole. Lanai is remote, with only 30 miles of paved roads and 47 miles of coastline. The first pine trees on the islands were planted here, imported from New Zealand. The vista atop Lanaihale Mountain offers views of the surrounding islands, Kaunolu Village has good fishing and religious temples, and the Garden of the Gods grace the hillsides of Keahikawelo.


Maui


Humpback whales migrate near Maui


The island of Maui was created between 1.15 and 1.3 million years ago and is the second largest Hawaiian island. Maui is nicknamed the "Magic Island" because of the breathtaking vista atop Haleakala Crater, the waterfalls that line the 53-mile long Hana Highway and the white sandy beaches. Maui is on the path of the humpback-whale migration that occurs annually between November and March where over 3,000 whales pass the shores. The town of Lahaina used to be a whaling village, and is now home to a whaling museum and the U.S.'s largest banyan tree.


Koho'olawe


Koho'olawe was used as a weapons range for the United States military until 1990


The tiny island of Koho'olawe is located just southwest of Maui, but is much more isolated. The island served as a haven for male criminals during monarchial rule, a cattle ranch, a forest reserve and as a ground for the United States to test military weapons. In 1990 President George Bush signed legislation that discontinued weapons testing on the site. Currently, the land is being restored and revitalized by the Hawaiian government.


The Big Island


The Big Island has 3 active volcanoes


The Big Island, with 266 miles of coastline, is the newest of the chain, being created less then one million years ago and still has an active volcano: Kilauea in Volcanoes National Park. The terrain of the Big Island is dynamic: It is home to the highest mountain, Mauna Kea, (measured from below sea level); rainforests; waterfalls; and beaches. The Big Island boasts the largest restored religious temple in Hawaii, Puukohola Heiua, and walking trails through the Waipio Valley, the Valley of the Kings.

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