The Hawaiian Islands are among the most popular on the planet.
The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of 8 major Islands, several atolls, the summits of seamounts and more than a hundred tiny islets with a total area more than 16600 square meters. km.
It is believed that in total, the Hawaiian Islands include 132 Islands. The archipelago is located in the Pacific ocean and stretches for a distance of 2400 km.
The basis of the Hawaiian Islands consists of 8 Islands in the South-Eastern part of the archipelago (Central Pacific ocean). From West to East the Islands are: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kaho’olawe, Maui, and Hawaii. To avoid confusion in names, the last island — Hawaii (Hawaii) — often called the Big island (Big Island). Hawaii is usually associated with these 8 major Islands, largely because the other 124 Islands in total have an area of about 8 square kilometers. The largest island of the archipelago — Hawaii (Big island) has an area of 10432 sq km.
Hawaii is the dream of millions of tourists. This is not surprising — the most beautiful archipelago of the Pacific is characterised by breathtaking verdant scenery, heavenly beaches, unique culture and comfortable atmosphere that attracts travelers all year round. What to see in Hawaii? Recommended seven unforgettable places of interest.
National Park Hawaii volcanoes
National Park Hawaii volcanoes founded in 1916. It is possible to marvel at the breathtaking volcanic landscape. Interestingly, there are two of the most active and largest volcano in the world, allowing scientists to delve into the processes that led to the emergence of the archipelago of the Hawaiian Islands, and also to continue to study seismic activity in the region. In addition, this Park is the ideal place from which to enjoy observing rare species of animals and plants.
Haleakala national Park
Haleakala national Park located on the island of Maui, was originally part of the Park of Hawaiian volcanoes. However, ultimately, was made into a separate unit. It represents an area of 118 km2, of which about 100 km2 is a place which no foot of man. Tourists are allowed to visit the Park solely on the special, a winding road running along the windward side of the island. Its name in local language means “house of the sun”, and local legends say that the hero Maui was brought here a heavenly body that the day lasted longer.
Honolulu
Honolulu is the biggest city of the archipelago of the Hawaiian Islands and, at the same time, the state capital. It is a major centre of international business, yet – here is the famous pearl Harbor. Interestingly, Honolulu, in the Hawaiian language means “sheltered place”. From the point of view of the architecture of Honolulu so he can not boast. Hotels, residential high-rises, mid-rise office high-rise buildings in the business center, restaurants on the roof — this fully in any large city in the US. The famous boardwalk of Waikiki, the main area of Honolulu is markedly different from the rest of the city, but he does not Shine with originality, like Las Vegas or monumental, like Chicago. The two Central one-way streets and wide sidewalks, so solid hotels, restaurants and shops for every taste. Honolulu is located in the southern part of the island of Oahu (Oahu). Oahu — the third largest and third most populous island in the Hawaiian Islands. The population of Honolulu within the city limits of 390 thousand people (2010). The population within the administrative County of Honolulu (the city itself and the rest of the island of Oahu) — 953 thousand people. While year-round in Honolulu huge number of tourists.
Of Molokini
Of Molokini is a tiny island located 4 km off the coast of the island of Maury. He has appeared as a result of the flooding of the crater of the volcano, and has now become a unique attraction because its shape resembles a Crescent moon. This place also attracts fans of diving the water around him is incredibly clean and clear, and the visibility reaches up to 46 m. the Atoll of Molokini was formed about 15 thousand years ago, escaped from the crater of the volcano lava. Within this natural rocky Crescent are found more than 250 species of fish and 38 species of coral, which are no longer found in the Pacific ocean.
Waterfall Wailua
Waterfall Wailua is one of the highest waterfalls in Hawaii. It has 35 meters in height and is located on the island of Kauai. To the foot of Wailua plays dirty and slippery slope. Every year, fans of extreme sports installed along the entire route of the rope, however, the representatives of the local administration removed them after a while, because of the danger of such trips. Interestingly, in the past, local Hawaiians, in order to prove his manhood, rushed down from a waterfall. Despite the illegality and danger of such actions, even today are brave, able to repeat such a feat.
Hanauma Bay
Perfect place for snorkeling is Hanauma Bay Bay (Curved Bay) in the USA, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where the distance to Waikiki, about 16 km from Underwater world this place has a fairly wide range of flora and fauna (a spread of up to 450 species). Bay Hanauma, meaning “crooked Bay” — a very popular place and famous tourist attraction. According to statistics, it is annually visited by not less than three million tourists. He also is a national Park and here there is a ban on the mistreatment of animals and any contact with a coral reef. Hanauma Bay is also the birthplace of green sea turtles.
The centre of the Polynesian culture
The Polynesian cultural center is a theme Park, or as some call them — “a living Museum”. It is located on the Northern coast of the island of Oahu. Besides the permanent exhibitions, you will be able to take part in additional sporting and entertainment events. For example, every evening there is a show in which artists represent the intercultural nature of Polynesia, most often through traditional dances.
Natural and diverse scenery of Hawaii, warm tropical climate, abundance of public sandy beaches and active volcanoes make it a popular destination for tourists, surfers and scientists.
In 1959 Hawaii gained status as the 50th state in the United States. From the continental United States Hawaii is separated into more than 3800 km to Hawaii, the most ethnically and racially diverse staff that includes people of European, American, Polynesian, Japanese and other origins. Hawaii is the only state in the US with the official local language. Despite the influx of tourists, many native Hawaiians have preserved their customs and traditions.
