Hawaii Islands – An overview – all islands
The picturesque Hawaiian Islands can be found in the Pacific Ocean and are famed for their enchanting sandy beaches and rich culture. This part of the world boasts a number of enchanting islands to explore, although the main islands that are open to tourists are Oahu, the Big Island, Maui and Kauai.
As the name suggests, the big Island is the largest island in the whole of Hawaii. This stunning island is a great place to use as a base while exploring the area as there are numerous excellent resorts to stay on here and plenty of nightlife options. Among the many highlights here are Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which features two active volcanoes and the impressive summit of Mauna Loa.
Most people touch down in Hawaii in the city of Honolulu, which can be found on the island of Oahu. The sands of Sunset Beach and Waikiki attract sun worshippers from all over the globe and are lined with several lavish resorts and other amenities. Oahu is also home to Pearl Harbor, while the former Royal Palace is by far one of the most popular attractions in the whole of Hawaii.
The island of Maui has earned itself a reputation as a honeymoon destination in recent years and lots of young lovers head here each year to spend a little quality time together. Water sports are popular here and people who enjoy windsurfing should head on over to Hookipa Beach to spend their days messing about on the water. Taking a pilgrimage to the holy site of Haleakala is also an experience that should not be missed. Visitors can hike here from tourist villages such as Kihei, Lahaina and Kaanapali and the scenery here is simply stunning.
Kauai is often celebrated as one of the lushest places in Hawaii, if not the entire world. Trekking through the jungle is a popular activity here and is offered by several local companies. This is the perfect way to get back to nature for a while before heading back to the beach to enjoy freshly caught seafood and a cool cocktail while watching the sun slowly sink behind the horizon. Kauai is certainly an island of extremes as it features one of the wettest places on Earth, namely Mount Waialeale and Waimea Canyon, which is an impressive 835 metres deep.