Hawaii
Hawaii ... Pacific Paradise
Hawaii is one of those places that just seduces visitors from the very moment that you step foot on her islands. The Aloha State, as it is often called, is breathtaking with its sandy white beaches and tropical warm breezes. The east meets the west here in an almost perfect bonding. Hawaii is considered one of the loveliest fleet of islands to grace any ocean in this world.
The first settlers to experience all the wonders Hawaii has to offer were a group of Polynesians, believed to be from the Marquesas. The settlement took place between 500 and 600 AD. The first known Westerner to visit the islands was Captain James Cook, a British Explorer in 1778. In time the Yankee presence filtrated into Hawaii as whaling ships docked in port to enjoy wine and dancing. The Islands became an US territory in 1900 and on August 21, 1959 Hawaii became the 50th state of the USA.
The state of Hawaii is made up of a cluster of volcanic islands, making it the world’s longest island chain and most isolated group of islands. In some places large quantities of lava protrude from the water edge. Located in the central Pacific Ocean, this chain of eight major islands is a great place for rest and relaxation. The eight major Islands from west to east are: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokia, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii. There are still active volcanoes present on the island of Hawaii, the biggest being Mauna Kea which reaches 13,796 ft. into the heavens. These islands also feature many cliffs, streams, caves, and deep valleys that dot the landscape.
Hawaii is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, about 2,400 miles southwest of the Continental United States. They cover over 10,932 square miles, making it the 43rd largest state. Hawaii is actually not part on the North American continent.
In the following years, tourism became the major development on the islands. Tourist from around the world came to Hawaii to experience paradise. Because of the increasing tourism industry a number of state parks, wilderness sanctuaries, and marine reserves were established. Today these places give sanctuary to thousands of species and are a great place to visit.
Hawaii has a wide range of plants, marine and animal life. More than 90 percent of the native plants and animals living in Hawaii are not found anywhere else in the world. A greater variety of fish are present in the waters of Hawaii, more than anywhere else in the world. The unofficial state fish is the humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Try saying that 3 times fast.
Hawaii is often called the Endangered Species Capital of the world because at least one third of all endangered species in the United States are found here, including the state bird.
The climate of Hawaii can be described as temperate. The average temperature in Hawaii is 72 degrees. Winter snows frequent the mountain tops. Rainfall on the island varies drastically. Mt. Waialeale receives an annual rainfall of 486 inches whereas the Island Puako receives on average 9 inches of rainfall a year.
Hawaii offers many attractions to keep you busy during your day. Oahu, which has been dubbed ‘The Gathering Place’ is the most populous and most developed of the Hawaiian Islands. The beaches here can only be described as peaceful and soothing. The bays are aqua-blue and the valleys carpeted with fields of pineapples.
Honolulu consists of wide beaches, waving palm trees, and fantastic weather. It’s also the state capital. Hanauma Bay is the location of the most visited attraction in Hawaii, the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor.
There are many adventures and tours offered by land, by sea, and by air. You can go whale and dolphin watching. There are many sports and recreations available including: bicycling, boating/rafting/sailing, fishing, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, diving, surfing, tennis and more. There’s something for the whole family at Hawaii.
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