Six bigger islands and several smaller ones emerged from the ocean after the volcanic eruptions, and unavoidably are going to sink back some day of the future.
Yet, they have several thousand years to disappear, and many more future generations will enjoy the clear water, white sand and perfect climate during holidays on Hawaiian islands.

First came here Polynesian tribes bringing to the island some livestock and plants like coconut palms, bananas sandal tree and sugar cane, which in 19th century became main export product
supplied first to California and later all over the world. To the western civilization the islands were discovered by James Cook in 1778 and following years brought some whale hunters, missionaries, Chinese and Japanese to work on sugar plantations, Spanish, German Koreans and other nations who later decided to stay there for good.

The variety of different cultures that where shaping the present nation id easy to spot in the different events celebrated today in Hawaii.
The best hula dance ( of native origins ) competitions are held during Merring Monach Festival, the American influence is clear in Honoka’a Western Weekend and Rodeo, the dances at World Fire Knife Dancing Championship came from Samoa, while the Boys’ Day and the cartoon carp banners are of Japanese tradition.

Hawaii Island

The largest island in the archipelago is officially named Hawaii itself, but commonly called “the Big Island”.
This is the farthest island to SouthEast and the fist one met by sailors, who in different times came to Hawaii.
The main attractions are two active volcanoes Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa with picturesque Kilauea Crater Rim Road.

O‘ahu

The most populated and developed island enjoys also the biggest number of tourists. The capital Honolulu features the best known Waikiki beach and sad USS ‘Arizona’ war memorial at Pearl Harbour.

Maui

The beaches here are successfully competing with Waikiki, and besides surfing and scuba places the waters near Maui are favourited by fishermen, who can angle nice Marlin here.
Once popular among whale hunters, today makes the good spot to watch humbacks….which quite often jump above the water surface similar to dolphins.

Kaua‘i

The nicest and the most picturesque island with emerald green vegetation and white sandy beaches contrasting with black lava. The isolated coves and large coral reefs
attract some million tourists every year to enjoy the nature, similar to flower generation who made Kaua‘i their new home in 1970′s.

Lāna‘i

This island at the beginning of 20th century turned on the big plantation of another Hawaiian icon – pineapple, production of which, similar to sugar cane faded in late 70′s.
Today Lāna‘i features exclusive spa and vacation resort.

Moloka‘i

The least popular island still fights with its shadow past, when consisted the asylum for lepers. Healthy today, offers the place to enjoy all the Hawaiian attractions without the hordes of tourists.

[Na Pali Coast, Kauai photo courtesy of jeff kubina]