Hawaii is located in the north-eastern edge of Polynesia and almost in the center of the North Pacific. Once Hawaii served as a major center of whaling, sugarcane and pineapples, are now economically dependent on tourism and the American military bases. The beauty of nature is still one of the main assets of Hawaii. The warm tropical climate, long coastline, lush rainforests, waterfalls, flowing through canyons of wild rivers and the active volcanoes of the island turned into a popular tourist trips, surfers, biologists and volcanologists. And, of course, the beaches - gold, red, black and even green, caressed by endless priboem.Gonolulu - the state capital, the largest city and cultural center. The population of Hawaii is over 1 million. 300 thousand inhabitants, plus American soldiers and millions of tourists from all over the world. Hawaiian and English - the official languages ​​in Hawaii.

 

At a distance of about 3,200 kilometers south-west of the mainland of North America, Hawaii is the southernmost and second most western states of the United States (after Alaska). Only Hawaii and Alaska do not have a border with another US state.

 

Hawaii - the only state in the US, is not geographically located in North America, coffee is grown, completely surrounded by water, fully archipelago, has a royal palace, and does not have a straight line in its state boundary.

 

The highest mountain in Hawaii, Mauna Kea (4205 m), higher than Mount Everest, if you take into account the foot of the mountain, which is lying at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, rises to a height of 10 200 meters.

 

Hawaii - the last 50 staff, attached to the United States August 21, 1959, and the only one that consists entirely of islands.

 

The length of the coast of Hawaii is about 1210 km - the fourth largest in the US after Alaska, Florida and California.

 

Geographically and ethnographically, the Hawaiian archipelago is part of Polynesian Oceania.

 

Hawaiian archipelago includes hundreds of mostly tiny islands located over a "hot spot" of the Pacific Ocean. In the south-eastern part of the archipelago are the following eight main islands (from northwest to southeast): Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui and Hawaii Island. Of these eight islands, six are open to tourism. Each of the six major islands is unique.

 

History of Hawaii

 

The history of Hawaii can be seen in the sequence of the dominant industries: sandalwood, whaling, sugar cane and pineapple, military bases, tourism and education. On receipt of statehood in 1959, tourism is the largest sector of the economy, accounting for 24.3% of the gross state product of Hawaii. More details in the article History of the Hawaiian Islands.

 

 

The island of Hawaii is almost always referred to as the Big Island to avoid confusion. It is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands (62% of the Hawaiian archipelago). Here is the most active volcano in the world (Kilauea); most massive mountain in the world (Mauna Loa); the highest mountain in the world, higher than Mount Everest when measured from the base to the bottom of the sea to the summit (Mauna Kea); the largest State Park (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park); the southernmost point of the United States (South Point). In addition to the volcano, Big Island is notable for the beautiful valley of Waipio, plantations of coffee, macadamia nuts, there is one of two of the world's beaches with green sand. For more information on the Big Island, read here

 

Honolulu, Waikiki Beach

 

Oahu - the most densely populated and economically developed island. On the southern coast is the city of Honolulu, the state capital and largest city of Hawaii, financial and commercial center, and Waikiki Beach is perhaps the most famous tourist attraction of Hawaii. The Central Valley is famous for its island pineapple plantations. In winter, large waves on the north shore of Oahu is converted into the world of surfing capital. USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor - one of the most popular attractions of Hawaii. For more information about the island of Oahu read ere

 

The island of Maui, Molokini Crater

 

Maui is the second largest island of the Hawaiian archipelago, here is the Haleakala volcanic crater height of 3055 meters, the resort areas Lahaina (Lahaina), Lahaina (Kaanapali) and Kapalua (Kapalua). the tiny village of Hana (Hana) is located on the east side, the road to it passes through one of the most beautiful roads in the world, with lots of twists and turns, waterfalls and beautiful views of the east coast. Windsurfing - an extremely popular sport on Maui. In addition, the island is known for its beaches, waterfalls, whale watching, romantic sunsets and a variety of leisure activities - from golf to scuba diving. For more information about the island of Maui, click here

 

The island of Kauai, Kalalau Valley view from the observation platform

 

Kauai (Kauai), "Garden Island", here are the natural wonders of Hawaii - Wailua River (Wailua River), Waimea (Waimea Canyon), and On-Pali Coast (Na Pali Coast). Mount Waialeale is known as one of the rainiest places in the world. For more information about the island of Kauai, click here

 

 

 

Molokai Island, Kalaupapa Peninsula and coastal cliffs

 

• Molokai (The Molokai) is one of two places in the United States, where they lived Roman Catholic saints (and the only place in the US, where both the righteous dwell time). In addition, Molokai is known for the highest coastal cliffs in the world, the longest reef in the United States, and one of the largest sandy beaches Gavayev.Tem Still, it is the least developed of all the Hawaiian Islands. In hidden from the bustle of the outside world no island resorts, traffic lights and even building up a coconut tree. For more information about the island of Molokai, click here

 

• Lanai (Lanai). On this island once it was the largest pineapple plantation in the world, is currently there are several exclusive resorts.

 

• Niihau (Niihau) means "Forbidden Island". Tourists banned from this private island, which operates a ranch cattle and sheep, and there is only one village Puuwai with a population of about 200 residents. From the outside, life on Niihau has not changed much over the past century and a half - until today there is no running water, sewage and electricity. Residents continue to speak the Hawaiian language; men work on ranches, are engaged in fishing and hunting; Women specialize in the collection of tiny white shells Pupu Niihau (found only on this island) for the manufacture of lei, the cost of which is estimated thousands of dollars. Activities on the island is limited to helicopter tours.