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| The state of Hawaii is comprised of eight islands. Its name is derived from the largest island in the group - the island of Hawaii. | ||||
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story and photography Frank
Greco, The Travel Guy Four out of the eight islands are the most visited by tourists (Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Oahu) while the others have relatively few inhabitants like the very small island of Kahoolawe - it has no human inhabitants. Having one of the most perfect climates in the world, these islands are as beautiful as the people who live there. They are very welcoming, hence the nickname attributed to these islands - the Aloha State. The word "aloha" has multiple meanings, “Welcome, hello and goodbye.” The spirit of Aloha is actually a state law. The purpose of this law is to serve as a reminder to treat everyone with care and respect, but don’t worry, if you inadvertently break this law, you won’t get tossed in jail or have DOG The Bounty Hunter after you! The largest of the islands is appropriately called “Hawaii’s Big Island.” Among its many attractions, the Big Island is known for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home of the world’s most active volcano (Kilauea-pronounced Kill-a-waya). This volcano has been continuously erupting since 1983. The Big Island is the only landmass in the world that grows each year due to the active lava flow, making this a phenomenal place to experience. A visit to Volcanoes National Park can be eerie. Picture yourself in a desert, but instead of walking on sand, you are on black rock (hardened lava) stretching as far as the eye can see. In places, you see smoke rising through the cracks in the lava that has a strong sulphur smell (O.K. more like rotten eggs). There is a road called “Chain of Craters Road,” that veers through the "desert" of lava for about one kilometre and ends where a lava flow has consumed the road on Hawaii’s west coast. Here, one can hike over the hardened lava field for about two kilometres along the coast - and witness molten lava flowing into the ocean. Maui (pronounced Ma-wee) is the second largest and most popular island of the state. Nicknamed “The Valley Isle,” because of its lush coastline, the Hana Highway and the Haleakala Crater, rise over 3,048 metres (10,000 feet) above sea level and are the island’s most prominent draws. The Hana Highway is described in many guidebooks as the most picturesque drive in all of the United States. The road stretches 84 km (52 miles) along Maui’s eastern coast and joins the towns of Kahului and Hana. Don’t let the "highway" designation fool you. It is actually a one-lane road laden with narrow one-lane bridges (54 to be exact), hairpin turns, and the most incredible island views you’ll ever see. Be prepared to spend up to four hours if you plan to drive the entire length of the Hana Highway. It is a very slow go because there are so many distractions like vibrant rainforests, gushing waterfalls and dramatic seascapes that will distract you...so pay attention to your driving, accidents frequently happen on this road. To experience the thrill of a lifetime, watch the sunrise at the summit of the Haleakala Crater (pronounced Hal-i-a-kala - the name means “House of the Sun”). Drive up to the summit, but make sure you leave plenty of time because the journey can take as long as two hours. The road is very smooth but with many twists and turns. As you ascend, the temperature drops drastically. On average, the temperature lowers about 3 degrees for every 1000 feet. By the time you reach the summit, the temperature has dropped 30 degrees. Who says Hawaii is always warm . . . the summit is frigid. The summit looks like a desolate expanse of rocks straight out of a sci fi movie. Once the sun peaks over the horizon, it is as though one can touch it. I froze waiting for the sunrise, but as it crested the summit ridge, it was breathtaking. . One suggestion, bring warm clothing . . . and breakfast. No trip to Hawaii would be complete without visiting the beautiful island of Kauai (pronounced ku-why) - known as “The Garden Isle.” Located northwest of Maui, visitors to Kauai are amazed by its natural beauty and wonders like the Na Pali Coast (Na Pali in Hawaiian means Cliffs) and Waimea Canyon (pronounced why-i-mia). The best way to see these majestic cliffs is by taking a Catamaran tour. The boat gets very close to these lush cliffs, so much so that you will spot many waterfalls spewing from the top of the cliffs into the Pacific Ocean below. The cliffs climb out of the ocean to heights of 1,200 metres (4,000 feet). Waimea Canyon located on Kauai’s west coast is referred to as "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This canyon rivals its Arizona counterpart but on a smaller scale. It is 16 KM long, 3 KM wide and 1 KM deep. You will discover many incredible views, spectacular waterfalls and experience a changing palette of colours along the hillsides ranging from oranges to shades of purple and greens throughout the day. It is a marvelous place to explore. Close to the canyon is Waialeale Crater (pronounced Wa-ia-lea-le. It’s a tongue twister). This may not mean much, but it has the distinction of being the rainiest spot on earth with more than 1168 centimetres (460 inches) of annual rainfall each year. Hike through the crater and you will discover thousands of waterfalls, streams, pools and an amazing display of clouds drifting in and out of the crater. The main island of Oahu (pronounced Oh-a-hu) is not the largest, or the most lush in the state, but is it the most commercialized. Known as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu has an international airport where most major flights arrive before visitors head to the other islands in the state. Oahu is noted for having the most famous beach in the world - Waikiki Beach. All surfers out there have to thank the state of Hawaii who gave the world surfing. The rolling waves along Waikiki beach combined with the many visitors have sprouted surfboard shops all along the beach. They anxiously wait for you to take surfing lessons. They’ll teach anyone to hop on the board and “shoot the curl or hang ten.” Knowing how to swim is mandatory and with lessons and a little practice, you’ll be ripping in no time. As airplanes land in Oahu (city of Honolulu), they most likely fly over a crater known as Diamond Head. By now, you realize that the state of Hawaii is all about craters formed by volcanic activity. This crater is unique because a 176-metre (580-foot) tunnel was cut through it in 1898 to establish a fort to defend the harbour. Visitors can walk a trail inside the crater that stretches almost 3 KM; navigate through a dark 68-metre tunnel, up very steep steps to reach the summit observation deck. Once at the top, the view of Honolulu and the west side of Oahu is magnificent. Make sure you bring water and a flashlight, the sun is hot and the tunnel is dark. Hawaii provides many natural wonders for its visitors as well as places that shaped history (like Pearl Harbour). Each island in the state is different from the other, but they have one thing in common, they are all natural wonders. GL |
ABOVE Maui
beneath the sunset along the Hana Highway. ABOVE View of Honolulu and Waikiki from the look-out point on top of Diamond Head Crater in Oahu.  Hana Highway
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