Despite being the 50th U.S. state, Hawaii rightfully feels worlds away; after all, the closest mainland cities are some five hours away by plane. Geographically considered the northeast corner of Polynesia, this volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean has long been a magnet for tourism. Six of the state’s eight major islands are open to tourism: Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai. The westernmost island of Niihau is privately owned, while tiny Kahoolawe is uninhabited. Many cruises to Hawaii let you island-hop, giving you the chance to pick out your favorite slice of paradise.
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Fanning Island
Far off the beaten path, Fanning Island is a remote, beautiful hideaway with just over 1,300 inhabitants. Locals call it "Tabaueran," a Kiribati word meaning "heavenly footprint." The island is an atoll -- a ring-shaped coral reef enclosing a protected lagoon. With its sugar-white beaches and clear, blue-green water, it is a perfect paradise for snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and beachcombing.
Hilo
Hilo is the largest settlement on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hilo is the county seat of the County of Hawaii and is located in the District of South Hilo.The town overlooks Hilo Bay, situated upon two shield volcanoes; Mauna Loa, an active volcano, and Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano and the site of some of the world's most important ground-based astronomical observatories. The majority of human settlement in Hilo stretches from Hilo Bay to Waiakea-Uka, on the flanks of Mauna Loa. Hilo is home to the University of Hawaii at Hilo, 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, as well as the Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long celebration of ancient and modern hula which takes place annually after Easter. Hilo is also home to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, one of the world's leading producers of macadamia nuts.
Honolulu
Hawaii's capital is indeed the jewel city of the Pacific. From Diamond Head and the world-famous beaches of Waikiki, to the inspiring memorials of Pearl Harbor and the Punchbowl National Cemetery, to the only royal palace ever constructed on U.S. soil.
Kahului
Hawaii is one of the world's foremost vacation, honeymoon and anniversary destinations. As one of Hawaii's remaining untouched areas, Kahalui, located on the north shore of Maui, let's you enjoy miles of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The year-round near perfect weather allows you to take full advantage of the sapphire blue skies and warm tropical winds. Aside from housing Maui's only deep water harbor, Kahului is also where you'll find the Kahana Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kailua
Located along Hawaii's western shore, where the slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualalai meet the sea, the Kona Coast is a region of endless lava fields and golden Pacific sunsets. The clear waters are perfect for diving, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing. At the heart of the Kona Coast lies the charming resort village of Kailua. Because two other "Kailuas" exist within the state, the Big Island's Kailua is often called Kailua-Kona for clarity.
Kauai
Kauai, Hawaii's most beautiful island, beckons you. Crystal pools, magnificent waterfalls, stunning sunsets and sparkling beaches - you can find them all in the Garden Island of the Pacific. Feel the genuine hospitality of Kauai, its warm and welcoming people, and share in the true spirit of Aloha.
Kilauea Volcano -Cruising
Kilauea volcano, on the southernmost Island of Hawaii, is one of the most active on Earth. It predominantly erupts basaltic lava in effusive eruptions, although occasionally it experiences explosive eruptions as well. Kilauea sits on the southeasten side of the Big Island of Hawaii, resting on the flanks of it's larger neighbor volcano Manua Loa (see map at right). Kilauea stands just under 4200 feet tall at it's highest point. Kilauea has a 165m deep circular caldera at its summit that measures 3x5km (or 6x6 km, including the outermost ring faults). It is said that Kilauea is the home to Pele, the volcano goddess of ancient Hawaiian legends.
Kona
Kona is a moku or district on the Big Island of Hawaii in the State of Hawaii. In the current system of administration of Hawaii County, the moku of Kona is divided into North Kona District (Kona `Akau) and South Kona District (Kona Hema). The term "Kona" is sometimes used to refer to its largest town, Kailua-Kona. Other towns in Kona include Kealakekua, Keauhou, Holualoa, Hōnaunau and Honalo. In the Hawaiian language, kona means leeward or dry side of the island, as opposed to ko`olau which means windward or the wet side of the island. In the times of Ancient Hawaii, Kona was the name of the leeward district on each major island. In Hawaii, the Pacific anticyclone provides moist prevailing northeasterly winds to the Hawaiian islands, resulting in rain when the winds contact the windward landmass of the islands - the winds subsequently lose their moisture and travel on to the leeward (or kona) side of the island. When this pattern reverses, it can produce a Kona storm from the west. Kona has cognates with the same meaning in other Polynesian languages. In Tongan, the equivalent cognate would be tonga; for windward, the associated cognate would be tokelau.
Lahaina, Maui
The Hawaiian phrase "Maui No Ka Oi" means "Maui is the best." You'll agree, after a visit to the enchanting Valley Isle. Explore the old whaling town of Lahaina and the nearby West Maui Mountains. Or explore Haleakala National Park and its 10,000-foot volcano crater. Then travel the road to Hana and experience a true taste of old Hawaii. Or snorkel off the emerald island of Lanai, where you'll delight in pristine reefs and colorful marine life.
Maui
Kahului is Maui's largest city and home to many locals that work on the other side of Maui in the tourist areas. Kahului (and nearby Wailuku) are considered the business and commercial center of Maui. Both the Maui harbor and airport are located right in Kahului.
Midway Islands
Midway is a small American atoll in the Pacific. For a long time it was not open to visitors, but it can now be reached by plane from Honolulu. The island offers one of the world's most spectacular wildlife experiences. Nearly two million birds call it home for much of each year, including the world's largest population of Laysan Albatross, or "gooney birds". Endangered Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles and spinner dolphins inhabit Midway's crystal blue lagoon.
Nawiliwili
As you approach Nawiliwili Bay, you'll get your first of many looks at the islands brilliant colors and blossoming hillsides, all rising mystically from emerald waters. You'll know at once why Kauai is called the Garden Isle. Play on world-class golf courses artfully cut into natures scenery. Take tours to the best sights on the island. Join a snorkeling tour of the islands reefs. Or enjoy a quiet cruise up the Wailua River. Kauai is everything you imagine Hawaii to be.
