The Secluded Island of Kahoolawe

Not all of the Hawaiian Islands are ideal for some fun tourist sightseeing. Among the 8 major islands of Hawaii namely Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and Niihau, the Kahoolawe Island is the smallest one of them all. This tiny island only measures around 12 miles in length and its area is approximately 45 square miles. The island’s tallest peak is the Lua Makika’s crater located at Pu’u Moaulanui’s summit, which stands at around 1,477 feet above the sea level. What is fascinating about this island is not only its small size, but also the fact that it is completely deserted.

The island of Kahoolawe, as legend goes, is believed to have been christened after Kanaloa, who was among the 4 major Hawaiian gods. Kanaloa was forbidden from entering heaven by Kane, who was the chief Hawaiian god and from then on, the disgraced god became similar to Lucifer. Kanaloa was then supposed to have been the ruler of the dead as well as every poisonous thing on the planet.

Evidently, it was only until the 13^th century that the island of Kahoolawe was inhabited by native Hawaiians. Because of constant drought, these Kahoolawe residents transferred to the other Hawaiian Islands, which were able to offer them more water. For roughly 600 years, the island of Kahoolawe continued to be desolate. But during the 1830s, a penal colony comparable to the Alcatraz Island was established here but it was also abandoned soon after.

After being utilized as a place for prisoners, the island was later taken over by the United States military and it was used as their training ground. Back in 1994, the U.S. government gave the island back to the Aloha State. However, there was limited access to Kahoolawe until 2003 since the United States Navy had a job to tidy up the island first, owing to the fact that plenty of unexploded ammunitions remained in this isle.

These days, the island is being run and controlled by the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission. It is widely assumed that not every single hazardous explosive from the U.S. Navy has been removed from Kahoolawe yet. There are a few people who believe that the military had only removed around 25 % of their total explosives, so if the allegation is true, there are still 75 % of the entire explosives that still remain on the island.

In the olden times, Kahoolawe was an exquisitely lush island filled with flourishing flora and fauna. However, the goats that were brought to Kahoolawe consumed and spoiled the once thriving vegetation. Moreover, the powerful ocean winds also became a factor to the island’s erosion and Kahoolawe turned arid and rocky. This erosion occurred even before the military had taken over the island.

The Aloha State has already started the restoration of the island of Kahoolawe by getting rid of the grazing animals as well as by planting vegetations. This would really be a lengthy process and it would take numerous years before the island is entirely restored. Until that day comes, visits to Kahoolawe would be very limited and would require a special permit. But still, this historic place welcomes interested visitors. To get more information on possible access to the island of Kahoolawe, guests should get in touch with the Visitors Center located on Honolulu or the island of Maui.

The Hawaiian Island of Niihau

Niihau is the smallest in terms of area among all the populated Hawaiian Islands. It has an area of roughly 69.5 square miles and it is on this island that a person could find Lake Halulu, which is the state’s only natural lake.

The entire island of Niihau in Hawaii was previously sold for a mere sum of $10,000. These days, one would not even be able to purchase a house for that little money. During 1863, the monarch back then called King Kamehameha IV placed Niihau up for sale for the said amount. Elizabeth Sinclair, who was a local of the nearby island of Kauai, chose to buy the island and it was said that she decided to purchase Niihau instead of other properties such as Pearl Harbor or Waikiki. At the moment, the Robinson family particularly Keith and Bruce Robinson, who are Elizabeth’s descendants, are the proud owners of this tiny Hawaiian Island. They are dedicated in preserving the island of Niihau and to also uphold the Hawaiian heritage. Nowadays, Niihau is considered as the epitome of the Hawaiian Islands and it is the sole island where Hawaiian is the primary as well as the chief language used.

The island of Niihau is also dubbed as The Mystery Island and The Forbidden Island since people who are not native Hawaiians are not permitted to visit there. This exclusive island could only be visited by kin of the Robinson family, government officials, U.S. Navy personnel, as well as invited guests. These days, there are around 250 native Hawaiian citizens living on the island of Niihau and what is fascinating is that their lifestyle has not changed throughout the years. One would not be able to find any shops or restaurants on Niihau. There are also no paved roads, no cars, no hotels, and even no electricity. Life on this island is truly simple and the only means to travel around here is either by foot or by using a bike.

The lone work available on this island is at the ranch of the Robinson family and this is where most of the locals work by raising some cattle. Of course, they also get their food from the Robinson ranch. Moreover, Niihau’s residents also produce some fruits and vegetables on their own. They also do activities such as fishing as well as hunting using spears, knives, ropes and nets. Their hunting equipment is mostly self-made and they also purchase some tools from the island of Kauai.

This island is really dry so one could not expect to see some tropical and lush landscapes just like the other islands of Hawaii. Instead of the flower leis that are typical with the other Hawaiian Islands, the people of Niihau make some amazing shell leis made from the unique shells that could only be found on the island’s beaches. Because these kinds of shells are truly rare, there are collectors who are prepared to pay a huge amount for the shell lei of Niihau.  http://www.bluehawaiiweddings.com/molokai_package.html

 

Tourists could still  have a close up view of Niihau since there are snorkeling and helicopter tours that are available. Since disembarking on any island beach is not permitted, they would only be allowed to snorkel in one of Niihau’s bays without stepping on the island’s soil.

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Fix Your Eyes on Molokini’s Wonders

Molokini is a semicircular lunar-shaped isle situated not more than 3 miles outside the southern coast of Maui. According to myths, Molokini used to be a lovely woman. As the story goes, both Molokini and Pele, who was the fire goddess, fell madly in love with just one man. The resentful Pele then cut her rival Molokini in half and proceeded to change her into stone. The head of the beautiful woman is apparently Puu Olai, which is the cinder cone located near the Makena Beach.

The Molokini islet is nestled along the southwest rift area of the Haleakala. The scientists from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory suppose that the isle, whose peak stands around 160 feet above the sea level, most recently erupted more or less 230,000 years ago. Even if plenty of geologists think that Molokini is a relatively youthful volcanic formation, there are new evidences that imply that the islet is really a lot older and it could even be probably older than the Haleakala Crater.

These days, Molokini is as exquisite as ever and it is thought of as among the Aloha State’s leading dive spots. Its stunning crescent shape functions as a protection from the strong waves as well as from the powerful currents.

Molokini presents various sites that lure numerous beginners, intermediate and skilled scuba divers. For instance, the crater basin offers sheltered waters and it has a depth of merely 35 feet, which makes it perfect for those people who are just starting to dive and snorkel. Divers who are on the intermediate level, meanwhile, could set out to the underwater wall section that drops up to 70 feet. For expert divers, they could go ahead and be delighted by the panoramic view found at the crater’s back side, which could reach as deep as 350 feet.

Regardless of which level of diving one is currently in or whatever area of Molokini’s magical underwater world a person decides to delve into, one would surely come across sparkling azure waters as well as a variety of multicolored fish. This islet plays host to approximately 250 species of fish, which include tangs, surgeon fish, Moorish idols, parrot fish, and many more.

There are several boat tours that provide either a half-day or a full-day Molokini escapades. These are available on a daily basis from the Kihei Boat Ramp or even from the Ma‘alaea Harbor. These adventures typically encompass the snorkeling or scuba diving gear in addition to the refreshments. It would be best to take part in these tours during the morning for it presents the most ideal viewing conditions. One should also bear in mind that the isle is a recognized marine life conservation district. This actually means that the fish and the other marine life found here are not allowed to be caught, removed or even fed by tourists.

Molokini is truly an enchanting island in Hawaii. It is considered by many not just as a top diving site in Hawaii, but also in the world due to the outstanding visibility it offers. Be sure to have a look at this island’s eye-catching underwater world and it would be an experience one could not forget for a long time.

Spectacular Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii is composed of numerous islands that could truly entice tourists. The state is home to over 130 isles and atolls but only eight are considered as its major islands. Out of the eight islands, only six of them welcome visitors and regarded as completely open to tourism.

 

The island of Hawaii is more commonly known as the Big Island in order to prevent confusion with the name of the state. This is Hawaii’s largest island and it houses Kona’s major resort area, two of the biggest summits in the world, as well as the most active volcano on earth. Tourists would be able to see that the Big Island has a little something for every person. It has orchid farms, world-class golf courses, cattle ranches and its famous black sand beaches.

 

The island of Oahu is also christened as the Gathering Place because it is the most heavily populated and urbanized island of all. Aside from being the commercial center of Hawaii, it is also the governmental district of the state. This is where one could find Honolulu, which is the famous Waikiki Beach’s home. Just off the city are huge pineapple fields and another favorite tourist destination is the Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona National Memorial. This is also the residence of the magnificent peak of Diamond Head. Travelers visit Oahu for its glorious nightlife, its assortment of restaurants as well as its remarkable shopping areas.

 

Maui is the second biggest island in Hawaii and this is where tourists could find the Haleakala, which is a 10,023 foot high volcanic mountain crater. The island is nicknamed as the Valley Isle because of the tapered plain between the mountains of West Maui and the Haleakala. On the western section of Maui are the famed resort areas of Wailea, Lahaina, Kihei, and Kaanapali. On its eastern part lies the small village of Hana, which can only be reached via one of the loveliest roads in the world called the Hana Highway. Travelers visit Maui for the outdoor sports it offers such as cycling, snorkeling, and golfing, among others.

 

The island of Kauai is dubbed as the Garden Isle. This is where travelers could go to if they want to see numerous natural wonders like Na Pali Coast, the Waimea Canyon and the Wailua River. Tourists drop by at Kauai for its majestic scenery and stunning beaches. The Poipu Beach on Kauai’s southern section is among the finest beaches in the state.

 

Molokai is also called the Friendly Isle but this is also among the least developed islands in Hawaii. For people in search of serenity and well-preserved beaches, this is the perfect island.

 

Lanai used to be home to huge pineapple plantations but the island is now filled with a few high-end resorts such as the Lodge at Koele and the Manele Bay.

 

The island of Niihau is privately owned and its population is composed of Native Hawaiians.

 

The last major island is Kahoolawe. This was previously utilized as a bombing range for the US Navy and until now, the island remains uninhabited.

 

With all the beautiful islands it offers, there is no question as to why Hawaii is always hailed as a tropical oasis. Travelers would find it difficult to decide on where to have their holiday among Hawaii’s lush and vibrant islands.