the 7 islands

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.

Parks

The Most Fascinating Parks Found in Hawaii

Aside from fantastic beaches, Hawaii also offers tourists some fabulous state parks. Guests of the islands should not spend all their days sitting idly on the beach and instead, it would be better if they would also set aside some time to visit these parks. Listed here are several Hawaiian state parks that any tourist would take pleasure in:

 

Nuuanu Pali State Wayside Park and Overlook

 

The Nuuanu Pali State Wayside Park is situated in Oahu. It played host to more than 900,000 guests back in 2007. When tourists are on the lookout, they would be able to catch sight of several magnificent views such as those of Kailua, the Koolau Mountains, Kaneohe Bay, plus the Mokapu Peninsula, which currently houses the base of the Kaneohe Marine Corps.

 

Wailua River State Park

 

This place is considered as the number one state park in Kauai with more than 850,000 sightseers in 2007. The area in the park where one could have a clear view of the sparkling Wailua Falls is extremely popular with tourists. This is because Wailua Falls is a majestic double waterfall that cascades 80 feet down into a huge round pool. Another picturesque lookout point in this park is located on Kuamoo Road. This presents some superb views of the Ōpaekaa Falls and the Wailua River Valley. There are also several places of worship or heiau and places of refuge or puuhonua that are situated within the state park.

 

Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area

 

This area is located at the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. This is a 61-acre property that welcomed around 500,000 tourists in 2007. Some activities that one could enjoy here are swimming and bodysurfing in serene waters, as well as hiking in the Ala Kahakai Coastal Trail. Big families could even eat out in the park’s picnic areas. Other facilities available are shower rooms, restrooms and a snack bar.

 

Mākena State Park

 

This state park is beautifully situated in the island of Maui. The Mākena State Park opened its doors to more than 500,000 visitors back in 2007. The park is really wide, occupying around 164 acres that includes three distinct beaches plus several picnic sites. The park also boasts of one of the biggest parking lots that can be found in any beach in Maui. The Mākena State Park’s three beaches are the Little Beach, the Big Beach and lastly, the Black Sand Beach. The Little Beach is a popular place in Maui, famous for being a nudist beach because clothes are really optional here. The Big Beach lives up to its name. This is a long and vast beach ideal for swimming, shore fishing, board surfing, bodysurfing, and some other water-related leisure activities. The Black Sand Beach of Makena State Park is actually undeveloped and one would be able to see some corals and lava rocks directly offshore. The Black Sand Beach is also hardly ever visited by anyone.

 

When in Hawaii, do not forget to drop by their beautiful parks. These are perfect for active people that enjoy the sight of nature and these parks are kid-friendly as well. Come to Hawaii and experience for yourself the wonderful activities that are offered in their treasured parks.