Hawaiian Islands
Hawaiian Islands is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, almost entirely forming the namesake state of the United States. Excellent surfing conditions and active volcanoes spewing lava flows attract tourists from all over the world. In Hawaii, you can go diving in the coral reefs in the mornings and listen to guitar shimmers at sunset. Hawaii is the juicy fruit of the lilikoi fruit and hibiscus flowers in your hair; it’s Pacific cuisine, fiery red volcanoes and whales leaping out of the water. The Hawaiian Islands are an expression of natural perfection mixed with cultural diversity brought by people from Polynesia, Asia, the Americas, and even Europe.
Video: Hawaiian Islands
” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” allowfullscreen> Contents- Highlights
- Geography of Hawaii
- History of Hawaii
- Largest Islands
Active vacations in Hawaii - Population of Hawaii
- Local culture
- Language
- Hawaii by. ..
- Tourist Information
The state capital is Honolulu. The modern high-rise city lies on the south shore of the island of Oahu. The long white seas and blue waters of the ocean are perfect for swimming and sunbathing; surfers entrust themselves to the waves on the island’s north shore. And the resort town of Waikiki Beach is bustling with nightlife.
The island of Hawaii is called the “big island” by locals because of its size, and also not to be confused with the name of the state. The most notable things here are the volcanoes, especially the active Kilauea. The island has wonderful beaches and many sports fields, and Lahaina, the old capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, is also located here. A must-see is the 3,000-meter-high dormant volcano Haleakala.
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The islands of Moloka’i and Lana’i to the north are perfect for those looking for a relaxing vacation where you can hike, mule ride, or take a cross-country jeep ride. Kauai or Garden Island is a true tropical paradise whose rivers and waterfalls will appeal to fishing enthusiasts.
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Geography of Hawaii
The archipelago includes 8 large islands, as well as many small islets and atolls. The islands are located in the North Pacific Ocean, between 19° and 29° north latitude. Hawaii stretches from northwest to southeast and covers an area of 16,636 km². The total length of the Hawaiian Islands is 2,400 kilometers. Their isolated, lost-in-the-ocean position explains why Europeans discovered them so late – only in the 18th century.
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History of Hawaii
According to the most reliable sources, the ancestors of modern Hawaiians sailed from Tahiti around the 12th century. The Tahitians sailed thousands of kilometers back and forth across the ocean in two-person canoes. Ancient Hawaiian society was ruled by chiefs, there was a matriarchy, and religion followed strict laws called kapu. The Tahitians displaced the natives, and an alien priest appointed their king. The centuries that followed were spent in constant infighting, with the islands moving in and out of alliances. The Polynesian origin is evidenced by the ethnic type and customs of the modern islanders.
.https://trevaladvisor.com/img%img/Gavajireterte/6_Risunok_-izobrazhayushchiy-poselenie-zhiteley-ostrovov-do-prikhoda-evropeytsev.jpg” alt=””/>%’ Drawing depicting the settlement of the islanders before the arrival of EuropeansEuropeans in Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands were discovered by James Cook in 1778 during his circumnavigation of the globe. Here he also died in a conflict with the natives – he tried to curb their unhealthy from the point of view of Europeans desire to take things from whites without asking and encountered resistance. Before his tragic death, he managed to give the islands a name – Sandwich Islands. The only thing that connects them with the popular fast food sandwich is the origin of the term from a noble English surname. Earl Sandwich, in whose honor the islands were originally named, was in charge of maritime affairs of Great Britain. The modern name of the entire archipelago came from the name of the largest island, Hawaii.
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Russian Hawaii
Our compatriots also participated in the development of Hawaii. Captain Yuri Lisyansky in the early 19th century circumnavigated the globe with Kruzenshtern, and one of the small islands is named in his honor. Then, as well as in our time, it was uninhabited, practically devoid of vegetation, all the space was occupied by nests of sea birds and rookeries of monk seals. After returning home, the traveler published memoirs describing Hawaii, which were popular in Europe as well.
.Major Islands
Tourists prefer to stay on the six Hawaiian islands, each of which has its own characteristics: developed infrastructure or, on the contrary, the lack of noisy entertainment and pristine nature. These are volcanic Hawaii, which gave its name to the archipelago, metropolitan Oahu, quiet Molokai, fashionable Maui, covered with exotic plants Kauai and the dream of divers Lana’i.
.Greater Hawaii Island
Among the man-made attractions of the park, the Thomas Jaggar Museum, a famous volcanologist and the first director of the nearby observatory, unfortunately closed to tourists, is worthy of attention. The museum features interactive exhibits on the nature of the island. Nearby is almost restored historical hotel “House of Volcano”, built in the 70s of the XIX century. It is now used as a souvenir shop, hotel and restaurant with still unfinished renovations. The main advantage of the hotel is the great view of the volcano, although guests have to be evacuated from time to time due to gas emissions.
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Another volcano over 4km high, Mauna Loa, lies less than 30km west of Kilauea. It is considered quite dangerous, although the last destructive eruption occurred over 60 years ago. A new trail has been built along its gentle slope for the convenience of hikers. Lying to the north, Mauna Kea volcano is an official recreation area of the islanders. Hunting of wild goats and pheasants is allowed here. Due to the high altitude, tourists will need a lot of physical preparation, so only those who like difficult hiking routes climb here. In January and February skiing is available, although there are no special conditions for it. Lying on the west of the island, the 2.5-kilometer long Hualalai has been sleeping for more than 200 years. It has 6 craters, which are not difficult to climb, but it is forbidden by the owners of the surrounding land. Particularly persistent tourists, however, slip up at their own risk. Finally, in the north lies the extinct 60 thousand years ago Kohala, stretching in length for 35 km. Nearby beaches are excellent, including the white sand bay of Kaunaoa. Although an expensive hotel has been built near it, everyone is allowed on the beach.
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The southernmost point of the States is Ka Lae, a rocky bluff. North of it, the island’s nature is much more welcoming. You don’t have to go deep into the jungle to admire the tropical vegetation. In the Hawaiian Botanical Garden with a rich collection of palm trees, there are hiking trails and elegant bridges over the streams. In the garden you can see several small waterfalls, a more serious, 129-meter Akaka, located 18 km north of the city of Hilo. The royal family house, built for the governor in the first half of the 19th century, was later given to the Hawaiian dynasty. Now the modest two-story house with carved railings has been turned into a museum with historic furnishings and artifacts.
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Island of Oahu
The state capital, Honolulu, is located on the third largest island in the archipelago, Oahu. Near the suburbs of the capital, Waikiki, and composed of all the major hotels. The advantages of rest here are obvious: near the airport, a lot of stores, restaurants and entertainment centers, excellent roads. There is also a lot of people, but you can find a relatively inexpensive hotel. Accommodation on more remote islands is more expensive. There is always enough space on the beaches, because the main one is 3 km long.
.For tourists organize sightseeing tours on motorboats, evenings with Hawaiian dancing. The most interesting trip is to Pearl Harbor. Although it is an active American military base, a separate area has been set aside for tourists to visit. A nice bonus is a trip to the sunken battleship. The entire base can be viewed from above by helicopter. A half-hour air ride costs from 200 dollars. Popular and trips through the center of Honolulu. The city does not shine with architectural sights, but to continental guests local buildings seem exotic. In the northern part of the island is a nature reserve, where organized tours are available.
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Molokai Island
It’s as if the island is specifically designed for lovers of quiet. Sandy beaches, including the longest in Hawaii, minimal cars. On Molokai preserved ruins of ancient structures. The most convenient way to get around the island is by bicycle, and the popular village of Kalaupapa is reached by a picturesque trail on mules. In the past, leprosy patients were settled here. Today’s tourists have nothing to fear – it was a long time ago, besides, leprosy is not contagious.
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The Island of Maui
This island is somewhere between Molokai and Oahu: there is more civilization, but not annoyingly so, as in the Honolulu area. The southeastern part is the most fashionable, with the highest quality service and prices. In the vicinity of Wailea all opportunities for surfing and diving. There is only one volcano on Maui, Haleakala, but it is high – three kilometers. Making ascents and passing one climatic zone after another, you can even freeze, so tourists take windbreakers with them. In winter, whales gather near the coast, but to get a good look at them, you need to go out to sea by boat.
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The Island of Kauai
Observing tropical plants in all their diversity is best on the island of Kauai. It is one of the few parts of Hawaii that has hints of seasonality – it is often rainy in the fall and winter. There are almost no automobile roads on Kauai, but you can wander on foot without fear of poisonous snakes. There are no modern entertainments and national exotics. The whole island is a nature reserve with the giant Waimea Canyon, second in size only to the Colorado Canyon.
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Lana’i Island
The quietest island, a former pineapple plantation with a single village, is favored by divers. The dive sites around Lanai are some of the best in the world. The topography of the island allows you to travel by jeep. Those who don’t dive, hunt ungulates, swim, and watch dolphins.
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Active vacations in Hawaii
Hawaii is the top of an underwater ridge, and there are many sea mountains around that don’t protrude to the surface – which is why the diving conditions in the islands are just perfect. You can snorkel at Molokini Crater. Legendary surfing, the birthplace of which is rightly considered the Hawaiian Islands, for a long time was a real means of transportation and part of social rituals. Later it turned into an extreme entertainment, which in the early twentieth century, the guests of the islands also ventured into. On every decent beach you can find an instructor and rent equipment. For beginners, the waves in the Waikiki area are optimal. If the courage for an independent swim is not enough, you can take part in a sea trip on a canoe as a passenger. In addition to surfing, horseback riding, mountaineering, hiking thrive in Hawaii. Of the expensive outdoor activities, submarine diving and helicopter travel are highly prized.
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Population of Hawaii
The blessed climate and the development of tourism have allowed the native Hawaiians to maintain a traditional way of life. Admittedly, they have long been a minority of the population. Less than 10% of Hawaii’s residents identify themselves as Native Hawaiians.
Unlike the continental U.S., Hawaii could easily be a different country. In fact, some Native Hawaiians would like to regain the status of an independent nation. In terms of both geography and culture, Hawaii was formed in isolation, and both the flora and fauna of the islands are unique..
No particular ethnicity is predominant, and this racial diversity also differs from American multiculturalism. Hawaii has a large Asian community and tiny African American and Hispanic communities.
Local culture
Hawaiians enjoy participating in folklore groups dancing the popular local hula dance, demonstrating a high class in surfing, and teaching their art to tourists. Many gods are no longer worshipped, but from the former polytheism have preserved colorful Hawaiian legends, which the natives of the islands will gladly tell guests. Another popular Hawaiian pastime, playing folk songs accompanied by ukulele, or miniature guitar, is not so ancient. They are essentially reworked continental American songs from a century ago, flavored with local color.
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As befits a tropical paradise island, Hawaii is absolutely tranquil. With the exception of cosmopolitan Honolulu, aloha-style shirts and sandals (ruba slip-ons) are acceptable for any occasion and event, whether it’s family gatherings or fun and relaxing outdoors with friends. Care for the islands and community is a must.. And then there is aloha…. or rather, aloooooha! – As they would say on a luau (local holiday). It is, of course, a greeting, but also more than a greeting. It expresses a well-mannered, daily practice of openness, hospitality and friendliness and applies to everyone, locals and tourists alike..
Language
Hawaii has two official languages, English and Hawaiian, and one unofficial language, pidgin. Hawaiian has undergone a revival, but it is still difficult to hear it in everyday life except in official institutions (schools, speeches). All residents speak English, but when locals “tell a story” to each other, they may switch to relaxed, ironic pidgin. Pidgin was invented on the sugar plantations as a common dialect for different foreign workers.
.Hawaii for…
Four Days
Everyone who takes a transoceanic flight lands in Honolulu. So it’s possible to spend a few days on Oahu. In between surfing and sunbathing on Waikiki beaches, you can go to Honolulu’s museums and stroll through the city’s Chinatown, climb to the top of Diamond Head and snorkel in Hanauama Bay. In winter, you can admire the giant waves on the North Shore.
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One week
.In a week you can have time to see another island, say Maui. Discover the old whaling town of Lahaina, go to Haleakala National Park to watch the sunrise over a volcano crater, take a whale watching cruise, go diving at Molokini Crater, ride the serpentine on the way to Hana, and take a dip in the waterfall pools at Oheo Gulch.
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Two weeks
.If you have two weeks or more, visit the island of Hawaii. On the Big Island, you can get a glimpse of ancient Hawaii at Puhuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, go river rafting and snorkeling at Keala Kekua Bay, relax on the beaches of North Kona and South Kona, visit the coffee farms of South Kona, and say “Aloha” to the goddess Pele at Hawaii Volcanic National Park. If you choose another island, Kauai, raft the Wailua River, hike Waimea Canyon and Koke State Park, swim at Hanalei Bay, snorkel at Ke’ehe Beach and hike or paddle on the Na Pali Coast.
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Tourist Information
Vacation in Hawaii is not cheap even for Americans – too expensive flights, and hotels do not hesitate to set higher rates. Budget hotels outside the entertainment centers will be more affordable. We recommend using Booking.com service, where you can book a hotel room, apartment or villa with discounts of up to 60%.
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Weather in Hawaii
Unlike many tropical resorts, Hawaii does not have a distinct dry and wet period. There is more rainfall from late fall to early spring than in the summer, but there are no prolonged multi-day rains. The climate is ideal for year-round recreation. Summer is hot, with temperatures around +30 °C, and there is a danger of hurricanes. In winter, the coast is rarely below +18 °C, snow is possible in the mountains.
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When to go
- December-April. Somewhat cooler than usual, winter humidity is high. Peak tourist season. Surfing and whale watching in Hawaii during this time. May-September. Mostly sunny weather, cloudless days, and huge crowds of families visiting for summer vacation.
- October-November. Extremely hot and humid time of year, but fewer tourists means more affordable accommodation.
How to get to Hawaii
Hawaii is an expensive vacation destination primarily because of its distance from the mainland. The nearest section of the mainland is located 3000 kilometers from the islands. There are no direct flights from Russia to Honolulu. A connecting flight through Asian countries or the United States will take more than a day. Another option is to get to Hawaii on cruise ships.
.What to buy in Hawaii
The Big Island once produced sugar cane, but the last plantation closed 20 years ago. Nuts, papaya, some coffee, and orchids are grown for export. Basically all efforts of local producers are directed to tourists. An abundance of souvenirs, colorful fabrics, authentic tiny guitars – it is best to buy these in Honolulu and the surrounding areas.
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What to try
For many centuries, the main protein food of the islanders was fish, with meat hitting the table much less frequently. In addition, there were gender prohibitions: women, for example, could not eat bananas and pork. The local equivalent of the potato, taro, is widely used in second dishes and for baking. Tourists will enjoy dishes made from just-caught fish and colorful cocktails with exotic names.
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Time in Hawaii
Honolulu time zone: UTC-10:00 or HST. The time in Hawaii is 13 hours behind Moscow time.
Safety issues
Tsunamis are reported in the northern areas, hurricanes occur in the summer and fall, but they don’t do much damage to the islands high out of the water. Because of the geology, echoes of earthquakes in Alaska and Chile reach here. The last major event of this kind is the Japanese cataclysm of 2011. Then reached the Hawaiian Islands tremors caused great material damage, but without loss of life. Volcanic gases sometimes waft over the Big Island. It is not deadly, but harmful to people with asthma and allergies. The symptoms of poisoning are similar to those of the flu. The political movement for the independence of Hawaii does exist, but tourists are unlikely to know about it: the main protests are held on the mainland.
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