Hawaii Overview
Table of Contents
Stories and photos by Joeann Fossland (unless otherwise indicated)
Hawaii, the land of Aloha, is friendly and welcoming. The traditional lei of flowers that often greets your arrival sets the tone for the laid-back, friendly (Aloha) vibe of these islands. Geographically isolated, the Hawaiian Islands are over 2,400 miles from California, the closest landmass. They were formed 75 million years ago when volcanoes rose from the sea floor of the Pacific Ocean. They stretch 1,523 miles across the Pacific Ocean from the island of Hawaii in the south to Kure Atoll in the North.
Hawaii’s Multi-cultural History
Hawaii is one of the most culturally diverse places in the world. Over the last 200 years, dating back to 1778 when Captain Cook arrived, the number of native Hawaiians has decreased as immigrants from Asia, Europe, and Polynesia poured in.
Interestingly, these days, no race has a majority. Almost 25% of Hawaiians have two or more races in their background. According to the last census, Hawaii’s population is 38.6% Asian, 24.7% White, and only 10% is Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders. Hispanic, Black or African American, and American Indian and Alaska Native account for the rest. Each culture has played a part in today’s diversity.
The Eight Major Islands of Hawaii
The 8 main islands are Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, Kahoolawe, and Niihau. One additional small island, Kaala, is near Niihau.
There are, however 137 “islands” in the entire chain when you count all the minor islands and islets (very small islands).
The majority of the tourist fun happens on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. Lanai and Molokai are much smaller, but do have some tourist facilities.
Hawaii is home to perfect beaches—white, black, red, and green – abundant reefs, towering waterfalls, lush valleys, snow-capped mountains and fiery hot volcanoes.
Oahu
Oahu,“The Gathering Place” is home to nearly a million people. The capital, Honolulu, is home to 350,00. This is where you’ll want come if nightlife and shopping are high on your list of things to do. It’s also home to Waikiki Beach and Diamondhead, two of the biggest attractions in Hawaii.
Honolulu has a dynamic craft beer and food scene. History buffs love Honolulu’s cultural gems such as Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace. You’ll find some of the biggest waves on the North Shore, and fresh sweet pineapple at the popular Dole Plantation.
Maui
Maui,“The Valley Isle,” is known for its stunning natural beauty. You’ll find high-end luxury resorts and popular tourist attractions and the famous Road to Hana.
Consistently rated in polls as one of the top 10 Best Islands in The World, it’s a favorite for honeymooners. Whether you’ve come to bike, hike, eat or relax on a pristine beach, Maui delivers.
Kauai
Kauai, “The Garden Isle,” is a breathtaking island characterized by its wealth of lush, rich lands, including vast tropical rainforests, jaw-dropping mountains and stunning beaches. In spite of hurricanes that have wreaked devastation, Kauai continues to be a beautiful destination.
Much of the island is still relatively undeveloped. Chickens wander freely! The views of Kauai’s pristine, untouched Napali Coast cliffs where waterfalls pour into the ocean, its majestic Mount Waialeale and other scenic treasures such as Hanalei Bay will excite even the most blasé traveler.
Island of Hawaii
Hawaii, “The Big Island,” is the largest and youngest of the islands. Stunning and stark vistas exist with some of Hawaii’s most lush and beautiful landscapes. The capital of the island, Hilo, is on the rainy side with an average of 130” of rain each year. On the other side, the areas around Kona and Waikoloa average about 7”.
When you are in the middle of the lava fields, you think you must be on the moon. Or, it feels like you are in Texas when you visit Waimea and The Parker Ranch. Then, of course, you can lay about on the tropical beaches.
With 12 separate climate zones, you’ll experience the dramatically different temperatures and scenic beauty that span across each distinct area, ranging from the warmth found amid balmy coastal jungles in Puna to the snowcapped peaks on top of Mauna Kea. As a reminder of the volcanoes that have birthed this island, much of the island is covered in black lava.
The Big Island has five separate volcanoes: Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualālai, Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcano. Mauna Kea measures 13,796 feet and is the tallest mountain in the state and the tallest sea mountain in the world. Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on Earth in terms of volume and area covered. Mauna Loa and Kilauea are part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The Kilauea Volcano violently erupted in 2018. For months, the volcano spewed steam and red lava creating 875 acres of new land while destroying 700 homes. It is currently quiet except for some billowing steam.
Hawaii’s Rich Diverse History
Sometime between 124 and 1120 AD, the islands were first settled by Polynesians. Hawaiian civilization was isolated from the rest of the world for at least 500 years.
Europeans first arrived in 1778 when British explorer, James Cook, landed on the island of Kauai. He returned to the island of Hawaii the next year. There were approximately 200,000 Native Hawaiians.
Some important dates in Hawaiian history:
1898 – Hawaii was illegally annexed by the United States
1900 – The Territory of Hawaii was established
1941 – The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Oahu
1959 – Hawaii became the 50th State
1978 – Hawaii’s state language is changed to Hawaiian (the only state with a non-English official language)
Hawaii’s Climate is Ideal
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic climate. It rarely varies more that 10 degrees in either direction. The tropical hot season—called kau in Hawaiian—averages 85 degrees from June to October. A cooler season— called hooilo— averages 78 degrees from December to March. Bring a jacket in case you go to some of the higher elevations.
Hawaii’s Geography Includes Seashore and Mountains
The unique history of formation and isolation has given rise to breathtaking and extraordinary wonders. On these islands, the volcanoes that formed them are quite high. On the island of Hawaii, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are often snow capped in the winter.
And then, of course, because these are islands, there is sea level at the ocean. In between, you have valleys, cliffs, rain forests, ranches and coffee plantations.
Getting To Hawaii: Fly? Or Cruise?
Perhaps getting here is one of the biggest challenges. The sheer distance from the mainland means you will either fly or cruise.
You also will need to decide whether you want to visit just one island or several.
Airfare prices dropped last year with the arrival of Southwest Airlines. Direct flights are available to Honolulu, Hilo, Kona, Maui and Kauai from the US. Or, go through Honolulu— there are regular flights connecting to the other islands.
Costco has some great package deals that include airfare, hotel and rental car.
A cruise is good choice that allows you to visit 2 or 3 islands without having to pack and unpack.
Hawaii offers All Things Water and More!
15 Things To Do
- Go to a Luau
- Soak up the tropical breezes lying on a beautiful beach
- Whale and Dolphin Watch
- Horseback Ride
- Go on a Helicopter Ride over Remote Canyons or over the Volcano
- Play Golf
- Have a Mai Tai made with local rum
- Hike Easy or Hard Trails
- Surf or Paddleboard
- Eat Scrumptious Hawaii Regional Cuisine
- Play Tennis
- Snorkle
- See Giant Turtles and Manta Rays
- Zip Lines Through the Rainforest
- Ride a Bike at Sunrise from the Summit of a Volcano
- Drink Kona Coffee
Places To Stay in Hawaii
Tourism began with the first hotel on Waikiki Beach, The Moana Hotel, in 1901. Affectionately known as “The First Lady of Waikiki,” it has been added onto and refurbished and currently is called Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. Many Hawaii hotels are rated as some of the best in the world. Each island offers unique, comfortable, and enticing lodgings.
The variety of sleeping choices from budget to luxury hotels, airbnbs, bed and breakfasts and time shares offer something for every budget and need. You’ll find beach-front hotels and resorts with golf and tennis on every island. Or, if you prefer, there are hideaways in the lush hills and rainforests.
On the Big Island, Mauna Kea Resort, Laurance S. Rockefeller’s gem, was the most expensive hotel in the world when it was built in 1968. It was the first resort and first golf course on the Big Island.
On all the islands, there are timeshare properties, such as those owned by the Hilton, Marriott and others that are often available. These have kitchens and laundries and will save on meals. You enjoy the extra room and amenities.
Lanai even boasts two Four Seasons Resorts. Bed and Breakfasts and Airbnbs are plentiful. Just make sure you aren’t too far from a beach, if that’s important to you.
Five minutes from Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park is a Boutique Bed and Breakfast for Grown-Ups called Hale ‘Oha. Set on five acres with a rainforest walk and gardens, it is a historic property that has been beautifully updated and modernized.
Hawaiian Food is Diverse and Delicious
You’ll have your pick of level of formality and cost with choices of fabulous food whether from an upscale restaurant or a food trucks. Hawai’i is relaxed and even elegant dining only requires resort wear.
Hawaii is a bold showcase for farm-to-table fusion cuisine. A fantastic mashup of three unique elements creates tasty and memorable cuisine. The island’s amazing diversity and rich multi-cultural history melds with the native foods of the islands to yield distinctive dishes you won’t see elsewhere. Paired with creative chefs working with the bounties from the island’s ranches, organic farms and the sea, the food of Hawai’i is a delicious melange of tastes. The food scene is rich with restaurants offering the freshest of Hawaiian grown vegetables, fish caught today and organic meats from local ranches, all locally sourced.
A few things you’ll want to try:
- Shaved Ice – not a snow cone
- Malasadas – Warm, sugar-coated pillow of dough filled with local jams or creams.
- Spam – a Hawaiian favorite!
- Moco Locos – Hawaiian Comfort Food
- Mahi Mahi – One of Hawaii’s best white fish
- Maui Onion Rings – Sweet Maui Onions
- Mai Tai – The official Beach Drink
One of the twelve founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Peter Merriman has five restaurants—his flagship location in Waimea on the Big Island, one in Honolulu, one on Maui and two on Kauai.
This baby boomer hippie chick was bitten by the travel bug decades ago and has never recovered. She has adventured through over 30 countries and 4 continents and can often be found on a warm island beach. Sharing tips and experiences to inspire others to live their dreams makes her filled with joy. She loves hot springs, historic hotels, beaches, food and tennis. A member of TravMedia, Travel Massive, ITWPA (International Travel Writers & Photographers Alliance) and IFWTWA (International Food Wine Travel Writers Association), she is published in numerous magazines and e-zines. Her blog is at http://www.JoeannsView.com