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Hawaii

BIG ISLAND

Home to the world's tallest mountain and the world's most active volcano, Hawaii is an island of extremes and superlatives. Where else can you go skiing on a mountain top in the morning and snorkel in a tropical sea in the afternoon? The southernmost island in the Hawaiian archipelago, the Big Island is also the largest island in the chain—bigger than all of the other islands put together--and is the largest island in the United States. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the state's most popular attraction, which is pretty impressive considering just how many attractions Hawaii boasts. Whether you explore the desert-like Kona coast or the lush emerald rainforests of Hilo, the laid-back Upcountry around Waimea or the glitzy resorts of the Gold Coast, the Big Island's many facets offer something for everyone. Hawaii is also the heart of Hawaiian history and culture, the seat of power for Pai`ea Kamehameha (or Kamehameha the Great), the legendary Hawaiian king who united the islands under his rule. A land of coral and lava, of fire and snow, the Big Island is awesome in its rich natural beauty and offers a dazzling array of vacation options.

HONOLULU / OAHU

 

As the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu is a bustling city set along pristine beaches and beautiful tropical vegetation. It is located on the island of Oahu, and has a population of about 371,000. The name Honolulu comes from a blend of words from the native Hawaiian language: "hono" (meaning bay) and "lulu" (meaning sheltered). The city is made up of a unique mix of both old and new, and visitors will be treated to modern businesses and trendy hipsters, as well as a good dose of ancient Hawaiian culture. Downtown Honolulu is home to a great art scene, where you'll find a wide variety of art galleries, music clubs, and the Honolulu Academy of Arts. There are also many tasty restaurants and shops filling the streets of downtown, making it a convenient place to go for some of the city's best gastronomical delights, an unbeatable offering of shopping options, and bustling nightlife. A trip to Honolulu wouldn't be complete without a visit to the famous Waikiki beach, where some of the legends of surfing (such as Hawaii's Duke Kahanamoku) got their start. Today, it is a popular gathering place for both locals and visitors who are looking to swim, dine, shop, and simply have fun in the sun.

KAUAI

 

Nicknamed the "Garden Isle", Kaua`i is a beautiful oasis of tropical forest and white sand beaches. It's the fourth largest Hawaiian island, its circular shape comprising about 552 square miles. Although the island itself is fairly mountainous, about half of its shoreline is made up of sparkling beaches, making it a popular place for visitors who want to enjoy beautiful scenery while lounging on the sand. Kaua`i is the oldest island in the Hawaiian island archipelago, as it was formed as a result of volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean that occurred about six million years ago. Some of the original volcanoes that formed the island remain visible today, including the tallest peak on the island, Kawaikini (5,243 feet tall) and the second tallest, Mt. Wailale (5,148 feet tall). The main industry on Kaua`i is tourism, and the island welcomes an average of about 1.2 million visitors each year. Sugar cane cultivation was also another one of the island's most profitable industries, but today only one plantation is still in operation, and much of the rest of the island's fertile land has been transformed into ranches

MAUI

The island of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, and is the third most populous of the islands after Oahu and the Big Island with over 117,000 people who call Maui home. Maui is one of the most popular islands to visit, featuring such alluring attractions as the massive Haleakala volcano, the bustling whaler village of Lahaina, the magnificent humpback whales, the infamous stretch of road to Hana, its numerous family-friendly resorts, and inviting white-sand beaches. Maui is also the largest island within Maui County, which is comprised of three other islands: Lana`i, Kaho`olawe, and Moloka`i.

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