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Islands of Hawaii
A guide to traveling in the islands of Hawaii,
including Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island
of Hawaii. Also includes information about the
privately owned island of Niihau and the unhabited islands
of Kahoolawe and Molokini.
Introduction to the Islands of Hawaii
Oahu
The island of Oahu is the most populated island in Hawaii.
Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu is located on Oahu,
and so is Waikiki Beach, Hawaii's most visited resort area.
Oahu landmarks include Diamond Head Crater, Pearl
Harbor, and Nuuanu Pali.
Population: 876,200
Size: 597 square miles
Summit: Kaala (4003 feet)
Island Flower: Ilima
Island Color: Yellow
Big Island
Hawaii Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands,
and therefore it is known as the "Big Island". It
is and island of contrasts, from 13,000+ foot Mauna Loa
and Mauna Kea, to the Kau Desert, to lush fern forests,
to cattle country, to some of themost active volcanoes in
the world. Major crops include coffee, cattle and
macadamia nuts, at at one time included sugar cane.
Big Island landmarks include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,
Kealakekua Bay, Kailua-Kona, Kawaihae, Parker Ranch,
and the Waipio Valley.
Population: 148,700
Size: 4,030 square miles
Summit: Lanaihale (13,796 feet)
Island Flower: Red Lehua Ohia
Island Color: Red
Maui
The largest domant volcanic crater in the world is
located on Maui, on top of 10,000 foot Mount Haleakala.
Maui is known as the "Valley Isle"
Lahaina was Hawaii's capital
before 1845, and still has some of the atmosphere of an
old whaling town. The Kaanapali and Wailea
resort areas and golf courses are near Lahaina.
Two other visitor attractions are the road to Hana
and the Iao Valley. Maui's major crops include sugar, pineapple,
cattle, horses.
Population: 117,650
Size: 727 square miles
Summit: Haleakala (10,023 feet)
Island Flower: Lokelani (Pink Cottage Rose)
Island Color: Pink
Kauai
The island of Kauai is known as the "Garden Island"
and it offers magnificent scenery, lush
vegetation, beautiful waterfalls, the spectacular Waimea
Canyon, the great "hidden" valley of Kalalau, colorful
tropical plants and flowers. Landmarks: Hanalei Bay,
Wailua River, Nawiliwili Bay, Poipu Beach.
Population: 58,300
Size: 552 square miles
Summit: Kawaikini (5,243 feet)
Island Flower: Mokihana (Green Berry)
Island Color: Purple
Molokai
The "Friendly Isle" has diversified agriculture,
ranching, tourism and the world's highest sea cliffs
along its northern coast. On a 13-square-mile peninsula
below high cliffs is Kalaupapa, the Hansen's Disease
settlement, officially called Kalawao County, a National
Historical Park.
Population: 7,410
Size: 260 square miles
Summit: 4,961 feet
Island Flower: White Kukui Blossom
Island Color: Green
Lanai
Hawaii's "Secluded Island was formerly known as the "Pineapple Island," Almost the
entire island was until recently a Dole Company pineapple
plantation but is now phasing in tourism, and is home
to two new world class resorts.
Population: 3,200
Size: 140 square miles
Summit: Kamakou (3,366 feet)
Island Flower: Kaunaoa (Yellow and Orange Air Plant)
Island Color: Orange
Niihau
Privately owned island, with livestock raising as
its principal industry; highly limited access by general
public through helicopter landings at uninhabited sites.
Legend says it was the original home of the goddess Pele.
Population: 160
Size: 69 square miles
Island Flower: Pupu Shell
Island Color: White
Kahoolawe
This unhabited island was once used for target practice by
the United States Navy and Air Force, and they arenow in
the process of cleaning up unexploded shells. No one is allowed
to go ashore without permission.
Population: Uninhabited
Size: 45 square miles
Summit: 1,483 feet
Island Flower: Hinahina (Beach Heliotrope)
Island Color: Grey
Molokini
A tiny uninhabited island off the coast of Maui that
is a popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving,
and kayaking excursions.
Population: Uninhabited
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Related Links
Forum for Visitors to Hawaii
Hawaii Travel Newsletter
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