What is the most beautiful island in the Hawaiian archipelago? Hawaii: attractions and photos

Hawaii is located on the northeastern edge of Polynesia and almost in the center of the North Pacific Ocean. Once the main center of whaling, sugar cane and pineapple cultivation, Hawaii is now economically dependent on tourism and American military bases. The beauty of nature continues to be one of Hawaii's top assets. The warm tropical climate, long coastline, lush rainforests, waterfalls, wild rivers flowing through canyons and active volcanoes have turned the islands into a popular travel destination for tourists, surfers, biologists and volcanologists. And, of course, the beaches - golden, red, black and even green, caressed by the endless surf. Honolulu is the capital of the state, the largest city and Cultural Center. The population of Hawaii is over 1 million 300 thousand inhabitants, plus American military personnel and millions of vacationers from all over the world. Hawaiian and English are the official languages ​​in Hawaii.

Topography

Hawaii - the only state The USA, geographically not located in North America, is a coffee-growing, completely surrounded by water, completely archipelago, has a royal palace, and does not have a straight line in its state border.

The most high mountain Hawaii, Mauna Kea (4205 m), higher than Mount Everest, if you take into account the foot of the mountain, which, lying on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, rises to a height of 10,200 m.

Hawaii is the last 50th state to join the US on August 21, 1959, and the only one entirely made up of islands.

coastline Hawaiian Islands is about 1210 km - the fourth largest in the US after Alaska, Florida and California.

Geographically and ethnographically, the Hawaiian archipelago is part of the Polynesian Oceania.

The Hawaiian archipelago comprises hundreds of mostly tiny islands located above the Pacific hotspot. In the southeastern part of the archipelago, the following eight main islands are located (from northwest to southeast): Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the Island of Hawaii. Of these eight islands, six are open to tourism. Each of the six main islands is unique in its own way.

History of Hawaii

Islands

Lanai. This island was once home to the largest pineapple plantation in the world and is now home to several exclusive resorts.

Niihau means "Forbidden Island". Tourists are prohibited from visiting this private island, which has a cattle and sheep ranch and a single village of Puuwai with a population of about 200 residents. From the outside, life on Niihau hasn't changed much over the past century and a half - until today there is no running water, sewerage or electricity. Residents continue to speak Hawaiian; men work on the ranch, go fishing and hunting; women specialize in collecting tiny white Pupu Niihau shells (found only on this island) to make leis, which are valued in the thousands of dollars. Holidays on the island are limited to helicopter tours.

Kahoolawe (Kahoolawe), once a US Navy training ground, continues to be uninhabited.

Volcanoes. The entire chain of islands consists of volcanoes; do not miss the opportunity to see at least one. Hike to the top of the world-famous Diamond Head on Oahu. At the other end of the spectrum is the fire-breathing Kilauea in Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park (Big Island of Hawaii), where you can see close-up hot lava. The island of Maui is famous for the beauty of the dormant crater of the Haleakala volcano.

waterfalls are among the most beautiful natural attractions in Hawaii. If you're on the Big Island, check out Rainbow Falls, or the spectacular Akaka Falls near Hilo. On the island of Maui scenic road to Hana passes by many beautiful waterfalls. At the end of the path you will see the beautiful place Oheo Gulch (often called the Seven Sacred Pools). north coast and the Wailua area of ​​Kauai has many waterfalls. The 25-meter Wailua waterfall is of particular beauty.

Garden of the Gods(Lanai): On the northern coast of Lanai is the stone Garden of the Gods: a deserted, windswept, but very beautiful place, with unusually shaped rocks protruding right from the ground. Scientists call such a landscape "badland", that is, a heavily rugged, infertile, eroded area. Ancient Hawaiians consider the Garden of the Gods to be a supernatural phenomenon. Barren land or mystical garden? Rent a car, visit the Garden of the Gods and judge for yourself.

Waimea Canyon(Kauai). Known for its reddish lava flows, the gorge is reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Its counterpart on Kauai constantly changes color, but it is much smaller than the Arizona canyon - only one and a half kilometers wide, 16 kilometers long and a little more than 900 meters deep. The canyon (as well as the nearby Alakai Wilderness Preserve) has 72 km of trails for hiking. From the observation platforms, magnificent landscapes of the canyon open up. Stop along the side of the road and spend a few minutes admiring this natural wonder, hiking or seeing it from a helicopter.

Coast of Na Pali listed on every Kauai tourist map. This is one of the most spectacular attractions in Hawaii, the most unique natural corner of our planet. Featured in Jurassic Park and other Hollywood films, the coastline is steep "corrugated" cliffs sloping down to pristine beaches. The beaches can only be reached by inflatable rubber boat, yacht, catamaran or viewed from a helicopter. Serious hikers can venture out along the 18-kilometre ancient trail to Kalalau Beach.

Pali coast. The Pali Coast of North Molokai (not to be confused with the Na Pali Coast of Kauai) is another of Hawaii's most impressive natural wonders. Pali Molokai are considered the highest coastal cliffs in the world (up to 1200 m high). From Halava Bay to the coast of Pali, tour operators offer kayaking. To view these cliffs from the air, book helicopter tours from nearby Maui. If you can't see Hawaii's most beautiful coastline (not many Molokai tourists see it), don't miss the opportunity to take a look at it from observation platform Kalaupapa Lookout. You will not see a stunningly beautiful panorama of rocks anywhere else in the world.

The best beaches

All beaches in Hawaii, even in front of hotels and resort complexes, are owned by the state and are open to the public. Hawaii state law requires all resorts and hotels to provide right-of-way and beach access, along with public parking. If the beach is adjacent to the hotel, its staff has no right to interfere with everyone who wants to enjoy the water and relax. Moreover, if non-customers of the hotel want to rent water sports equipment, buy a drink or eat a sandwich - money is money - the staff will gladly provide it all. But you will not be allowed to use the sun loungers reserved for hotel guests. Nudists on Hawaiian beaches have nothing to do - nudity in public places is prohibited by state law.

Bus

System public transport underdeveloped in the Hawaiian Islands, with the exception of Oahu, where the network operates bus routes TheBus (www.thebus.org). In local ABC stores you can buy a brochure called TheBus, get information on routes and how to travel with TheBus around the island. The itinerary of the schedules is also available on their website on this page.

Transport rental

The most popular form of exploring the Hawaiian Islands is a ride in a rental car. The cost of car rental depends on supply and demand (expensive in the tourist season, cheaper in the off-season). The exception is Waikiki, where there is no need to rent a car. If you've been in an accident, damaged your car, and you don't have insurance, you must pay all damages, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. Accident insurance can double the car rental rate for one day and even exceed it. Be sure to fasten your seat belts - fines for non-compliance with the rules traffic considerable.

For travel around the islands, scooters can serve as an alternative. A license is required for scooters exceeding 35 mph (1 mile = 1.61 km) or with an engine capacity greater than 49 cc. Mopeds do not require a driver's license, but the driver must be over 15 years of age. Please note that riding a moped with a passenger is prohibited. Harley-Davidson motorcycles can be rented on most islands.

The cost of fuel in Hawaii is significantly more expensive than in the US mainland - in Honolulu by 10%, by neighboring islands even higher by 10-15%.

What to buy

Closely associated with Hawaii are aloha shirts (or Hawaiian shirts), muu-muu (loose-fitting women's clothing hanging from the shoulders), and the so-called "grass skirt" - a long skirt made of plant fibers, which is usually worn by hula dancers.

Hawaiian shirts(aloha shirt) with short sleeves are presented in two types of styles:

Brightly colored polyester Hawaiian shirts found ubiquitously in tourist-oriented shops throughout Hawaii;

And aloha shirts, a popular form of dress among business people in Hawaii (similar to our business suit). These shirts are made, as a rule, from a mixture of cotton and polyester, the ornament of the pattern is applied "reverse" (on the inside of the shirt, as a result of which it has a less bright, more businesslike look).

Muumuu(muumuu) - a long Hawaiian dress, usually made of cotton, hanging loosely from the shoulders. Like Hawaiian shirts, the tourist-oriented muu-muu dress usually has a bright floral design, made in traditional Polynesian motifs. Muu-muu continues to be a popular evening dress for women for weddings and other special occasions. They are often worn by women working in hotels.

grass skirt(also called a hula skirt) is made from natural hibiscus or palm fibers. This is a traditional skirt not only of Kawaii, but also of other cultures of Polynesia, many peoples and tribes of Africa.

As a souvenir, you can buy shampoos, body lotions, soaps, oils, incense, candles, and much more. All of these products have a unique Hawaiian flavor.

Macadamia nuts. This fragrant nut is commonly associated with Hawaii. Dry roasted macadamia nuts are sold unseasoned, seasoned or in chocolate. Macadamia nuts are more popular with tourists than locals and are sold as souvenirs.

You can also bring home "Crack Seed" - dried fruits of different flavors (sweet, sour, salty), a very popular type of light breakfast in Hawaii. Especially popular in Hawaii are li hing mui - dried plums with sweet, salty and sour tastes. Sold in three forms: with plums intact, pitted at all, or as a dry powder to add to other snacks.

Things to do

Hiking and eco-tours, horseback riding, ATV trips, plane trips, diving, snorkeling are popular ways to explore the beautiful nature of the Hawaiian Islands. Many islands have interesting museums and historical monuments.

Hawaii is known for its beaches and water sports. Every winter, swells (long sea ​​waves, formed as a result of storms and storms thousands of kilometers to the north in the Bering Sea region. These waves are much more stable in direction and frequency than regular wind-driven waves and are therefore more favorable for surfing. Surfing is practically a religion in Hawaii, most of all this sport is practiced on the island of Oahu. There are many places for diving, snorkelling, vacationers are offered activities water skiing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking.

The Hawaiian Islands are one of the most important habitats for Pacific humpback whales and the only place in the US where they reproduce. Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire population of humpback whales in the North Pacific (approximately 4,000-5,000) migrate to Hawaiian waters to reproduce. coastal areas around some islands became part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, becoming the eleventh US marine reserve. Whale watching tours are especially popular on the islands of Maui and Kauai.

Take the opportunity to visit the luau, a traditional Hawaiian holiday. Luaus are held on all Hawaiian islands visited by tourists. The modern luau offers tourists traditional Hawaiian cuisine, Hawaiian music, hula dancing and other traditional Polynesian entertainment.

Unfortunately, even paradise has its fair share of tourist hacks. Be careful not to fall into the trap where vacationers are bred for money. At the end of each article there is a section "What to do, tours of local tour operators." It provides tour information for the most popular, reputable travel agencies that offer the very best in Hawaii.

Useful tips for tourists in Hawaii

Hawaii has one of the toughest anti-smoking laws of any state in the US. It is forbidden to smoke in public buildings, including airports, shopping malls, grocery stores, supermarkets, buses, cinemas, banks, conference rooms, all government premises. Smoking is prohibited in restaurants, bars or nightclubs. Most hotels are non-smoking on their premises, and more and more hotels and resorts are banning smoking even in public areas. In addition, smoking is prohibited within 6 meters of doors, windows or building vents. Even some beaches adhere to no-smoking rules. You can breathe fresh air in Hawaii, but you can't smoke.

The legal drinking age in Hawaii is 21. The bar is open until 02:00, cabaret-type entertainment establishments have the right to remain open until 04:00. Supermarkets and grocery stores sell liquor 7 days a week. In cases of doubt, shops, bars, nightclubs and restaurants require proof of age. Do not drink beer in any public place - the police will fine you immediately.

Every Hawaiian island has many hiking trails. If you are planning to go hiking in the mountains, a tropical forest, to waterfalls and reservoirs, in no case do not drink water from streams in view of the risk of infection with leptospirosis, an acute infectious disease. Leptospirosis usually causes flu-like symptoms, often affects the liver and kidneys, and in rare cases can be fatal.

Foreign tourists entering the islands must fill out a written agricultural declaration (the forms are distributed on the plane). Completion of this declaration is required by the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture to prevent the entry of plant pests and diseases. Any fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc. must be declared, and Department of Agriculture staff will check luggage at the point of arrival. Fines for violations are very high. On reverse side declaration is the form of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. It is recommended, but not required, to complete this questionnaire.

As you leave Hawaii, your baggage is checked by an USDA inspector at the airport. Fresh fruit (with the exception of pineapples and papaya) is prohibited from being taken out of the island to prevent the spread of fruit flies. detailed information on the USDA website (http://www.aphis.usda.gov).

First, plan to stay on each island for a week. With the exception of ferry service between Maui and Lanai, it takes a day to get from one island to another. You will need to collect things, check out from the hotel, get to the airport, spend some time at the airport, then fly, transport and check into a new hotel. All this will take a whole day, do not waste your vacation time in vain.

You will also need a car to travel around the islands. Oahu has developed system public transport, but it is designed for residents, not tourists (all hand luggage must fit under the bus seat). So plan to rent a car.

Known for their beauty. In the vastness of the Pacific Ocean there is a chain of 24 major islands and over 100 smaller ones. Most of them are uninhabited. The island of Hawaii is the largest, occupying up to 62% of the land area of ​​the islands. All of them have their unique beauty, differ in landscape, weather and representatives of the animal and plant world.

This paradise in the middle of the ocean was formed as a result of active volcanic activity. To date, some of the volcanoes are extinct, and some are dormant. has been spewing lava flows almost continuously since 1983. It's time to find out where the island of Hawaii is located.

Climate

On heat, because they are located on the outskirts of the tropics. The intensity and amount of precipitation in the region depend on the prevailing winds. Northeast winds prevail, so the northern and eastern parts of the mountains and volcanoes receive large quantity rain moisture than opposite side islands.

In winter, the amount of precipitation is much higher than in summer. However, even in winter period cloudy weather on the islands is a rarity. Clear weather prevails here, so do not be afraid to be caught in a series of rainy days. Therefore, the island of Hawaii attracts many tourists.

The season of storms and hurricanes on the islands lasts from June to September. Strong winds hit Hawaii from the north or northeast. Bad weather originates off the American coast and moves towards the archipelago. On the way, the vast majority of hurricanes have time to significantly weaken. But the residual force is sometimes still palpable. Tropical storms bring a lot of trouble to the Hawaiian Islands. The main blow falls on those of them that are deprived of a shield of volcanoes and stone massifs.

Tsunami

From the north, gigantic waves from the expanses of the ocean are sometimes approaching the archipelago. Cities located on the coasts suffer greatly from the tsunami. Some bays are able to concentrate the shock force of waves in a small volume. As a result, cities built in such bays are regularly destroyed by natural disasters.

But the dangerous weather events mentioned above are extremely rare. Therefore, you should not neglect visiting this paradise on earth because of them. Many tourists fell in love with this place and come back here again for new experiences.

Outdoors is usually not hot. The temperature during the year is around +25 ºС. In winter - about +20 ºС, and in summer - about +30 ºС. IN winter time snow can even fall on the tops of volcanoes. This phenomenon is more exotic.

Nature

Gentle waves of the Pacific Ocean and bright sun, sprawling palm trees and formidable volcanoes, black sand on the beach in Paunaluu Bay and snow-white beaches in other places, rounded boulders on the shores and a lava tunnel, as well as many bright and attractive flowers. Aborigines sell orchids by weight because they grow everywhere.

The archipelago is Hawaii. It has a special picturesque nature. It has many endemic plants. Volcanoes regularly erupt in this place, giving rise to new landmasses. Remember that holidays in Hawaii are fraught with danger due to volcanic activity.

The two volcanoes are not dormant. Hot lava, rising from the depths, spreads over the surface, after which it slides from the shore into the water and freezes there. This process leads to a gradual increase in land surface. At the end of another powerful eruption, it turned out natural Park. It was called "Lava Trees" because the red-hot mass from the bowels passed through trees and other plants in a stream and formed a stone shell on them.

Golden sands on the coast

The beaches attract with their golden sand, blue lagoons beckon with stunning views, and the humid and warm climate is conducive to relaxation. In the mountains, tourists can admire the views of the canyons, high waterfalls and extraordinary nature. And on the ocean they are waiting for diving, surfing and swimming.

Among the ridge of islands there are also private properties. One of these private islands can be accessed by invitation. Such an invitation makes it possible to feel like a Robinson and live in a bamboo hut. There are about two hundred of these huts in different parts of the island. Tourists love the island of Maui. Hawaii is a picturesque place, many untouched by civilization.

The Hawaiian alphabet consists of only twelve letters. official language is English. On the islands you can hear everywhere: "Aloha". This word is very common and has many meanings. This is the name of the tower in Honolulu.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanic activity that lasted a millennium created these islands. The ecosystem has also developed a kind. The active volcano Kilue is located in the park.

Do not miss the opportunity to look at the huge Waimia Canyon. It is located on about. Kauai. For numerous tourists, a platform has been organized from which you can see the wide valleys, majestic rocks and gorges. It is they who attract many tourists who flock to Hawaii in droves. The island of volcanoes is really beautiful and unique.

Haleakala National Park

(Hawaii) is also Untouched nature and yellow beaches merge into one in this incredible place. Tourists are very fond of visiting the Hosmer Grove, where rare species of trees harmoniously coexist on a small plot of land. It is Maui that is considered the most beautiful island of the archipelago.

Local beaches are famous for their warm clean sand. The beach located in Konolua Bay is especially popular. Tourists can always try their hand at diving, snorkeling and other outdoor activities. coastal zone reaches two hundred meters in length. And this is not the only beach worthy of your attention.

Botanical Gardens of Kauai

This generalized name includes several small gardens. famous for the local cave Fern Grotto. It is popular with newlyweds who organize wedding ceremonies here. It is not easy to get into it: you need to go by boat along the river. Wailua. But the experience is worth it. Be sure to take your camera when you go to the island of Hawaii. Photos will turn out juicy and rich.

These places are famous for shooting popular movies:

• "Jurassic Park".
• "King Kong".
• "Indiana Jones".

Museums

The Bishop Museum, located in Honolulu, is both cultural and natural history. glean historical information about the island and pacific ocean in general, you can use the example of more than 1 million exhibits. The island of Hawaii has its own cultural centers.

The Lahaina Heritage Museum will tell the details of the life of the whaling village, which is legendary. It is one of the most interesting and fascinating museums. Learn the history of Kauai is available at the Kauai Island Museum, which is located in Lihua. Be sure to visit this island.

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, gives vacationers the opportunity to visit the royal palace, which is the only one in the United States of America. Its second name is Iolani Palace. It was created for the ruling people of the islands. This building has preserved all the attributes characteristic of the power of kings, a huge library and royal mansions.

Who doesn't know the Pearl Harbor military base? It is also on these islands and is a war monument. All US citizens are proud of her.

Festivals

Fun festivals are an integral part of the Hawaiian Islands. One of the beaches Oahu is traditionally the site of a festival for connoisseurs of ethnic music. On it, folk songs are performed with a guitar. Spectators will definitely see folk dances and get interesting information about the traditional culture of Hawaii. You can visit this festival with the whole family.

Kona Slack Key is an exciting ukulele festival. This small guitar is a traditional musical instrument of the islands that has spread all over the world.

When going on vacation to this paradise, you should not stock up on warm clothes; you can also leave business suits at home. A light windbreaker will protect you from the coolness of the night and possible bad weather. Keep in mind that most of the population communicates English language. The Hawaiian Islands will always attract tourists from all over the world. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to visit them, then go without hesitation. You will not only relax and see the beautiful underwater world, but also enjoy the wildlife. It's especially nice to be here. honeymoon travel they will be remembered for the rest of their lives. These islands can safely be called a paradise.

The Hawaiian Islands can be safely called one of the most amazing places on the planet. Here, on the coast of the endless ocean, every vacationer will enjoy the opening landscape, which seems to be specially created for contemplation with its soft sand, tall palm trees, a variety of exotic birds, animals, fruits and flowers.

Hawaii is also called the Sandwich Islands. They include atolls and 24 islands, as well as many small islands. They are of volcanic origin, and got their name from the name of the largest island - Hawaii.

People here do not live everywhere, but only in these places:

• Hawaii.
• Oahu.
• Maui.
• Kauai.
• Molokai.
• Lanai.

Origin of the islands

The formation of the archipelago was due to the movement of the Pacific lithospheric plate. Since it moved in a northwesterly direction, the islands in this particular part are the oldest and smallest due to long erosion. Here all the volcanoes are basaltic.

In the chain, the youngest and largest island is Hawaii, which has 7 volcanoes. The largest of them is Mauna Loa. It is worth noting that Russians visit the Canary, Seychelles and Hawaii with pleasure. The island on the map (Hawaii) occupies the main area of ​​the resort. It is of volcanic origin and is part of the 8 islands that form the US state of Hawaii. This is the largest inhabited island- his total area is 10432.5 sq. km.

How to get to the Hawaiian Islands

It is a major transportation hub for the northern Pacific Ocean. Routes pass through it that connect Canada and the United States with the Philippines, the states East Asia, New Zealand and Australia.

For domestic tourists who dream of going on vacation to Hawaii, the easiest way is to fly to Los Angeles, then to Honolulu. If tourists come to the islands of Kauai, Maui or Hawaii, the flight is also to Los Angeles, after that - a flight to the required island with a change in Honolulu.

From Chicago or New York, the flight takes 9-10 hours, in addition, you can fly from Japan in 7 hours, but this option is more expensive.

You can also get here from the coast of the United States cruise ship. Basically they depart from Vancouver or Los Angeles, this trip lasts 3 days.

Flora and fauna of Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands are home to various ancient animal and plant species, as their flora and fauna evolved over seventy million years with almost no human intervention. The Polynesians were the first to come here, enriching the flora and fauna of the islands with various new samples. The areas of forests began to decrease with an increase in population, the number of steppes began to increase, and this began to worsen the environment of the archipelago. Because of this human influence, the main number of animals that lived in the forests died out.

On the islands, agriculture has become monocultural. The Europeans who came to the Hawaiian Islands (their map is presented in this article) made agricultural production and animal husbandry large-scale. But this also had a negative impact on the environment, as the rapid growth of cities led to the disappearance of forests. At the present moment, the situation has changed, although a huge number of species still remain on the verge of extinction.

Attractions of the island of Oahu

Recently, the Hawaiian Islands have become increasingly popular among tourists. Tours, prices for which depend on the time of year and in the high season average 120,000 for 10 days, many are interested in the opportunity to visit the island of Oahu, since it is here that the capital of Hawaii, the city of Honolulu, is located.

For vacationers, excursions around the city and the island are conducted. Here, of particular interest is the Iolani Palace, China Town, the monument to Queen Liliokalani and King Kamehameha, the senate, the residence of the governor. Of course, you need to visit Pearl Harbor, a military base. The United States, after the destruction of this place, entered the 2nd world war. In retaliation for the complete destruction of this base, nuclear bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

A jewelry factory is also located here, where you can trace the process of creating amazing jewelry. If you want to keep something for yourself as a souvenir of this place, you can buy jewelry in a local store - interesting gizmos made of different metals, precious stones, corals and pearls are presented here.

Oahu is the center of Polynesian culture. Holidays in Hawaii can start with a visit to 7 villages - Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, New Zealand, Marquesas and Samoa. At the same time, each village reproduces its own part of the culture of Polynesia, delighting visitors with various performances, incendiary dances, as well as playing authentic musical instruments.

Top 5 most visited attractions

Hawaii is a paradise for every tourist, with an incredible number of interesting places. Consider the sights of the islands that you need to visit.

1st Place: Iolani Palace

This is the former residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, who ruled here at the end 19th century. The building is located in the city of Honolulu. The Hawaiian monarch built his palace in 1882 after a trip to Europe. It was equipped with all modern conveniences: it is believed that electricity and telephone were installed here earlier than in Buckingham Palace and the White House. This attraction is visited annually by about 60 thousand tourists.

2nd place: Haiku stairs

3992 steps of stairs lead to the top of Kulau, from where incredible views open up. Due to the fact that its peak is often hidden in the clouds, this path is called the "stairway to heaven." Tourists sometimes have to move through thick fog, which creates the illusion of walking in the sky.

3rd Place: Akaka Falls

The 135-meter waterfall is the most beautiful and highest waterfall in Hawaii. It falls from a cliff of volcanic origin, whose height is 135 meters. The waterfall can be admired in national park near the city of Hilo.

4th place: Waipio Valley

It is the largest of the seven valleys in Hawaii. It is also called the "Valley of the Kings", as many rulers of the island once lived here. It was a very fertile valley with a favorable climate for agriculture. Its inhabitants, according to local beliefs, are guarded by the spirits of their ancestors. The valley is so picturesque that quite often it becomes a location for shooting Hollywood films: the films "Predator" and "Water World" were filmed here.

5th place: Kealakekua Bay

This marine reserve is located in a historical place: in Kealakekua Bay in 1779, James Cook appeared, originally taken by the Hawaiians for the god Lono, more precisely, his earthly incarnation. Today it is the largest natural bay of the island. Its waters are well protected, with visibility of thirty meters. It makes the bay great place for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Volcanoes - a natural attraction

Vacation in the Hawaiian Islands is impossible without a trip to extinct volcanoes, which is not surprising. In essence, these islands are volcanoes, long extinct or still active. Their peaks peep out of the sea, forming a chain 3000 km long.

To see the most active of them, Manua Loa and Kilauea, you should go to Hawaii. You need to know that Manua Loa is the highest in the world active volcano. Its height is more than 4000 m. The islands have all the conditions to see these "giants". Extinct Giants pedestrian paths are simply slashed, tourists are taken to them by buses.

Of course, it is better to look at active volcanoes from afar. For this there is viewing platforms and observatories. In addition, there is national park volcanoes on the island of Hawaii. From here you can observe the Halemaumau crater and Kilauea. Its visitors will see an amazing sight of seething red-hot lava flowing into the ocean.

Where to relax on the islands

The Hawaiian Islands, photos of which are presented in this article, being one of the most beautiful places on the planet, are amazing not only for the underwater world with all kinds of its inhabitants and unique nature. People come to this place to do various types water sports. Windsurfing, surfing, sailing, kiteboarding, etc. are especially popular here.

For fans of diving on the islands, the beauty of the underwater world is specially created by volcanoes, stunning the imagination. Among them are giant caves and grottoes with arches and columns, an incredible amount of a wide variety of corals and fish. There are sixty well-equipped dive centers on the islands.

Fishing connoisseurs will remember fishing in these places for a lifetime, because it is simply fantastic! Fishing will captivate you with the variety and quantity of fish; for example, you can catch mahi-mahi, sailfish, tuna or blue marlin.

But for those who do not want to leave the hotel, there are all conditions for a comfortable stay, including swimming pools. But few people deny themselves swimming in the ocean, since all beaches are equipped with showers, toilets, dining tables, neatly mowed lawns, and places for fires. At the same time, there are absolutely wild beaches for connoisseurs of exotic - there are raging winds, waves, and crabs run along the shore.

Favorite activities local tourists golf and cycling are considered.

Everyone who comes here can enjoy not only the unique paradise nature - there is an opportunity to choose for themselves the passive or active type of recreation that he wants.

Hawaiian style

The Hawaiian Islands are the birthplace of a special, slightly clumsy and relaxed style. US comedy heroes usually return from vacation with a floral necklace and Hawaiian flowery shirt, which immediately shows where they spent their weekend. No wonder the most famous flip-flops on the planet - "flip flops" - are produced under the Hawaiians brand. A traditional souvenir that is brought from here is a shell necklace with a pendant in the shape of a fishhook. It should be noted that the cost of some pieces is $200-300, while such jewelry is combined only with classic Hawaiian clothing.

Finally, there is one more thing to add. The islands are absolutely safe for tourists. You should not be afraid of natural disasters. Hawaii has a good climate all year round (neither cold nor hot), although it does rain in winter. Dance lovers can learn the hula dance - lessons of this dance can be found in every major hotel. Don't forget to tip the wait staff - they have become a very integral part of the culture of Hawaii and have become an unwritten rule for a long time.

The most convenient way to travel between the islands is by plane, but ferries also run between some of them.

For many tourists, the best place is Hawaii - the state of the country, the fiftieth in order of entry into the state. This happened in the summer of 1959. After joining, the islands began an active economic growth, as well as an increase in the population, which in 2015 amounted to about one and a half million people.

Location

The map (photo below) shows that the islands are located in the center of the Pacific Ocean, at a distance of 3700 km. Their area is 28,311 km. sq. On the island of Hawaii, there are active volcanoes Kilauza and Mauna Loa, as well as a dormant volcano Mauna Kea (4205 m).

Hawaii is considered the fastest growing area of ​​​​the Earth, which is a consequence volcanic activity. Due to the peculiarity of local soils, which practically do not retain moisture, there are almost no lakes in the state. The exceptions are Halulu, Waiau, and the Ka-Loko reservoir.

How many islands are in the state of Hawaii?

It consists of 8 large islands in the southeast of the archipelago in the center of the Pacific Ocean:

• Kauai.
• Niihau.
• Molokai.
• Oahu.
• Lanai.
• Kahoolave.
• Maui.
• Hawaii.

These are not all the islands of the archipelago, but the state is associated with them, since the total area of ​​​​the remaining 124 islands is only about eight square kilometers.

The largest island of the archipelago is Hawaii (this can be seen on the map). To avoid confusion with names, it is often referred to as big island. Its area is 10,432 km. sq. Hawaii is a US state (the only one) that:

• is not located in North America;
• it is completely surrounded by the ocean;
• is an archipelago;

State capital

Honolulu is a city located on the island of Oahu, which is part of the archipelago, the capital of the state of Hawaii. This name can be translated as "secluded bay". In this area, the first settlements appeared in 1100 AD. Surprisingly, for a long time, European ships that passed from North America to Asia, did not notice the islands and their inhabitants.

Only in the autumn of 1794, the ship Butterworth (Britain), commanded by Captain William Brown, entered the bay (later it was called Honolulu). Then Brown called it differently - "Clean Harbor". It was later renamed Brown's Cove in honor of its discoverer.

Today Honolulu is the center of the state of Hawaii, a modern city with magnificent skyscrapers, convenient infrastructure, numerous offices, restaurants and shops.

On the outskirts of the city is the famous sandy beach of Waikiki. Weak waves create conditions for surfing. Today, the popular Sailing Center is located here. The state of Hawaii, whose sights invariably attract the attention of tourists, annually receives thousands of visitors from all over the world. We will talk about some of them in this article.

State of Hawaii attractions. Bishop Museum

The building of this museum was built in 1889 on the island of Oahu and is one of its main monuments. The building is made in the Romanesque style, which at that time was very popular on the islands. The building features narrow arched windows located on the façade and a row of Doric columns that support the span of the main entrance. At first glance, the museum is very reminiscent of a stone medieval castle.

The exposition of the museum is the largest collection of scientific artifacts and Polynesian cultural artifacts. In addition, here you can see an exhibition of insects, which consists of almost fourteen million specimens. The permanent exhibition of Hawaiiana culture is especially popular.

On the territory of the museum there is an archive that contains the results of research conducted by employees of this institution in the Pacific Ocean. These are the most valuable manuscripts, works of art, photographs and commercial maps and sound recordings.

Hawaiian theater

Today, many of our compatriots buy tours to Hawaii. No wonder. Here you can combine a well-organized beach holiday with a sightseeing holiday. And there is something to see here.

For example, the Hawaiian Theater is a beautiful majestic building built in 1922. It is located in the very center of the capital. The building is listed on the United States National Register of Historic Landmarks. The theater was built in neoclassical style, designed by architects W. Emory and M. Webb. The local press calls it none other than "Pride of the Ocean".

This theater was originally built not only for productions and performances, but also for watching films. After some time, he began to lose popularity. As a result, in 1984 it was closed. Five years later, it was decided to reconstruct it. After a complete renovation of the interior, the theater opened its doors to the audience in 1996. Now he is again popular and in demand. Various concerts, performances and shows are held here.

Monument to James Cook

Hawaii is a state that owes its current position to Captain James Cook, who is considered the discoverer of these lands. According to historical documents, he became the first Westerner to set foot on this earth.

A monument to the great navigator is installed in the center of Waimea. It is an exact copy of the sculpture that is in it. hometown Whitby (England). A memorial plaque indicates the place where he was killed.

Honolulu Zoo

Today, almost all travel agencies in our country can offer their customers tours to Hawaii. True, such a trip can not be called a budget. For example, a ticket to Hawaii for 11 days for two people will cost you from 184 thousand rubles. Nevertheless, if such a price does not bother you, feel free to go on a trip. Surely the impressions received will be enough for you for a long time.

But back to the sights of the state. If you happen to be here, be sure to visit the Honolulu Zoo. You need to know that this is the only institution of this type, not only on the islands, but also in the United States, which was created on Royal Land. It was officially opened in 1877, on 300 acres of swampy land. The zoo became part of the Royal Park of Kapiolani.

In 1914, Ben Hollinger became the first director of the park, who began to actively collect animals around the world. Its first inhabitants were a bear, a monkey, an African elephant. The Honolulu Zoo celebrated its second birth in 1984, when the government developed a plan for a tropical zoo, which included exhibits from three zones: the Asian and American rainforests, the tropical zone of the Pacific Islands and the African savannah.

Today, more than a thousand animals, reptiles, amphibians and birds live here. You can see tigers and lions, porcupines and giraffes, rhinos and elephants, hippos and monkeys, crocodiles and turtles. On the territory of the modern park, restaurants, a souvenir shop and even a market are open for guests.

Diamond head crater

Hawaii is a US state famous for its natural attractions. One of them, no doubt, is He is located in the east of Oahu. Its name is translated from Hawaiian as "the forehead of a tuna". Its English name was assigned to it at the end of the 18th century, when British navigators discovered calcite crystals here, which they mistakenly took for diamonds.

According to volcanologists, the Diamond Head crater was formed about 150 thousand years ago, after a powerful eruption. Its diameter is 1100 meters, and maximum height- 250 meters.

In 1898, there were fortifications(Fort Rager). A few years later in highest point crater, an observation post and a command complex (four-level) were installed. A tunnel two hundred meters long was dug through the wall of the crater. A cannon battery was built to protect the island from attacks.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii is a US state that amazes with its scale and grandeur natural monuments. An example of this is this famous National Park. There are several volcanoes on its territory, the most famous of them are Loa, Mauna and Kilauea (the latter is the youngest of them, it is just over a hundred years old).

People learned about this amazing place only at the end of the last century. Its area is more than 1500 square kilometers. Travelers can see here the frozen lava that has accumulated in these places for 70 million years.

The nature in the park is diverse - here tourists will definitely be shown the dead Kau desert and tropical thickets. In addition to volcanoes, this park has many caves that appear due to the movement of lava. For tourists, walking tours are organized here, you can visit excursions by car or plane.

Sunset Beach

Despite the huge number of historical and cultural attractions, Hawaii (US state) is most famous for its stunning beach holiday. There are many amazing beaches here. One of them - Sunset Beach - is located in the north of Oahu. This is a huge ocean beach. It is known primarily for its huge waves, which appear here mainly in winter. For this reason, it was chosen by surfers from all over the world.

However, for beginners in this sport, Sunset Beach can be dangerous. This is due to the extensive coral formations that are close to the surface of the water. An inexperienced surfer can get hurt here.

The climatic conditions on this beach vary depending on the season. The main surfing competitions are held here only in winter, because at this time (December and January) the wave height reaches its maximum. The beach is covered with fine white sand. Nearby is a picturesque park with palm trees and climbing vines.

Punalu Black Beach

And one more place amazes everyone who comes to Hawaii (US state). This is the famous Black Beach. An amazing place where tourists can see big turtles very close by. The beach is covered with an unusual color for us. This color is given to it by local volcanoes. They spew lava, which then enters the waters of the ocean and is washed ashore in the form of basalt chips.

You can walk along this beach, but not everyone will dare to swim here - the water is quite cool due to cold springs. fresh water beating under the ocean. It is strictly forbidden to take sand from the beach. You can not disturb the "local residents" - turtles, which are protected by the state. One touch of them can put you in trouble with state law enforcement. The locals are convinced that anyone who disobeys and takes the turtle in his arms will provoke the wrath of the volcanic goddess Pele.

Kauai is sometimes referred to as "Garden Island". On the territory of the oldest island in the Hawaiian ridge, there is an official law that prohibits the construction of buildings higher than the palm trees growing here. Therefore, once on the island, you might think that there are no signs of civilization at all. Hotels and tourist areas fit so harmoniously into nature islands that guests can hardly restrain their cry of delight.

The island of Kauai has gorgeous beaches, green valleys and rocky mountains, which have become accessible to the public only in the last few years. The area of ​​the island is only 50 square kilometers, but there are a huge number of attractions. The main beach of the island is called Poipu Beach and is obligatory place for visiting. From November to March, whales come to the coast of the island and you can admire them right from the shore. Regardless of the season, several golf courses are open on the island, horseback riding around the island is constantly organized.

The main flavor of the island of Kauai is given by the Hawaiians themselves. These are unusually friendly and cheerful people, meeting everyone with the same melodious Aloha!

Midway Island

The Midway Islands are an atoll between California and Japan. This location explains the name of the island, which can literally be translated as "halfway". Midway consists of two large islands - Sand and Eastern and very small sandy areas of land. All this is surrounded by a ring of coral reefs. Huge white albatrosses live on the islands, but there are practically no people.

The Midway Islands have a rich military history. It was off the coast of this atoll that the Americans managed to defeat the Japanese flotilla, thereby avenging Pearl Harbor. After the end of the war, there was for some time military base, which has been tracking Russian submarines. After the end of the Cold War, only a group of scientists remained on the island who monitor runway and fuel supply. Yes, just in case.

You can get to the island as part of the annual expedition of the Oceanic Society, which studies the seabird population. Tourists are brought just during the nesting period, when about three million albatrosses alone gather here.

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Howland Island

Between the Marshall Islands, Nauru and Kiribati, there is an absolutely flat small island, shaped like a cucumber. This is Howland Island - one of the wildest and most deserted islands on the planet. It was discovered in 1822 by American whalers who were the first to attempt to populate the piece of land. There was a project that would turn Howland into an intermediate airfield for long trans-Pacific flights. But the plans for colonization came to naught and all the buildings were destroyed by Japanese troops.

Connected to the island misterious story Amelia Earhart. In 1937, the famous pilot went on a round-the-world flight keeping the line of the equator, thereby choosing the longest route. In three months, she flew around almost the entire Earth. On July 2, her plane took off from New Guinea, heading for Howland. But the officials who met the pilot at the final point of her journey waited in vain. Not far from the island, radio communication was interrupted and the plane disappeared without a trace. The ship that was going to meet her did not notice anything. Until now, the disappearance of Amelia Earhart remains a mystery.

Not a single plane has ever landed on the island. The runway was gradually overgrown with grass and for a long time only feral cats lived on the territory. Today, the island hosts a bird sanctuary with nesting grounds for terns, boobies, petrels and frigatebirds. Getting to Howland Island is almost impossible, and this requires special permission from the Fish Resources Service and wildlife in Honolulu.

In order to touch the history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands, there is no better place than the Iolani Palace. It is the only royal palace in the USA. An interesting fact is that the Iolani Palace was equipped with electricity and telephone before the White House and Buckingham Palace.

It is located in the Capitol, in central Honolulu, and is a hallmark of Hawaiian Renaissance architecture. The palace was built in 1879, in the American-Florentine style, designed by architects Thomas Baker, Isaac Moore and Charles Wall. From the moment of construction, it was the official residence of the monarch, and after the end of the monarchy, for 80 years the government sat in the Iolani Palace. After reconstruction, since 1978, it became available to tourists as a museum.

Iolani Palace is on the US National Register of Historic Places and is considered a National Historic Landmark.

Honokohow Falls

On one of the Hawaiian islands, namely Maui, there are many interesting places for tourists and natural attractions. The most popular is Honokohau Falls. This is the most high waterfall on the island and in order to get to it, you need to take a helicopter tour: an ordinary tourist cannot get to it by car or on foot - the area is too difficult to travel.

It's amazing and beautiful place: water falls from a height of more than a hundred meters and falls into a neat depression to continue its run. Honokohau Falls became famous due to the filming of the film Jurassic Park, which took place in these places: the waterfall fell into one of the scenes of the movie and interested many viewers with its beauty. This place is surrounded by greenery and everywhere here you can feel the spirit of free, wild nature.

Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon was formed as a result of a volcanic failure and the subsequent flood of the Waimea River, which washed out the canyon in Mount Waialeale. You can find the canyon on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Its length exceeds sixteen kilometers, and its height reaches nine hundred meters. Because of its resemblance, Waimea Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

There is a well-developed tourist infrastructure around the Waime Canyon. The natural park adjacent to the canyon is a favorite place for tourists to make hiking or long trips. Everyone can get a map of hiking trails and go to the depths of the park for adventure.

Those traveling by car will benefit from knowing that all gas stations run out forty miles from the park.

Battleship Arizona Memorial

The battleship Arizona Memorial is located in Pearl Harbor at the site of the death of the battleship. It is a concrete structure installed above the sunken hull of the ship. The memorial was built in honor of the 1,177 people who died on the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

The memorial was erected in 1962. since then it has been visited by about a million people. In 1989, the remains of the sunken battleship were declared a National Historic Landmark. The memorial can only be reached by boat. For this, a pier has been built at the memorial. At the site of the memorial, oil stains still sometimes appear on the surface of the water, floating up from the bottom. They are called "Tears of Arizona".

One of the three anchors of the Arizona is located near the entrance to the memorial building. The main hall of the memorial has 7 windows symbolizing the date of the attack on Pearl Harbor. On the walls of the building are the names of all 1177 dead.

Even before the construction of the memorial, there was a tradition according to which every US president should at least once visit the place where the Arizona was flooded.

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Naval Base Pearl Harbor

The famous naval base of Pearl Harbor, which on December 7, 1941, without a declaration of war, was bombed by aircraft from Japanese aircraft carriers. Japanese aircraft and navy destroyed the US Pacific Fleet. On the same day, President Roosevelt announced the US entry into World War II.

One of the most tragic pages in American history is connected with the Pearl Harbor base. In just two hours, more than 3 thousand people were killed, all ships of the American navy were destroyed or damaged.

Pearl Harbor is currently the largest US naval base in the Pacific and the headquarters of the US Pacific Fleet. The shipyard, located next to the harbor, employs 12,000 people.

The battleship Arizona, which sank as a result of the attack, has become a memorable memorial visited by millions of people every year. A concrete structure with a transparent bottom is installed above the sunken ship, through which you can look at the Arizona. Another monument to the events of the Pacific War is the battleship Missouri, which is permanently moored in Pearl Harbor, on which the act of surrender of Japan was signed on September 2, 1945.

The most popular attractions in the Hawaiian Islands with descriptions and photos for every taste. choose best places for visiting famous places Hawaiian Islands on our website.

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