The main attractions of the Hawaiian Islands. What is the most beautiful island in the Hawaiian archipelago? Hawaii: attractions and photos

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 major 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. He volcanic origin, 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

This is a major transport hub of the northern region. Pacific Ocean. Through it pass the paths that connect Canada and the United States with the Philippines, the states of 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 plant and animal world islands with different new samples. Forest areas began to decrease with an increase in population, the number of steppes began to increase, and this environment the archipelago began to deteriorate. 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

IN Lately the Hawaiian Islands are becoming more and more popular among tourists. Tours, prices for which depend on the time of year and in high season they average 120,000 in 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. Definitely a must see for Pearl Harbor. 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 Japanese cities Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

A jewelry factory is also located here, where you can trace the process of creating amazing jewelry. If you would like to keep something for yourself as a memento of this place, in a local store you can buy jewelry - interesting gizmos from 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 paradise for every tourist, with an incredible number 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 brought 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 the 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 historical place: in Kealakekua Bay in 1779, James Cook appeared, initially taken by the Hawaiians for the god Lono, more precisely, his earthly incarnation. Today it is the largest natural bay islands. 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 active volcano in the world. 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, on active volcanoes better to watch from afar. For this, there are observation 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

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, the islands seem to be specially created by volcanoes of beauty underwater world, stunning the imagination. Among them - giant caves and grottoes with arches and columns, incredible amount 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 that passive or active view the rest 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 all year round good climate(neither cold nor hot), although it rains in winter. Dance connoisseurs can learn the hula dance - lessons of this dance can be found in everyone big 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.

World Travel

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18.01.17 14:54

What is Hawaii for the layman? Fabulous beaches, friendly dark-skinned women hanging wreaths of exotic flowers around their necks, the girl Lilo and her pet Stitch. And whoever watched the Michael Bay film "Pearl Harbor" knows that it was here that one of the major (for the United States) tragedies of the Second World War broke out. On January 18, 1778, the English captain James Cook (who was later unlucky - he was killed and partially eaten by the natives) discovered Hawaii and gave them his name - "Sandwich Islands". In 1959, all 24 islands of the archipelago officially became the fiftieth state of America. Today we will admire the main attractions of the Hawaiian Islands

Parks, a palace, volcanoes - the famous sights of the Hawaiian Islands

Kealakekua Bay: Cook landed here

Although James Cook had a terrible fate, at first he was welcomed in Hawaii as a god - in literally, the islanders thought that the god Lono himself appeared to them. Now, at the place of landing of the traveler, there is a marine reserve named after the Kealakekua Bay.

This is one of the most beautiful attractions in Hawaii. The bay is partially surrounded by rocks, the water in it is crystal clear, you can see up to three tens of meters deep, so exploring the marine fauna here is happiness. So there is no end to divers here. By the way, in the bay there is also a memory of Cook - a memorial plaque.

Picturesque waterfalls: Akaka and Rainbow

Of course, our list will be dominated by the natural attractions of the Hawaiian Islands, which are very numerous in the archipelago. The 135-meter Akaka Falls is one of them. He is in secluded corner national park near the city of Hilo, surrounded by lush tropical greenery, the water falls from a cliff with great noise and almost vertically ("akaie" in Hawaiian - "crack"). This is the most high waterfall Hawaii.

Another charming waterfall, Rainbow, is much lower - 24 meters, but how picturesque it is! Double waterfall (rather cascade) - part national reserve Wailuku River on the island of Hawaii. Despite the low "growth", Raduzhny is very full-flowing, and it is not named so by chance: every morning several rainbows form around these seething streams at once. Fascinating spectacle!

The only one in the States: Iolani Palace

If we talk about the man-made sights of the Hawaiian Islands, then the Iolani Palace in Honolulu (by the way, the only Royal Palace in America) represents the greatest interest. Once Hawaii was a monarchical state, and one of the rulers (or rather, the last king) Kalakaua ordered to build a palace for himself. Iolani means "sky hawk" in Hawaiian. Kalākaua was impressed by European royal residences and decided to found his own, and luxurious, and with all possible amenities. Construction was completed in 1882. Alas, the king and his wife did not bask in their chambers for long: in 1893 they were overthrown. Since 1978, a museum has been set up in the palace, the collection of which includes things of monarchs, ancient household items, orders and insignia.

Puukohola Heiau Ancient Sanctuary

And here is the whim of another king of Hawaii - Kamemamea the Great - the sanctuary of Puukohola-Heiau (temple on Whale Hill). This complex was dedicated to the god of war and took the place of an older cult object.

Thousands of Hawaiians worked on the temple: forming a long chain, they passed stones from hand to hand, and the builders erected walls from them. In the early 1790s the work was completed. The opening of the temple was marked by the visit of the head neighboring island, whom Kamemamea shamelessly sacrificed - along with those close to him.

In memory of sailors from the battleship "Arizona"

The tragedy of Pearl Harbor resonated painfully in the hearts of Americans - the whole nation mourned for the dead soldiers who were victims of Japanese aviation on December 7, 1941. Basically, they were sailors from the battleship Arizona. To pay tribute to them, in the 1950s it was decided to arrange a memorial, the construction of which was completed in 1962.

At the place where the Arizona sank, a pavilion with a wall of memory was installed (1177 names are carved on it). And oil stains (the so-called “tears of Arizona”) constantly emerge on the water surface, although 65 years have passed! Incredible.

haiku: stairway to heaven

"Stairway to Heaven" - this is the name of this attraction of the Hawaiian Islands, arranged on Oahu. The Haiku staircase has 3992 steps. If you climb to the very top of Mount Kulau, then an incredible panorama will open before you - the whole island is visible! The height of the peak is 850 meters, so the upper steps are often covered with a foggy cloud (hence the nickname of the stairs). Thirty years ago, Haiku was closed due to the danger of the route, but after that it was restored, and tourists who climb at their own peril and risk feel more confident.

Waipio: Royal Valley

There are several valleys on the Big Island of Hawaii, all of them very picturesque, but the largest, Waipio Valley, can be considered the queen among them. By the way, she also has a middle name "Valley of the Kings." It starts from the coast and cuts into the island for nine kilometers. Once there lived about ten thousand peasants. After the memorable tsunami of 1945, less than a hundred of them remained (the fertility of the soil was destroyed). Therefore, the nature of Waipio seems virgin. Filmmakers have landed here more than once. For example, the action movie with Schwarzenegger "Predator" was filmed here.

The amazing landscape of Waimea

Long ago, the island of Kauai shook the strongest eruption volcano, so there was largest canyon Pacific coast of Waimea. Now the territory of the canyon is a national park with tourist routes And viewing platforms, then what to admire the fantastic colorful landscape top is better.

The Pride of the Archipelago: Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park

Things are going well with the "fire-breathing mountains" in the archipelago. Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the most significant attractions of the Hawaiian Islands is the National Park " Hawaiian volcanoes».

It was formed back in 1916, and now a park with an area of ​​1348 sq. km is protected by UNESCO. The pride of the park is constantly erupting Kilauea volcano(he woke up in 1983 and, according to scientists, will not calm down for about a century) and the 4170-meter Mauna Loa. The park has rich vegetation (for example, tree ferns), on which numerous birds nest. Thanks to unprecedented seismic activity, the landscape of the park undergoes wonderful metamorphoses, there are “Pele’s hair” and “Pele’s tears” (frozen drops of lava, while Pele is not a Brazilian football player at all, but a local goddess of volcanoes). Every tourist who explores the sights of the Hawaiian Islands needs to visit the park.

Hawaii is a US state located in the Northern Hemisphere in the Pacific Ocean (Hawaiian Islands). Geographically, Hawaii is located at a distance of 3700 km from the main part of the United States. The population is 1,374,810 (2011). The area of ​​the state is 28,311 km². The capital is Honolulu. Big cities- Kaneohe, Kailua, Hilo. The most common languages ​​are English and Hawaiian. In 1959, the state became the 50th US state.

State Attractions

The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their beaches; there are many resorts here. In the northeast of the state is unusually beautiful valley Waipio with waterfalls and black sand beach. In the capital of the state, an unusual palace of Hawaiian kings has been preserved, with a statue of the founder of the Kamehameha dynasty. The Pearl Harbor military base is located on the island of Oahu. After Japanese aircraft carrier strikes on the base, President Roosevelt announced the US entry into World War II.

The Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park is located southwest of the city of Hilo. famous volcano Kilauea. This active volcano which is constantly erupting. Over 300,000 cubic meters of lava are ejected daily, and only the ocean can stop it. The volcanic crater Diamond Head, also known as a diamond or diamond head, is very popular. This picturesque crater is located on the island of Oahu, east of Waikiki.

The Kealakekua Bay Reserve is famous for its abundance of various tropical fish and coral reefs. Because of the high visibility (up to 30 meters), this place is popular with diving enthusiasts.

Geography and climate

The state of Hawaii is located in the Central Pacific region, on the Hawaiian Islands. The archipelago includes many islands, most of which are the tops of underwater volcanoes. There are more than 20 active and dormant volcanoes here. Most states are covered with savannahs and wet rainforests. The climate is trade-wind tropical, without sudden changes in temperature. Two seasons can be distinguished: from May to October - dry, from October to April - wet. The average annual temperature of the state is between 18 and -25 °C. The level of precipitation reaches 4000 mm per year.

Economy

Much attention is paid to tourism and services. It is the backbone of the state's economy. There are many recreation areas, resorts, national parks and attractions. Important sectors of the economy are the sugar and fruit-canning industries. The state is home to major US military installations. Dozens of ships and submarines can stop at the Pearl Harbor naval base. It has everything you need for repair, maintenance of transport, as well as accommodation for crews and their families. About 1 million hectares are used in agriculture. Pineapples, sugarcane, bananas, coffee, sisal, guava, macadamia nuts are grown here. Recently, the cultivation of fish, various shellfish and algae has become especially popular. A small part of the farmers are engaged in animal husbandry. Hawaii is an important transportation point of the Pacific Ocean, which connects Canada and the United States with the Philippines, East Asia, New Zealand, Australia.

Population and religion

The average population density is 83 people per km². The population of the white race is lower here than in other states. There are most of all Asians and representatives of "mixed" races. By race: Asians - 38.6%, Americans or residents of European origin - 24.7%, mestizos - 23.6%, Hawaiians - 10%, African Americans and other nations - 3.1%. Among the residents of European origin, most of all are Germans, Portuguese and British. About 9% of the population of the islands are Latin Americans, about 5,000 people are Russians. By religion: Christians - 28.9%, Buddhists - 9%, Jews - 0.8%, others - 10%. More than half of the state's population does not identify themselves with any religion. About 75% of the population lives on Oahu.

Do you know...

They say that according to the law, the inhabitants of the island must have a boat, otherwise he can be fined.