When we think of Hawaii, the first thing that comes to mind are beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, the truth is that this American archipelago has many more things to offer and is a very interesting destination to visit at any time of the year.
The origin of Hawaii is volcanic and is composed mainly of eight islands: Maui, Big Island (Hawaii), Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Ni'ihau and Kaho'olawe. Seeing the archipelago in its entirety can take a month, but since there are not many travelers who have so much time and money to do so, most tend to go to the most popular during their holidays.
Oahu
Oahu is the third largest island in Hawaii and also the most populated. It represents the perfect combination of leisure and culture, so it is easy to find here activities for all tastes. From a cultural point of view, two places stand out: Honolulu, the capital, and Pearl Harbor.
In Honolulu you cannot miss the Iolani Palace (the residence of the last monarchs of Hawaii), Honolulu Hale (a church considered a National Historic Landmark), the Museum of Mission Houses, the Capitol building and Washington Place (the headquarters of the governor). As for Pearl Harbor, the visit to the famous US naval port that was bombed by Japan during World War II is free but if you go there in summer you will have to go early because the queues can be endless. There you can visit the Arizona Memorial, in honor of the more than a thousand American soldiers killed in the attack.
On the other hand, surf lovers will be able to enjoy this sport on Oahu that was once reserved only for Hawaiian royalty. The most experienced can go to the North Shore, where the biggest waves are found while novices can learn to surf thanks to the multitude of schools present on the island's beaches, such as on Waikiki beach (in the south of the island) from where the Diamond volcano is visible Head, which can be accessed by walking.
The most seriéfilos also have an appointment with Oahu because this was the place chosen to shoot Lost, one of the most acclaimed television series of recent times. The website lostvirtualtour.com places the scenarios to visit them, although most of them are located in the south of the island of Oahu.
The nightlife on Oahu is extensive, from Broadway shows to quieter places where you can enjoy live music.
Maui
Maui is known worldwide for its spectacular beaches. In fact, here is the best in America: Kaanapali. As a curiosity, we advise you to know the beaches with colored sand Red Sand Beach and Black Sand Beach, with reddish and black tones respectively. One of the main tourist attractions in Maui is the Road to Hana; where you can enjoy spectacular landscapes. This island is also a great area for whale watching.
As for cultural tourism, you cannot miss towns like Lahaina, an old fishing town where the author of "Moby Dick" lived.. Here you can go on excursions to watch the whales. A must-see is also the Haleaka National Park, which has more than 30.000 hectares with different landscapes. On the one hand, you can visit the highest peaks of the Maui mountains, on the other, you can also visit deserts or jungle areas with waterfalls. In addition, excursions in this National Park can be done on foot, on horseback or with a guide.
Kauai
Kauai may be the least known island in Hawaii, but its nickname "garden island" indicates that we are facing the most exuberant in terms of nature. If what you are looking for is to get away from the crowd a bit and enjoy nature, this is the island for you. Its paradisiacal beaches are the dream of any ecotourism lover. Other of its most outstanding natural attractions are the landscapes of Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
Big Island
Big Island, also known as Hawaii, It is the largest of all the islands that make up the archipelago and the one with the most disparate landscapes: from dream beaches to snowy mountains. We recommend that you visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the natural park where the well-known Kilauea volcano is located, one of the most active and impressive in the world.
Interesting facts about Hawaii
- Name: Hawaii
- Capital: Honolulu
- Language: English, Hawaiian
- Population: 1,4 million inhabitants.
- Extension: 28,000 square kilometers. 17,000 are from land.
- Belonging to the United States since 1898. State since 1959
- Maximum height 4205 meters. Mauna Kea.
- Currency: US dollar.
- Main Islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and the Island of Hawaii or Big Island.
- Major Cities: Honolulu, Pearl Harbor (Oahu); Wailuku (Maui); Lihue (Kauai); Hilo (Big Island).