The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. They are loved by both tourists who prefer active rest and those who like to just lie down on the ocean shore and mentally disconnect from all worries. Hawaii is called heaven on earth, and it's no coincidence. After all, this is how, according to many, paradise should look like.
General information for tourists
The place where Hawaii is located is unique - it is a true US gem. If we talk about the administrative position, then this group of islands almost completely forms the American state of Hawaii. It is located in northeastern Polynesia. Today, the main focus of the economy is tourism.
All conditions are provided for tourists here:
- unique natural beauty;
- mild, tropical, warm climate;
- long coastline with many beaches;
- a large number of attractions of both natural and anthropological origin;
- all conditions for surfing and active recreation on the water;
- diving;
- famous Hawaiian parties.
Many tourists also love to get married in this exotic location. It is more convenient to get a stamp in your passport in your home country, so that everything is in accordance with the law, and the solemn ceremony is transferred to the islands.
It will not be cheap, but the experience will last a lifetime.
Important!Holidays in this state are considered expensive even for Americans. Therefore, the budget should be carefully planned, and you will have to look for and book budget hotels in advance.
History and indigenous people
The history of the islands begins in the 12th century. Then no one knew where the Hawaiian Islands were, they were found by travelers from about. Tahiti. The strong and sturdy inhabitants of this island swam great distances in two-seater canoes. Interesting moments in history:
- ancient Hawaiian society was ruled by chieftains;
- matriarchy prevailed on the islands;
- religion - kapu;
- the Tahitians settled in a new place, ousted the aborigines, removed the power of the leaders and elected their king;
The further history of the islands is a series of internecine wars that lasted for many centuries, when they could not decide which country Hawaii belonged to and to whom they should obey. The archipelago did not join any state then.
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Interesting!The Polynesian origin of the modern inhabitants of the islands is due to their customs and ethnicity.
Further in the history of the islands, there is a breakthrough that cost the life of one famous European traveler. The story of James Cook is familiar to everyone, but not everyone knows that he was eaten on this earth.
Hawaii is where in 1778 James Cook was killed (and, as legend has it, eaten) by the indigenous people. But they did it for a reason, but because he tried to impose on them his point of view that it is not worth taking things from travelers without their consent. Cook managed to give the open islands the name Sandwich, in honor of the Earl of Sandwich, who was in charge of Great Britain's maritime affairs. But in the end, the name Hawaiian was fixed in honor of the largest island in the archipelago.
What happened next:
- at the end of the 18th century. the leader of the Big Island King Kamehameha united the islands, after his death his son Likholiho became king;
- in the first half of the 19th century. Christian missionaries arrived on the island, wishing to save the souls of the aborigines from chaos;
- in 1840 Lahaina and Honolulu (the largest islands) became the leaders among the whalers on the Pacific coast (this was done by pioneers from New England);
- the labor force was not enough, the inhabitants of Europe and Asia were attracted here.
After all these events, something happened that determined the further history of Hawaii - annexation by the United States.
Which country do they belong to
After 1898, the Hawaiian Islands officially belonged to the United States of America. It is worth noting that it was on this archipelago that the surprise attack of Pearl Harbor (1941) took place, which dragged the United States into the Second World War.
Hawaii is the last50th by account the state of the United States, officially annexed in 1959.
Interesting fact! From time to time, various high-ranking citizens of the archipelago express thoughts about becoming a territory independent from the United States. However, officially, this is nothing more than a separate opinion of local politicians who want to stand out with something.
Islands that make up the archipelago
All islands of the archipelago are divided into South-East (main) and North-West (practically uninhabited).
Northwest group:
- Midway;
- Kure;
- Pearl and Hermes;
- Lisyansky Island;
- Laysan;
- Nihoa;
- Maro (reef);
- Gardner (rocks);
- Necker;
- French Frigate Shoals.
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Southeast:
- Big Hawaii (Hawaii). It is more often called Big, so as not to confuse. It was named so because of its area; it is the largest island not only in the archipelago, but also in the United States as a whole;
- Oahu Hawaii - the capital of Hawaii is Honolulu;
- Molokai is a heavenly place for those who like to relax in silence. Here you can feel at one with nature, lie on sandy beaches (the longest beach in Hawaii is located here);
- Maui is a place where you can relax in comfort, ideal for surfing and diving, the most luxurious hotels are also located here (prices correspond to the level);
- Kauai is the only part of the archipelago with more rainfall in the fall and winter than in the spring and summer months, and colder temperatures. As a rule, the weather does not change all year round. Here you can enjoy the maximum botanical diversity and here is the Kalalau Valley of Hawaii. After all, the whole island is a huge nature reserve with a huge Vaimea canyon;
- Lanai is the quietest of all, the most suitable for diving, you can go here in cars rented from local residents;
- Kahoolave;
- Nihau.
How to get to Hawaii
Hawaii is an expensive holiday destination primarily due to its remoteness from the mainland. The nearest point is located 3 thousand km. from the mainland. There are no direct flights from Russian airports to Honolula, so you will have to fly with transfers. There are two options - via Asian countries or via the United States. It is still possible to get there by traveling on a cruise ship. You will have to look for information about booking places in hotels in advance.
Important!The most convenient way to this part of the American state can be carried out with one change. The ticket will cost about 35,000 rubles. How much should be found out by choosing the date of departure and arrival. The flight will take 22 hours.
Volcanoes
Hawaii is the only US state that is entirely based on volcanic rock. There are a lot of active volcanoes here, the age of which reaches 70 million years.
It is believed that all Hawaii is just a chain of volcanoes. It is especially interesting that most of them are hidden under water, and only slight bulges are visible on the surface.
The location, shape and composition of the surface fully confirms the hypothesis of the volcanic origin of the archipelago. This means that millions of years ago there were numerous eruptions under water, resulting in the formation of the terrestrial part.
Waterfalls
Waterfalls are also an important part of the archipelago. On its territory there are 24 large and more than 200 low cascades, scattered throughout all parts of Hawaii. And some of them can only be viewed from a helicopter. There is a special map of the waterfalls.
Attractions on the islands
The sights of Hawaii have both natural and historical origins, not without human help.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a unique place that defies description. Here visitors can observe the result of thousands of years of volcanic activity that have formed the entire surface of the archipelago with a unique ecosystem.
It is also home to one of the most active volcanoes on the planet Kilauea. It erupts very slowly but continuously since 1983
Waipio Valley and Overlute
This valley is known as the Valley of the Kings. It has been the seat of Hawaii's ruling elite for centuries.
Numerous tropical fruits such as bananas and mangoes grow here. The locals are predominantly hippies who are not very tourist-friendly. There are many waterfalls and a lot to see.
Mauna kea
Mauna Kea is a shield volcano with the highest point of the archipelago (4205 m above sea level). Most of the mountain is hidden under water, so if you count from the ocean floor, many say that this is the highest point in the world. The volcano is now inactive.
Recently, an observatory was opened in this place.
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
This is the only museum in Hawaii that displays living history. The exposition is dedicated to the development of the coffee industry.
The museum belongs to the Kona Historical Society. Here visitors can see the life that coffee producers lived in the 1920s – 1930s. Costumed translators are sociable - while tourists are looking at the exhibits, they come up and talk to them, talking about that famous era.
Pu'uhonua-o-Honaunau National Historical Park (Kona Coast)
National Historical Park, which contains:
- walls of temples and parts of lava stones;
- ponds of kings, where fish were kept and bred;
- toboggan runs;
- reconstructed structures of the national Hawaiian way of life;
- beach for sea turtles.
Akaka Falls State Park and Kahuna Falls
This state park allows you to pleasantly spend time on foot, admire the magnificent nature and see two wonderful waterfalls - Kahuna and Akaka.
For reference! The entire route is just over 4 miles and for many it flies like an instant.
Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden
This is one of the most beautiful places on the islands. Several options for the environment are combined here: coconut grove, mango trees, monkey trees, palm jungle, a forest of fern trees. There are also streams, waterfalls, ocean coastline.
Total in the garden more than 2 thousand species plants. From here you can go for a walk to the Kalalau valley.
Hapuna Beach State Park
This is a huge beach, which is one of the ten best in the world. There is a long coastline, a beautiful view of the ocean. This is a great place to stay. There are several hotels within the beach.
Waikoloa Beach Resort and Petroglyph Park
This beach resort attracts many tourists who come here for its incredible atmosphere. At the Hilton Waikoloa Village, guests are especially attentive. The resort is large, tourists can use the services of special wooden boats that cruise throughout the territory. Also there is:
- art galleries;
- sculptures;
- variety of botanical species.
There is a special area with dolphins that constantly swim there for the delight of tourists.
Ahu'ena Heiau
This is a completely renovated temple located in Kailua-Kona. It is considered the finest example of Hawaiian sacrificial history. Here Kamehameha spent the last years of his life. Also, there were carried out physical reprisals against those who were sacrificed to the gods.
Kailua-Kona and Magic Sands Beach
It is the main town on the Kona coast and a destination for visitors who want to explore the site. It is the main shopping center and many snorkeling and boat trips depart from here. The Magic Beach is often without sand, leaving only a rocky coast.
Hilo Farm Market
The institution is open every day, all year round. More than 200 vendors gather in the historic center of Hilo, selling local produce and flowers, handicrafts and souvenirs.
For reference! Hilo also hosts special events, including annual festivals. In fact, it is the same as a farmer's fair in Russia.
Keilakyukua Bay State Historical Park
The park is located where Captain James Cook first landed on the island. The bay is guarded to preserve the underwater world, so fishing is prohibited here. Due to this, diving is especially popular here: a coral reef with an amazing world attracts all diving enthusiasts.
Rancho Parker (Kona Coast)
This ranch is the largest cattle breeding site in the entire United States. Several different tours for tourists have been developed around the ranch.
Entertainment in Hawaii
The best entertainment the islands have to offer:
- water excursions;
- helicopter excursions;
- diving;
- surfing.
For those who still do not know how to dive into the waters of the ocean or catch a wave, there are special courses - classes with a trainer.
Best Hawaiian food
National Hawaiian cuisine is a must. Local restaurants have something to show tourists:
- saimin - a national soup consisting of nori, crab sticks, eggs and egg noodles;
- poppy salad is somewhat reminiscent of Olivier, the set of products is somewhat the same, only it includes pasta, vinegar and pepper, but no sausages and peas;
- loco-moco is a multi-layered full-fledged dish, where boiled rice acts as the basis, the middle tier is formed at your choice and the fried eggs are placed on top.
There are also many desserts worth trying: traditional Hawaiian pie, shave ice, malasadas, etc.
The Hawaiian Islands are a kind of holiday symbol in the United States. It has everything a person needs, who wants to spend time in comfort and enjoy the trip. This place is perfect both externally and internally. It has beautiful nature, interesting culture, good service.
