Home :: Travel Articles :: Hawaii Tourism
Exploring the Islands
A breathtaking natural landscape attracts visitors from around the world to the tropical islands of Hawaii. Tourism is the largest industry on the islands and allows visitors to experience all of the archipelagos many wonders. An amazing native culture has blended with a number of diverse immigrant cultures, creating a diverse population with unique traditions. As the home of Hula, surfing and the world’s most active volcano, there is no shortage of Hawaii tourism sights and experiences spread across six islands. Hawaii makes a wonderful destination year round with the summer months being warmer and drier, while the winter months still provide beach-friendly weather with more humidity and rain.
Hawaii’s Big Island is larger than all of the others combined. On the Big Island, Hawaii tourism is diverse, encompassing everything from sandy beaches to snowcapped mountains. Volcano’s National Park brings visitors face to face with Kilauea, the most active volcano in the world. The Hamakua Coast provides extraordinary views of valleys, mountains, waterfalls and seascapes. Additionally, the Kohala Coast offers the Hawaii tourism mainstays of swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing.
Maui is the second largest island of Hawaii. Tourism highlights here include what many call the world’s best beaches and humpback whale spotting every winter. At Haleakala National Park, vacationers can explore the largest dormant volcano in the world, the Haleakala Crater. Additionally, Maui features sites of historical interest in Hawaii tourism, such as Lahaina, a restored whaling village.
Most of Hawaii’s population can be found on Oahu. Legendary Waikiki Beach was the birthplace of the modern sport of surfing and the area is now a lively beachfront center with a wide range of cuisine and shopping. Oahu is also the historic site of Pearl Harbor, the navel base that was attacked by the Japanese prior to the US entering World War II. Hawaii tourism in Oahu ranges from cultural and entertainment experiences to adventures in the natural world.
As the oldest island of Hawaii, dramatic natural beauty and a more remote, romantic atmosphere characterize Kauai. Some of the best outdoor adventures are found on this island of Hawaii. Tourism here takes advantage of exploring natural features like the Waimea Canyon and Wailua River.
Nearly half of Molokai’s population is of Native Hawaiian ancestry. This gives the island a strong connection to the past and a deep understanding of the natural landscape that Hawaii tourism uses to its best advantage. Kalaupapa National Historical Park allows visitors to explore the period of over 100 years when Kalaupapa was home to those suffering from Hansen's disease (leprosy). Visitors also explore the amazing flora of the Halawa Valley and appreciate the relaxed seaside town of Kaunakakaki.
The island of Lanai does not have a single traffic light. With a reputation as the most luxurious and exclusive of the islands of Hawaii, tourism on Lanai is appropriately high-end. Two world-class golf courses set amid spectacular scenery are highlights as are unique land features like the Keahiakawelo “the garden of the gods,” pristine beaches and wonderful tide pools.
This article may not be copied, altered or used, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of EatSleepPlay.com. All rights reserved.