ISLAND ROUND-UP
Hawaii
Known as the Big Island, Hawaii is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, with 266 miles of coastline and a population of 120,000. Its principal city is Hilo. Much of the tourism on Hawaii centres around the small town of Kona, which is famous for its coffee. Hawaii’s landscape ranges from snow-capped mountains, lush forests, sandy beaches and volcanoes. It has the highest lake in the Hawaiian Islands, Lake Waiau, which is 13,020ft above sea level. It is also home to the state’s longest sheer-drop waterfall, Akaka Falls, which measures 442ft, and features the southernmost tip of the US, Ka Lae, or South Point.
Maui
Lush green mountains, waterfalls, and white, red and black-sand beaches adorn the Magic Isle, second largest of the group of islands. Its principal city is Wailuku, but it is the town of Lahaina which attracts tourists. Originally a whaling centre at the beginning of the century, Lahaina has an unspoilt, laid-back atmosphere with ocean-front restaurants and bars. Maui also has spectacular beaches. Attractions for tourists include fishing, golfing, horse riding and watersports.
Oahu
The third largest Hawaiian island, measuring 597sq miles, Oahu is also called the Gathering Island. It is the most densely populated, with 836,000 inhabitants, and the main tourist island. Oahu’s principal city is Honolulu, also the state capital. Honolulu is a chic, international city with varied nightlife and culture, although it is extremely busy. Honolulu’s beach area is Waikiki. One of the main attractions on Oahu is Pearl Harbour, which was bombed by the Japanese in World War II. The island is very popular with Americans and Japanese.
Lanai
Thirteen miles wide and 18 miles long, Lanai – the Pineapple Island – is a getaway destination as it has no motorways, high-rise buildings or traffic lights. The island is shrouded in legend. One relates to Lanai as the Island of Contentment, while another claims it was once an evil place which was overrun with demons. It is the most recent of the islands to offer tourist accommodation, including luxury resorts.
Molokai
The least developed of the known islands, Molokai only has a few places which offer accommodation to tourists. It is known as the Friendly Isle, and has less than 7,000 inhabitants. Historically, Molokai was home to powerful priests who were feared throughout the Hawaiian islands.
Kauai
Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is less developed than Maui, and the greenest of all the islands. It is unspoilt, and the few tourists which visit Kauai stay in quality hotels and condominiums. Poipu beach is one of the best on the island. Kauai was also the location for the films Blue Hawaii and South Pacific. Kauai is known as the Isle of Discovery, following the arrival of Captain Cook on January 20, 1778. The island has 51,000 inhabitants and its principal city is Lihue.