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 The Archipelago reaches northwest
about 2,000 miles from the easternmost island, Hawaii, to Kure Atoll, about halfway to Japan. Included in the archipelago
are numerous coral atolls, the major inhabited islands and Midway Island. All the islands and atolls in the chain
between the Big Island and Kure, except Midway, are part of the State of Hawaii. That makes it the longest state
in the nation. It is about 2,500 miles from the mainland U.S., and about 4,000 miles from Japan; in short, Hawaii
is a long way from anywhere.
There's no place on earth quite like these sun-drenched mid-Pacific islands. Here you'll find palm-fringed blue
lagoons, lush rain forests, hidden gardens, cascading waterfalls, wild rivers running through rugged canyons, and
volcanoes soaring into the sky, not to forget the beaches with gold, red, black, and even green sands caressed
by an endless surf.
 Each of the six main islands is separate, distinct, infinitely complex, and offers adventure and relaxation.
For many people, a Hawaiian vacation promises languid days filled with sunbathing and poolside cocktails. For others,
it's all about non-stop action in one of the world's most extreme natural playgrounds. Whether you're in search
of quiet relaxation or unbridled stimulation, Hawaii gives you the best of both.
Kauai is nicknamed the Garden Isle, possibly because the entire island, with it's sculpted, green mountains and
lush tropical foliage, is beautiful enough to be part of a planned garden of eden. The island prides itself on
staying 'hawaiian' and limiting the height of the buildings to that of a mature coconut tree. You won't find a
honolulu-like concrete jungle anywhere on Kauai.
You also won't find the nightlife of Maui or the large shopping centers of Oahu - sure, there are bars for drinks
and small clubs for dancing, but you won't be partying the night away. If you are looking for a nightlife, try
Oahu or Maui. Stick with Kauai for long, white beaches; gorgeous waterfalls; quiet relaxation; and breathtaking
natural attractions.
The Main Islands
Oahu is perhaps the most well-known, and definitely the most-visited of all the Hawaiian Islands. Oahu is the island
with Honolulu, Waikiki, and the famous North Shore. About one million people live on Oahu, and millions more visit
every year.
Oahu activities include popular Honolulu attractions like the Pearl Harbor Tour, a wide variety of Waikiki tours
and many unique things to do in Oahu like swimming with dolphins, beautiful nature tours, and great nighttime entertainment.
The Big Island is a very unique island: It has an active volcano, a green sand beach, 11 of the 13 different world
climates, the world's tallest mountain and the world's biggest mountain. Most visitor's stay on the Kona side of
the island, which is the dryest and has the nicest beaches, but the Hilo side has its own wild beauty for the adventurous.
The Big Island is actually named Hawaii, and the entire island chain is named for it, but in order not to get to
confusing, the island is practically always referred to as the Big Island by resident and visitor alike. It has
this name because of how large it is - large enough to fit every other major island inside of it.
Maui is nicknamed the Valley Isle, and has been voted the best island in the world several years in a row by the
readers of Travel and Leisure Magazine. Maui has many excellent, long, and palm-fringed beaches; a large, volcanic
national park, more than it's share of visiting humpback whales, and plenty of stores and shops to rival it's waterfalls
and valleys.
The weather changes dramatically depending on the area of the island, but it is generally between 75 and 80 degrees
F all year long. The South Side and West Side are usually hot and dry, while the East and North sides get more
rain and cooling tradewinds. In the winter months, you may see snow on the top of Haleakala (the volcanic mountain).
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