Travel Information for Hawaii
Posted By:
Travel Commune Staff
on 20 November, 2006
The state of Hawaii is actually comprised of eight different islands. Nihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Hawaii are each very distinctive and different from each other. The Hawaiian Islands are well known vacation destinations and are world renowned for their amazing climate, beaches, and carefree culture. Hawaii is also a haven for different plants and animals. Hawaii actually has more endangered species per square mile than anywhere else in the world. There are many national parks in Hawaii dedicated to preserving these animals and historic sites in the islands.
There are seven parks sanctioned by the National Park Association on the islands of Hawaii. The first is Ala Kahakai Historic Trail. This park was established in 2000 and is a refuge for many natural Hawaiian plants and animals. This 175 mile long trail also features several ancient Hawaiian settlements. Haleakala National Park was encompasses 45.5 miles and is the home of the Haleakala Volcano. This dormant volcano last erupted in 1790, but remains active today. There are many great activities to be found inside this park, including hiking and swimming in natural freshwater pools. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916 and is the result of 30 million years of erupting volcanoes. Some of these volcanoes can still be viewed today. This park is also an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Kalaupapa National Historic Park was established in 1980 and is comprised of two leper parks. These parks were once the home of people suffering from the disease leprosy, who where forced to live in an isolated community where they couldn't infect other people. The Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park is a 420 acre reserve where up until the 1800s, Hawaiians who broke ancient laws against the gods hid. They knew that unless they came to this island they would be executed for their crimes. The Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site was established to preserve the Pu'ukohola Heiau (Temple on the Hill of the Whale). This temple was built in the 1790s. The last national park in Hawaii is the USS Arizona Memorial. This memorial was dedicated in 1962 and commemorates all of those who lost their lives in the December 7, 1941 attack by Japan.
Some of the best beaches in the world can be found on the Hawaiian Islands. Punaluu Black Sand Beach on the island of Hawaii is just how it's described. The unusual black sand attracts many visitors. Another attraction of this beach is the concentration of green sea turtles. You can often see these guys lying on the beach basking in the sun. The Salt Pond Beach Park is a great beach for families. The water is calm and there are several pavilions great for eating a picnic lunch. Papohaku is one of the more secluded beaches on the islands. If you are looking for a little piece and quiet and a nice place to reflect, then this beach is for you.
There are many more beaches, parks, and other activities in Hawaii. It would be impossible to mention them all, but here are a few of the favorite and most popular places to visit while in Hawaii. If you would like to learn about more activities check out the articles on different cities in the Hawaiian Islands.
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