Hawaii
The first time I went to Hawaii was on my parents honeymoon. We flew over on a double decker airplane with a bar area, where my parents enjoyed the crossing. We landed in Honolulu and stayed in Waikiki. It was so exotic and full of adventure.
I’ve now visited almost every Hawaiian Island … I’ve been to Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Lanai and need to make plans to explore Molokai to visit Kalaupapa National Historic Park.
A highlight of our recent trip in 2017 was our hike up Diamond Head State Monument on Oahu and we ate shave ice afterwards as our reward. We stayed at The Sheraton Waikiki right on the beach and enjoyed a week of sand in the toes, last afternoons in a pool cabana and many fun adventures.
My favorite destinations in the Hawaiian Islands are the National Park Sites.
Explore more at USA Today’s article on the 8 Large Islands of Hawaii …
Hawaii – also known as the Big Island – is not only the largest of the Hawaiian islands, it is also the largest island in the United States. The Big Island is 4,028 square miles and is the third most visited by tourists each year. When visiting the Big Island, see the Maunaloa volcanoes, Kau desert, Puna Fern Forest, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kealakekua Bay.
Maui is 727 square miles, making it the second largest island. Maui is most notable for its mountain ranges and valleys and is often called the Valley Isle. It is the second most popular tourist destination in the state. While visiting Maui, make time to see the Kaanapali and Wailea resort areas and Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano crater in the world.
Oahu is by far the most popular destination among tourists, attracting nearly twice as many visitors as Maui each year. It is the third largest Hawaiian island, with 597 square miles. It is also the most populated, and home to the capital, Honolulu. Must-sees during your stay include Waikiki and Pearl Harbor.
With 562 square miles, Kauai is the fourth largest of the Hawaiian islands, as well as the fourth most visited by tourists. Kauai's nickname is the "Garden Island" because of its tropical climate, waterfalls and lush vegetation. If you're planning a trip to Kauai, you'll want to visit Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay and Poipu Beach.
Molokai is the fifth largest Hawaiian island and has 260 square miles. It is best known for agriculture and ranching but is also notable for being home to the world's highest sea cliffs. Notable attractions to check out include the Molokai volcanoes in the east and west and the Hansen's Disease Settlement, a historic park.
Lanai was once nicknamed the "Pineapple Island" because, at one point, nearly the entire island was a pineapple plantation. Lanai is now the fifth most visited island and has 140 square miles. Most of the island remains undeveloped, though there are several resorts and golf courses.
During your trip to Hawaii, it is highly unlikely you'll get a chance to visit Niihau, the seventh largest island, because it is privately owned. Niihau has 69 square miles and is used for raising livestock.
The smallest of the eight major islands, Kahoolawe is a mere 45 square miles and is another island you are unlikely to encounter in your travels. Kahoolawe is uninhabited, and access is prohibited. It was once used as a target by the U.S. military, which is still cleaning up unexploded artillery shells.
Our connection with art and nature is super powerful. A few years ago, we visited Shangri La @hi_shangrila on Oahu, Hawaii, and I was in awe of the collection of ceramics, wood, glass, and textiles plus of the home’s powerful relationship to nature. Please enjoy your days finding beauty! 💚⚡️💚
