History
Hawaii was originally settled by Polynesian explorers around 300 BCE. After more than 1000 years, British explorer Captain James Cook "discovered" the archipelago in 1778, and was actually killed there. The indigenous Hawaiian population was ravaged by diseases brought by European explorers. In 1893, the last Hawaiian monarch, Queen Lili'uokalani, was overthrown by an armed militia. Hawaii became a United States territory, and then achieved statehood in 1959.
Composition
Though Hawaii is made up of hundreds of islands, it has four "main" islands: O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i and Hawai'i. These four islands attract the greatest number of tourists and are home to the most of Hawaii's hotels and resorts.
O'ahu
O'ahu is the third largest island in Hawaii. It is home to the major cities of Honolulu (the capital city) and Waikiki. Surfers and boogie boarders flock to O'ahu for its enormous waves, history buffs take in the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, climbers scale the massive Diamond Head crater and travelers of all interests enjoy the lively nightlife and bar scene.
Maui
Maui is the second largest island in Hawaii, and is actually composed of two sections: the smaller western section (home to the West Maui Mountains) and the larger Haleakala in the east. Visitors can take in Maui's majestic views via a long drive on the cliffside road to Hana on the eastern shore. This island also houses two large state parks and dozens of lavish resorts. Windsurfers and beachcombers enjoy Ho'okipa Beach on the North Shore.
Kaua'i
Kaua'i is the most sparsely populated of the four major islands, and is composed of mostly small towns and one coastal highway. It is the oldest island in the chain, and is usually regarded as having the most majestic views. Hikers visit the island for the Kalalau Trail, Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail or Waimea Canyon. Surfers flock to the surf town of Hanalei. Families can enjoy activities like helicopter tours, visits to local art galleries, ziplining or lounging in the sand at Lydgate Beach Park.
Hawai'i
Hawai'i is often referred to as "The Big Island," to avoid confusion between the island and the entire state. It is so large that you could actually fit every other Hawaiian island onto it with room to spare. Tourists, especially honeymooners, congregate in the luxurious resorts concentrated on the western side of the island. Additionally, travelers can experience lava fireworks at the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, stargazing on top of Mauna Key or even kayaking or snorkeling alongside dolphins in Kealakekua Bay.
