There are eight main islands of Hawaii, several atolls, some smaller islets and undersea seamounts in the North Pacific Ocean, extending some 1500 miles from the main Hawaii Island. The Islands are the exposed peaks of a great undersea mountain range known as the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain, formed by volcanic activity.
Hawaii or The Big Island, the eastern-most and souther-most of the Islands of Hawaii, is the largest of the archipelago. Called “The Big Island” to avoid confusion from the Island from the entire state. There are a couple of version of where does its name come from, one being that is named after the Polynesian navigator who discovered it, Hawai'iloa. The other popular version is that the name that came from the legendary realm of Hawaiki, the place where they go in the afterlife, realm of gods and goddesses.
Kauai or The Garden Isle, is the fourth largest of the main islands in the archipelago. Legend says that is named after Hawai'iloa's favorite son. Geologically is the oldest of the Islands and is the site of the Waimea Canyon State Park, a popular natural attraction.
Kahoolawe or The Target Isle, is the smallest of the 8 main Islands of Hawaii. Located about seven miles southwest of Maui. A relatively dry place, it doesn't have registered any permanent residents, also because for a large part of history the Armed Forces of the United States used it as a training ground and bombing range.
Lanai or The Pineapple Isle. The Sixth largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Called the Pineapple Isle because of its an Island wide pineapple plantation. The only town is Lanai city, a small settlement. The population is of around 3,500. One of the interesting facts about this island is that there is no traffic lights on the entire Island.
Maui or The Valley Isle. The second-largest of the islands. It has a population of 144,444 (2010 Census). Native tradition gives the origin of the island's name in the legend of Hawai'loa. According to the legend, the navigator named the island of Maui after his son, who in turn was named for the demigod Maui. Also called “the Valley Isle” for the large isthmus between it's northeastern volcanoes and southeastern volcanoes and the numerous large valleys carved into both mountains.
Molokai or The Friendly Isle. The fifth-largest of the Islands. It lies at the east of O'ahu and north of Lanai. The lights of Honolulu are visible at night from the west end of Molokai. Known as the long time residence of Father Damien de Veuster a Belgian priest canonized as a Catholic Saint who cared for sufferers of Leprosy. Currently the Island is struggling to rebuild the island as a tourist friendly location since its largest employer shut down operations back in 2005.
Niihau, The Forbidden Isle. The seventh largest of the Hawaiian Islands. This island is designated as critical habitat for endemic and endangered species. They have a population of 130 (as of June 2009). The island was purchased in 1864 by Elizabeth Sinclair and private ownership passed on to her descendants, the Robinson family. The Island is generally of-limits to all but relatives of the island's owners, giving it the nickname “The Forbidden Isle”.
Oahu, or the The Gathering Place. Is the third largest of the Islands of Hawaii and is the most populus of the Islands, home to 953,207 people. The state capital Honolulu is located o the southeast coast. Including small close-in off shore islands. Oahu is a tourism and shopping haven. Over five million visitors flock every year to enjoy the quintessential island holiday experience. Legend has it that Hawai'iloa named the island after one of his sons. Well known features found on Oahu include Waikiki, Diamond Head and Pearl harbor among others. This is the most visited of the Islands of Hawaii.
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