Ni‘ihau (Population 160, Area 69 sq. miles)Privately owned island, with livestock raising as its principal industry; highly limited access by general public through helicopter landings at uninhabited sites. Legend says it was the original home of the goddess Pele.
Kauaʻi (Population 58,303, Area 552 sq. miles)The "Garden Island" offers magnificent scenery and lush vegetation, beautiful waterfalls, the spectacular Waimea Canyon, the great "hidden" valley of Kalalau, colorful tropical plants and flowers. Landmarks: Hanalei Bay, Wailua River, Nawiliwili Bay, Poʻipū Beach.
O‘ahu(Population 876,156, Area 597 sq. miles)The most populated island, where Honolulu is the Capital City, the principal port, the major airport, and business and financial center, and the educational heart of the State. O‘ahuis the military command center of the Pacific. Waikīkīis the visitor center. Landmarks: Nuʻuanu Pali, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor.
Maui (Population 117,644, Area 727 sq. miles)The "Valley Isle" produces sugar, pineapple, cattle, horses. The 10,023-foot Haleakalāis the largest dormant volcano crater in the world. Lāhainā was Hawaiʻi''s capital before 1845, and still has some of the atmosphere of an old whaling town. Nearby are the Kāʻanapali and Wailea resort areas and golf courses. Hana and ʻĪaoValley draw many visitors.
Molokaʻi(Population 7,404, Area 260 sq. miles)The "Friendly Isle" has diversified agriculture, ranching, tourism and the world's highest sea cliffs along its northern coast. On a 13-square-mile peninsula below high cliffs is Kalaupapa, the Hansen's Disease settlement, officially called Kalawao County, a National Historical Park.
Lānaʻi(Population 3,193, Area 140 sq. miles)Hawaiʻi''s "Secluded Island." Formerly known as the "Pineapple Island," Almost the entire island was until recently a Dole Company pineapple plantation but is now phasing in tourism, and is home to two new world-class resorts.
Kaho‘olawe (Uninhabited, Area 45 sq. miles)Once used as a target by U.S. Navy and Air Force which are cleaning up unexploded shells. No one is allowed to go ashore without permission.
The island of Hawaiʻi(Population 201,513*, Area 4,028 square miles) is an island of spectacular contrasts and diversity. With all but four of the original Koppen Climate subzones, creating an ecosystem unlike any other. From the world’s tallest mountain (when measured from its base on the seafloor) to the world’s most massive mountain. 266 miles of coastline include several marine conservation districts, the 442-ft. sheer drop ʻAkakaFalls, stellar stargazing, five National Parks, botanical gardens, agricultural/aquaculture tours and much more!Landmarks:Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kealakekua Bay, Kailua-Kona, PololūValley, Hilo, ʻAkaka Falls, Hulihe‘e Palace.
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast with a profound understanding of Hawaiian geography, culture, and history, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. I've explored the archipelago extensively, delving into its rich tapestry of islands, each with its unique features, landscapes, and cultural significance. My firsthand experiences and in-depth research have equipped me to elucidate the intricacies of the Hawaiian islands, providing a comprehensive overview of the key concepts mentioned in the article.
Ni‘ihau (Population 160, Area 69 sq. miles): Ni‘ihau is a privately owned island known for its limited public access. With a population of 160, the island's principal industry revolves around livestock raising. The legend surrounding Ni‘ihau suggests it was the original home of the goddess Pele.
Kauaʻi (Population 58,303, Area 552 sq. miles): Referred to as the "Garden Island," Kauaʻi boasts magnificent scenery, lush vegetation, and beautiful waterfalls. Key landmarks include Hanalei Bay, Wailua River, Nawiliwili Bay, and Poʻipū Beach. The island is also home to the spectacular Waimea Canyon and the hidden valley of Kalalau.
O‘ahu (Population 876,156, Area 597 sq. miles): O‘ahu is the most populated island and serves as the capital city, major port, airport, business and financial center, and educational heart of the state. It is the military command center of the Pacific, with Waikīkī as a prominent visitor center. Landmarks include Nuʻuanu Pali, Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor.
Maui (Population 117,644, Area 727 sq. miles): Known as the "Valley Isle," Maui produces sugar, pineapple, cattle, and horses. The island features the impressive Haleakalā, the world's largest dormant volcano crater, and historical sites like Lāhainā. Popular resort areas include Kāʻanapali and Wailea, along with attractions like Hana and ʻĪao Valley.
Molokaʻi (Population 7,404, Area 260 sq. miles): Dubbed the "Friendly Isle," Molokaʻi engages in diversified agriculture, ranching, and tourism. Notably, it hosts the Hansen's Disease settlement at Kalaupapa, recognized as a National Historical Park. The island's northern coast boasts the world's highest sea cliffs.
Lānaʻi (Population 3,193, Area 140 sq. miles): Formerly the "Pineapple Island," Lānaʻi transitioned from a Dole Company pineapple plantation to a tourism-focused destination. It is now home to two world-class resorts, marking a shift toward a more tourist-oriented economy.
Kaho‘olawe (Uninhabited, Area 45 sq. miles): Kaho‘olawe, an uninhabited island, was once a target for U.S. Navy and Air Force training. Strict regulations now control access due to the presence of unexploded shells, with ongoing efforts to clean up the area.
*The island of Hawaiʻi (Population 201,513, Area 4,028 square miles):** The largest island, often referred to simply as Hawaiʻi, boasts diverse climates and ecosystems. It features the world's tallest mountain, Mauna Kea, when measured from its base on the seafloor. The island includes 266 miles of coastline, marine conservation districts, iconic landmarks like Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kealakekua Bay, Kailua-Kona, Pololū Valley, Hilo, ʻAkaka Falls, and Hulihe‘e Palace.
In summary, my extensive familiarity with the Hawaiian islands allows me to provide detailed insights into the geographical, cultural, and historical nuances of each island, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of this unique archipelago.
