Hawaii is an American state located in the central Pacific Ocean. The state consists of over 100 islands, and is a popular tourist destination due to its pleasant tropical weather, three active volcanoes, warm waters and abundant recreational activities, including surfing, whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking, ocean rafting, jet-skiing and kayaking.
The Big Island of Hawaii, which is commonly referred to also as simply "Hawaii," is noteworthy due to being home to the active volcano Kilauea (which is situated within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park). Other popular attractions on the island are the black sands of Punaluu Beach, Hamakua Coast's thick green rain forest and the sacred and historic Mookini Heiau State Monument, which goes back 1,500 years and was the birth spot of King Kamehameha. The island is also a hub for various recreational activities such as horseback riding, surfing, whale watching, snorkeling, parasailing, golfing, hiking, kayaking, cycling and helicopter tours.
Hawaii's state capital of Honolulu is located on the island of Oahu. The metropolis is full of arts and culture, historic landmarks and scenic natural attractions. Honolulu's highlights are the King Kamehameha Statue, the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, the surfing, shopping and dining of the Waikiki Beach area, the Queen Emma Summer Palace and the Aloha Tower. The other distinct sections of the island are the North Shore (home to the surfing of both Waimea Bay and Haleiwa), Leeward Coast (home to the sacred Kaena Point) and the Windward Coast (home to the Makapuu Point Lighthouse and Nuuanu Pali Lookout).
Maui is a picturesque Hawaiian island that is noted for its calm beaches, particularly of Kaanapali. The island is also popular for its many waterfalls (especially off of Hana highway), humpback whales, championship golf courses and rich culture. Some standout attractions on Maui include the farms, botanical gardens and ranches of Upcountry Maui, the internationally renowned windsurfing hub of Paia and Haleakala National Park, which offers countless hiking trails and other recreational activities including horseback riding. Another popular site for hiking on the island is Iao Valley State Park, which features a long, paved trail with attractive vistas over the valley.
Lanai is one of the most serene and untarnished of all of the Hawaiian islands. Lanai has an overall romantic ambiance and is popular for points of interest such as Sweetheart Rock (Puu Pehe), which has relevance due to its legendary story about the star-crossed lovers Makakehau and Pehe. Lanai also consists of some of the state's most diverse recreational activities, including hiking, boating, four-wheel driving, scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching and sunbathing. The Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo) is a rock garden that features unusual lunar formations (due to erosion), such as spires and rock towers, and is another one of the island's "must see" spots.
