Hawaii has a rich cultural heritage that remains largely intact to this day. The eight islands of Hawaii are home to sandy beaches, massive waves, national parks and the only royal residence on United States soil.
The biggest island of Hawaii has more land than all the other islands combined and is the most easterly in the chain. It boasts both black sandy beaches and snow-topped mountains, and is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Maui is the second largest island to the west of Hawaii's Big Island. Along with visiting the world-class golf courses, tourists also flock to Maui for humpback whale watching.
Oahu is the third biggest, most populated island and home to the state capitol. Tourists can swim at Waikiki beach or surf off the North Shore.
The fourth largest island, Kauai is also the farthest north and is known for its canyons and hiking trails. Some parts of this forested island can only be accessed by sea or air.
Molokai and Lanai sit northwest of Maui. Molokai's population is still half native Hawaiian and Lanai is small enough not to warrant traffic lights.
The littlest of the eight islands, Kahoolawe and Niihau have no tourist infrastructure. Kahoolawe is nestled west of Maui and Niihau is west of Kauai.
