Population: 1 374.810 thousand people (2011)
Area: 28311.0 sq. km
The Hawaiian Islands are a true Pacific paradise. Americans call this US federal state “Aloha”. The name “Aloha” has several meanings – “love”, “welcome” and “happiness”. Indeed, while relaxing in the Hawaiian Islands, you experience endless happiness and joy from the luxurious greenery of the islands, warm climate, and beautiful beaches.
According to citypopulationreview.com, the Hawaiian Islands are located between America and Asia. The archipelago includes about 24 large and 120 small islands. Among them are the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Niihau and others. They are called the pearls of the Pacific Ocean. The islands arose as a result of volcanic eruptions. They were discovered by James Cook. An English navigator gave them the name “Sandwich Islands”. It happened back in 1778.
Hawaii is the fiftieth state of the United States. The islands are located 4 thousand km from San Francisco. The capital city of Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu, means “safe haven” in the Hawaiian language.
The territory of the islands is mainly occupied by tropical forests and savannah. For a long time, Hawaii, thanks to luxurious forests, wild beaches, virgin nature, was not inferior in beauty to Polynesia. But now here you can see not only the beauty of untouched nature, but also a string of high-rise buildings, skyscrapers, towers located along the sandy coasts. Hawaii is a US outpost. There are volcanoes on the territory of the islands. Kilauea and Mauna Loa are active volcanoes.
Thanks to the excellent climatic conditions, bananas, coffee, and nuts are grown here. And in terms of the export of pineapples and the production of sugar, Hawaii occupies a leading position in the world.
However, not only agriculture determines the economy of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian beaches, lush flowering vegetation, developed services, high-class hotels attract tourists from all over the world. Especially popular among vacationers are the beaches of Waikiki. A huge number of hotels and hotels have been built here. Holidays on the beaches of the Hawaiian Islands will be appreciated by windsurfers. The weather here is always beautiful, clear warm water and huge waves. Coral reefs amaze with their beauty everyone who has visited the Hawaiian Islands at least once. And voluptuous Hawaiian melodies at night discos will delight lovers of nightlife.
There are many attractions on the islands. The whole family can go to the Hawaiian Volcano National Park, visit Kapiolani Park and Moana, the palace of the Iolani kings. Art lovers will be interested in the exhibition at the Lyman Museum in Hilo. The famous Pearl Harbor is located on the island. Military bases located on the islands are closed to tourists. But those who wish can visit the military memorial museum, which is called Pearl Harbor.
Hawaii, like a magnet, attracts connoisseurs of the beauty of nature and comfortable rest. Magnificent beaches, light ocean breeze, rays of the gentle sun, aromas of unusual tropical flowers will make your vacation in the Hawaiian Islands truly unforgettable.
HONOLULU
Population: 377.260 thousand people (2004)
Area: 272.1 sq. km
The city of Honolulu is located on the third largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago – the island of Oahu, and is the capital of the state of Hawaii. Honolulu means “sheltered bay” in Hawaiian. Based on archaeological data, the first settlements in this part of the island date back to the 11th century. See Hawaii counties.
The Hawaiian Islands were unknown to Europeans for a long time. In 1778, Captain James Cook discovered the island of Oahu, but did not explore its southeastern part, so the first European to swim in the harbor of Honolulu was the Briton William Brown in 1794. The development of new lands began.
In 1804, among other tribal leaders, King Kamehameha I stood out. He captured the island of Oahu and founded the royal court in Waikiki (now the tourist area of Honolulu). The city developed and, under the influence of Europeans, became an important point in the maritime traffic between North America and Asia. American missionaries arrive on the island, establish settlements, build enterprises. The city becomes the center of trade on the islands.
In 1893, the Kingdom of Hawaii becomes the fiftieth state of the United States and is called the “State of Hawaii”.
The state’s economy is based largely on tourism. The tropical oceanic climate is favorable for a beach holiday all year round. Honolulu Airport serves about 20,000 passengers annually. The best hotels, restaurants and entertainment centers are located on Waikiki Beach. Not far from the city is the crater of an extinct volcano Diamond Head – a favorite place for tourists. And in the suburbs of Honolulu there is a memorial complex and the operating base of the US naval forces – Pearl Harbor.
In the city center is the only royal palace in the United States – Iolani Palace – the former residence of the Hawaiian monarchs.
Most of the tourists who come to Honolulu are diving and surfing enthusiasts. The peculiar island culture of the Hawaiians is also attractive to them: traditional wreaths of flowers, the Hula dance, ethnic tattoos, canoeing. Hawaiians lead a measured lifestyle and are very friendly to visitors.
