A world apart from it all in heart of the Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian archipelago constitutes the southernmost state in the US. Known for perennially comfortable temperatures and warm waters that teem with surfers in the winter months, Hawaii sees very little change between seasons. Originally discovered by intrepid Polynesian explorer-colonists, Hawaii was revealed to the Western world by the 18th-century exploits of Captain James Cook.
The archipelago is comprised of eight major islands stretching from the ancient, lush cliffs of Kauai to the southernmost island of Hawai'i (known as the 'Big Island'). The capital city, Honolulu, is found on the island of Oahu. This is the only metropolitan centre in the islands, and as much as 80 per cent of Hawaii's population is found here. The well-manicured streets of Honolulu harbour the islands' best shopping and partying scenes.
The youngest of the islands, the Big Island grows every year as its volcano continues to spill, hardening lava into the sea. As the islands age, they slowly sink and as such, the Big Island is home to the archipelago's highest peak, Mauna Kea (4,205 metres). During December and January, those basking in the sun on the beach are backed by the snow-capped peak of Mauna Kea.
Maui is the second-largest island, known for its lavish resorts and scenic highway. The only inter-island ferry in the Hawaiian Islands travels between Maui and Oahu, strengthening Maui's status with vacationers. Meanwhile, Kauai is affectionately referred to as the 'Garden Island' for its lush vegetation and fluted, green cliffs.
Accommodation throughout the islands is varied and plentiful. Premier resorts and internationally branded hotels line Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, while more rustic accommodation and bed and breakfast establishments are available on Kauai and the Big Island. Prices increase during the peak summer months, making online booking and the discount it affords particularly attractive.
Most of Hawaii's visitors are routed through the international airport at Honolulu, which sees regularly flights to and from Asia (especially Japan), Europe and the US mainland. Oahu is serviced by an excellent public transportation system, although some of the more rural islands will require visitors to hire a car in order to see the sites. Each island has its own airport to facilitate inter-island flights.
Hawaii's tropical climate is buffered by the perpetual trade winds that sweep east-to-west across the Pacific Ocean. At low elevation coastal areas, the temperatures peak at roughly 30°C during the summer, with a slight (approximately 2°C) decrease in temperatures during the winter.
Temperatures are markedly cool at higher elevations, and snow even falls at extreme elevations during the winter although this has little bearing on the tourism industry. Rainfall varies dramatically depending on location. For example, the east coast of the Big Island receives upwards of 500 centimetres of rainfall per year, while the northwest coast sees little more than 12 centimetres annually.
