Hawaii at a Glance

The best of the United States,

Understanding the correct place names for the many sights you will see is an excellent way to self-discover our host Hawaiian culture. Years of misuse can pile up from the publication of maps and guide books that neglect to use the proper names of the places they talk about. You don't need to become a language expert, but just as you learn a little bit about the language when you travel to foreign country, it can be a lot of fun to go on-line and learn a little Hawaiian pronunciation so that you can actually say some of the names.

Below is a growing list of some of the names that are commonly confused with an English term.

• Ka Lae is the southern tip of Hawai`i Island. South Point Road leads to it. There is no place called South Point.
• Papakoleais the flat area above Mahana Bay. It has an olivine green sand from an erosive cone. There is no Green Sand Beach.
• Pu`uhonua `O Honaunau is a National Historic Park. It is referred to as a place of refuge. There is no City Of Refuge.
• Pali `O Haukiuki, located near Ka Lae includes a cliff face that was destroyed in the 50's to build an ill-fated boat ramp. It should not be referred to a Broken Road.

O'ahu(597 sq miles )
... Home to Waikiki, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and great north shore surfing. It hosts the islands only freeways. Honolulu is the 9th largest city in the USA. This is where most arrive and depart for airlines and ship cruises.

Maui ( 727 sq miles)
... Has some of the best beaches in the world, and now also a very active airport. Cruise ships now start 7 day cruises from Maui harbor as an option to Honolulu sailings. West side is warm and dry while the north and eastern shores are rain forests. The famous drive to Hana is a thrill to drive as it clings to sheer jungle cliffs. Haleakala Volcano rises to over 10,000 feet and is a great site to watch a sunrise. Tours take bicycles down from this summit for the "Maui down hill" Molikini, an off shore seamount, offers the best snorkeling while Wailea offers the best beachs and weather. Napili bay on the north west coast offers luxury resorts golf and great beach snorkeling.

Moloka'i (260 sq miles)
... Friendly, peaceful, and quiet, A farming and ranch community.. Very few visitor services and hotels. The north shore is as rugged as in Kauai.

Lana'i ( 141 sq miles)
...is small, and largely undeveloped except for a few luxury resorts, and golf courses.

"The Big Island ", Hawaii, ( 4028 sq miles)
... Home to Kona and Volcanoes National Park; Mauna Kea Obseratory at almost 14,000 ft high towers above all, Capt Cook bay offers the best snorkel site in the entire state, Place of Refuge national park is a cultural must see. Distances here are huge... towns over 100 miles apart; It has 11 climates from arctic to rainforest. It will always say "rain" in the forcast for Hawaii because with these many climates it will rain somewhere on the island every day.The west side is dry and warm while rain and clouds hover over the stormy east or windward side many days.
The gold coast of the Kohala region is home to some of the most striking resorts in the state. Hilo is old hawaii of a long ago plantation era and is quaint and folksy and also the rainiest city in the USA.. with over 140 inches a year . Hawaii has fewer sandy beaches but as a result has clearer and warmer waters for diving, swimming and snorkeling.

Kaua'i ( 552 sq miles)
... Most northern of the 6 Kauai is home to jagged sea cliffs and gaining a name as an active getaway from resorts and tourists. Called the "Garden Island," it is lush and moist with frequent rain which in parts falls over 400 inches a year.
Its Waimea canyon is the " grand canyon of the pacific" and a natural wonder as is the north shore. Kauai has cooler ocean waters and can get stormy It is home to several world class golf and family resorts.