When you hear the word Hawaii you just think of a place, though Hawaii has several islands that make up Hawaii.
Hawaii is an archipelago (group of islands) located in the central Pacific Ocean. It consists of several islands, but the main ones are:
Hawai’i (also known as the Big Island): It is the largest and youngest island in the Hawaiian chain. Its official name is Hawai’i, but it is often referred to as the Big Island to avoid confusion with the state’s name. It is home to active volcanoes, including Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The Big Island offers diverse landscapes, such as black sand beaches, lush rainforests, and snow-capped peaks during winter.
Maui: Known as the Valley Isle, Maui is the second-largest island. It is famous for its stunning beaches, including Kaanapali and Wailea, as well as its picturesque landscapes like the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park. Maui offers a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a vibrant nightlife.
Oahu: Oahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island and is home to the state capital, Honolulu. It is known as “The Gathering Place” and offers a blend of urban city life and natural beauty. Oahu features iconic landmarks like Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head Crater, and the North Shore, which is renowned for its world-class surfing.
Kauai: Often called the Garden Isle, Kauai is known for its lush rainforests, stunning cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. It offers an abundance of outdoor activities, such as hiking the Napali Coast, exploring Waimea Canyon (often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), and relaxing on pristine beaches like Poipu and Hanalei.
Molokai: Molokai is known for its unspoiled beauty and laid-back atmosphere. It has the world’s tallest sea cliffs and offers a more rural and traditional Hawaiian experience. Visitors can explore the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, take a mule ride down the cliffs, or enjoy peaceful beaches like Papohaku.
Lanai: Lanai is a small and secluded island known for its luxury resorts and serene landscapes. It offers a tranquil getaway with beautiful beaches like Hulopoe Bay, unique rock formations like Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), and opportunities for activities such as golfing and off-roading.
Niihau: Niihau is a privately owned island and is sometimes called the “Forbidden Island” because it is off-limits to visitors. It is home to a small population and is known for its pristine beaches and native Hawaiian culture.
Kahoolawe: Kahoolawe is the smallest publicly accessible island in Hawaii. It was previously used as a military training ground but is now a cultural reserve managed by the state. The island is undergoing restoration efforts to revive its ecosystem and cultural significance.
It is important to note that there are also smaller islands, islets, and atolls within the Hawaiian archipelago, but the ones listed above are the main islands. Each island offers its own unique beauty, attractions, and experiences for visitors to enjoy.
BEST BEACHES OF HAWAII
Hawaii is renowned for its stunning beaches, and each island offers a variety of beautiful coastal destinations. Here are some of the best beaches in Hawaii:
Lanikai Beach (Oahu): Located on the windward side of Oahu, Lanikai Beach is often ranked among the world’s most picturesque beaches. It features powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the nearby Mokulua Islands, which add to its scenic beauty.
Kaanapali Beach (Maui): Situated on Maui’s western coast, Kaanapali Beach is a three-mile stretch of golden sand. It offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities, with calm waters and vibrant coral reefs. The beach is lined with resorts, restaurants, and shopping areas.
Hapuna Beach (Big Island): Hapuna Beach is one of the Big Island’s most popular and largest white sand beaches. Its expansive shoreline, gentle waves, and clear waters make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and boogie boarding.
Poipu Beach (Kauai): Poipu Beach is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach located on Kauai’s south shore. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere, calm waters for swimming, and opportunities for snorkeling and surfing. There is also a chance to spot Hawaiian monk seals sunbathing on the shore.
Hanalei Bay Beach (Kauai): Nestled in the charming town of Hanalei, Hanalei Bay Beach is a breathtaking half-moon bay surrounded by lush mountains. The beach provides a picturesque setting, excellent swimming conditions, and a relaxed vibe. It is perfect for lounging, picnicking, and catching stunning sunsets.
Waimea Bay Beach (Oahu): Located on Oahu’s North Shore, Waimea Bay Beach is famous for its enormous winter waves, attracting skilled surfers from around the world. During the summer months, the ocean becomes calm, allowing for swimming and snorkeling in the bay’s crystal-clear waters.
Wailea Beach (Maui): Situated in the upscale resort area of Wailea, Wailea Beach offers a combination of natural beauty and luxury. The beach boasts golden sand, gentle waves, and clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Makalawena Beach (Big Island): This secluded beach on the Big Island requires a short hike to access, but it rewards visitors with pristine turquoise waters, soft sand, and a peaceful atmosphere. It is an excellent spot for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring tide pools.
These are just a few examples, and there are many more incredible beaches scattered throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Each beach has its own unique characteristics, so you can choose based on your preferences, activities, and the island you plan to visit.
BEST PLACES FOR SURFING
Hawaii is known worldwide as a surfer’s paradise, offering some of the best waves and surf breaks in the world.
Here are some of the top surfing destinations in Hawaii:
Banzai Pipeline (Oahu): Located on Oahu’s North Shore, the Banzai Pipeline is one of the most famous and challenging surf breaks in the world. It is renowned for its massive, barreling waves during the winter months, attracting professional surfers from around the globe.
Sunset Beach (Oahu): Also situated on Oahu’s North Shore, Sunset Beach is known for its powerful and consistent waves, particularly during the winter season. It offers a variety of breaks suitable for experienced surfers and hosts international surfing competitions.
Waimea Bay (Oahu): Waimea Bay is famous for its colossal waves during the winter months, with swells reaching up to thirty feet or more. It is a legendary big-wave spot that attracts skilled surfers seeking the thrill of riding massive walls of water.
Honolua Bay (Maui): Honolua Bay is a stunning marine reserve on Maui’s northwest coast. It offers a beautiful reef break with consistent waves, particularly during the winter months. This surf spot is more suitable for experienced surfers.
Jaws (Maui): Officially known as Pe’ahi, Jaws is a world-renowned big-wave surf spot located on the northern coast of Maui. It features massive waves that can reach heights of 60 feet or more, attracting elite big-wave surfers for exhilarating rides.
Hanalei Bay (Kauai): Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore is a picturesque location with consistent and rideable waves year-round. It offers a variety of breaks suitable for all skill levels, making it an excellent spot for beginners and intermediate surfers.
Lahaina Breakwall (Maui): Located near Lahaina Harbor on Maui, the Lahaina Breakwall is a popular spot for surfers of all levels. It features consistent waves and a protective breakwall, making it a wonderful place for beginners and those looking for a more relaxed surf session.
Ke’iki Beach (Big Island): Ke’iki Beach, located near Kona on the Big Island, is a popular surf spot for beginners and intermediate surfers. It offers a gentle and forgiving reef break, making it an ideal place to learn and practice surfing skills.
These are just a few examples of the many exceptional surf spots in Hawaii. It is important to note that some surf breaks can be extremely challenging and dangerous, especially during the winter months when the waves are larger. It is recommended to be an experienced surfer or seek guidance from local experts before attempting to surf these renowned spots.
MAJOR SURFING COMPETITIONS HELD AT OAHU
Oahu is known as the surfing capital of the world and hosts several major surfing competitions throughout the year. Some of the notable surfing competitions held on Oahu include:
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing: The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is a prestigious series of three surfing events held on the North Shore of Oahu. The three events are the Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa, the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach, and the Billabong Pipe Masters at Banzai Pipeline. The Triple Crown attracts the world’s best surfers and is a pivotal component of the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series and Championship Tour.
Billabong Pipe Masters: Held at the iconic Banzai Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore, the Billabong Pipe Masters is the final event of the WSL Championship Tour. It showcases the world’s top-ranked surfers competing in powerful, barreling waves. The event often determines the world champion title and is known for its thrilling and intense surfing action.
Volcom Pipe Pro: Another significant surfing competition held at Pipeline is the Volcom Pipe Pro. It is an annual professional surfing event that attracts top surfers from around the world. The event is part of the WSL Qualifying Series and serves as an opportunity for up-and-coming surfers to showcase their skills.
Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau: The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau is a unique big-wave surfing event held in honor of legendary Hawaiian waterman Eddie Aikau. It takes place at Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore and only runs when wave conditions reach a minimum height of 20 feet. The contest attracts renowned big-wave surfers and is considered one of the most prestigious and challenging surfing events in the world.
These are some of the major surfing competitions held on Oahu, and they draw thousands of spectators and surf enthusiasts from around the globe. The specific dates for these competitions may vary from year to year, so it is recommended to check the official websites or local surf associations for the most up-to-date information on schedules and events.
Hawaii has produced numerous legendary surfers who have made significant contributions to the sport and have become household names in the surfing world.
Here are some of the most famous surfers from Hawaii:
Duke Kahanamoku: Duke Kahanamoku is often referred to as the father of modern surfing. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1890, he popularized the sport and brought it to international attention through his surfing demonstrations and Olympic achievements. Duke Kahanamoku is regarded as a true surfing icon and an ambassador of the sport.
Eddie Aikau: Eddie Aikau was a renowned big-wave surfer and lifeguard from Oahu’s North Shore. Known for his fearless approach to riding massive waves, he gained legendary status in the surfing community. Eddie Aikau’s commitment to saving lives in dangerous conditions earned him widespread admiration. The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau contest was established in his honor.
Andy Irons: Andy Irons, hailing from Kauai, was a three-time world champion and one of the most talented surfers of his generation. He achieved remarkable success on the World Surf League Championship Tour, showcasing his powerful and aggressive style of surfing. Irons’ rivalry with Kelly Slater and his raw talent made him a beloved figure in the surfing world.
Bethany Hamilton: Bethany Hamilton, born in Kauai, overcame incredible odds and inspired millions with her story. At the age of 13, she lost her left arm in a shark attack while surfing. Despite the life-altering event, Hamilton’s determination and resilience allowed her to continue pursuing her passion for surfing. She became a professional surfer and an inspiration to many.
Carissa Moore: Carissa Moore, born and raised in Honolulu, is a four-time world champion and one of the most dominant female surfers in recent history. Known for her powerful and progressive style, Moore has been a trailblazer for women’s surfing and has played a significant role in elevating the sport’s profile.
John John Florence: John John Florence, born on Oahu’s North Shore, is a two-time world champion and widely regarded as one of the most innovative surfers of his generation. With a smooth and progressive style, Florence has pushed the boundaries of aerial maneuvers and barrel riding, solidifying his status as one of the best surfers in the world.
Sunny Garcia: Sunny Garcia, hailing from Oahu, is a former world champion and a highly influential figure in the world of professional surfing. Known for his powerful style and competitive drive, Garcia made a significant impact on the sport during his competitive career.
These are just a few examples of the many famous surfers from Hawaii. The islands have a rich surfing heritage, and countless individuals have contributed to the sport’s development and popularity over the years.
Hawaii is widely considered an awe-inspiring destination for its islands, beaches, and surfing. The Hawaiian Islands offer a diverse and stunning natural landscape, including active volcanoes, lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and majestic mountains. Each island has its own unique charm and attractions, from the Big Island’s volcanic wonders to Maui’s picturesque coastline, Oahu’s vibrant city life, Kauai’s breathtaking cliffs, and more.
Hawaii’s beaches are world-class, featuring pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of marine life. Whether you are looking for relaxation, water sports, or simply enjoying the beauty of the ocean, the beaches in Hawaii provide a perfect setting.
For surfers, Hawaii is a true paradise. The islands are home to some of the best and most challenging surf breaks in the world, attracting surfers of all skill levels. From the massive waves of Banzai Pipeline to the legendary North Shore breaks and renowned surf competitions, Hawaii offers a playground for surf enthusiasts.
Here is a breakdown of why Hawaii’s islands, beaches, and surfing are awe-inspiring:
Island Variety: Hawaii is not just one island, but a chain with eight main ones, each offering unique landscapes, volcanoes, rainforests, and cultural experiences. You can find a dramatic volcanic coast on the Big Island, lush green valleys on Kauai, and the bustling city life of Waikiki on Oahu.
Stunning Beaches: Hawaii is famous for its beaches, with white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and swaying palm trees. They provide a beautiful backdrop for relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Surfing Mecca: Hawaii is considered the birthplace of surfing. The islands offer world-class waves for surfers of all levels, from gentle beginner waves to legendary giant waves for experienced surfers. The surfing culture is deeply ingrained in Hawaiian history and provides a unique atmosphere.
Experience for Everyone: Whether you are a surfer seeking a challenge or a visitor wanting to relax on a beautiful beach, Hawaii caters to everyone. You can combine surfing with exploring the islands’ natural wonders, learning about Hawaiian culture, and indulging in delicious local food.
Hawaii offers a combination of natural beauty, diverse activities, and a rich cultural connection to surfing that creates an unforgettable experience.
Hawaii’s islands, beaches, and surfing opportunities are indeed awe-inspiring, providing a remarkable experience for visitors and surfers alike.
If you liked this Share It!
Unleash your BOHOtude – visit BOHOtude Apparel for a selection of free-spirited apparel.