•  The eight main Hawaiian Islands listed in order of size are: Hawaii (also known as "The Big Island"), Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe.

•  Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island are volcanic mountains which grew up from the sea floor. If measured from base to top, they would be the tallest mountains in the world at nearly 32,000 feet.

•  The Island of Hawaii, or the "Big Island", has five colossal volcanoes: Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The newest member of the Hawaiian Island chain has yet to break the surface of the ocean. It is called Loihi.

•  The Big Island is one of the youngest land masses in the world at only 450,000 years old. By comparison, the islands of Kauai and Niihau are 5 million years old while the volcanic portion of Midway and the Kure Atolls are 28 million years old.

•   Hawaii's islands were created over the last 70 million years as the Pacific Tectonic Plate moved across the Hawaiian "Hot Spot" at a rate of about 3.5 inches per year.

•   The Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated islands in the world at 2,400 miles from the nearest continental land mass (North America).

•  The Hawaiian Islands are biologically unique with no native land reptiles or amphibians and only two native mammals: the horay bat and the monk seal. A quarter of all near-shore fish are only found in Hawaiian waters. More than 4,300 species of plants and animals are native to Hawaii having evolved from as few as 280 original species. Native birds also evolved from a relatively small population of approximately 15 bird species.

•  The islands of Hawaii were one of the last places on Earth discovered by humans, with early colonies started by Polynesians around 100- 600 AD. The first westerner to arrive was Captain James Cook on the island of Kauai: January 19, 1778.

•   Kauai has its own "Grand Canyon". The Waimea Canyon is over 2,500 feet deep and is equal in beauty to any canyon on this planet. Kauai also has the highest percentage of beachfront of all the main Hawaiian Islands. The sand comes from fringing reefs surrounding the island.

Some common words in Hawaii

Hawaiian Language and locally used English words

Aloha
Used to express a variety of greetings or feelings: hello, good-bye, welcome, love, thank you, farewell... Also the dominant philosophy of the islands: the "Aloha Spirit". This translates as love for others, celebration, and the love of the natural wonders of Hawaii.

Hale
A house or building, often combined with other words to name a specific place such as Hale-akala (House of the Sun).

Hula
A local Hawaiian dance where the rhythm of the islands is captured in motion of the dancers. Details of the stories are related by precise movement of the hands.

Kahuna
A person of high skill or a man knowledgeable about many things. A doctor, a shaman.

Kamaaina
A local or a longtime Hawaiian island resident.

Kane
A man. When posted on a door, it means "Men's Restroom".

Kapu
Taboo, forbidden, poisonous, keep out, or do not touch.

Keiki
A kid, children, or kids.

Kokua
To help or assist.

Lanai
A patio, porch, or veranda. In a typical hotel, a 'lanai' is a balcony or outdoor veranda.

Lei
A traditional garland of flowers or vines. Traditionally given during a special occasion or upon arrival to or departure from the islands.

Leeward Side
The side of each island that is sheltered from the southwesterly trade winds. The leeward part of each island has less rainfall, more sunshine and is less "jungle-like". Most of the major resorts are on the leeward sides of their respective islands.

Luau
A Hawaiian feast featuring traditional Hawaiian foods such as poi, imu baked pork, and poke.

Mahalo
Thank You!

Moana
The ocean or the sea.

Muumuu
A long dress with a floral print.

Ohana
A family. It is common for a Hawaiian to have an Ohana Cottage (guest house)

Ono
Delicious, delightful, or the best. 'Ono ono' means absolutely delicious. Also the name of a marine fish.

Pali
A cliff.

Pau
It's finished or done.

Poi
A thick paste made from taro root; purplish in color and kind of sour tasting. Usually served during a traditional Luau.

Puka
A hole of any size.

Pu pu
A snack or an appetizer.

The Big Island
Actually the island of "Hawaii". The largest island in the chain and the newest.

Ukulele
A small (guitar-like) folk instrument with four or eight strings.

Wahine
A young female, wife, or girl. If posted on a door it means "Women's Restroom".

Wiki
Fast, quick, or in a hurry. Wiki wiki which means extremely fast!

Windward Side
The side of each island that faces the southwesterly trade winds. The windward side tends to be cooler with more rainfall than the leeward side. The windward sides are generally the eastern and northern portions of each island.