Near Hawaii, the age progression from island to island can be used to calculate the motion of the Pacific Oceanic plate toward the northwest. The youngest seamount of the Hawaiian chain is Loihi, which presently is erupting from its summit at a depth of meters. Image courtesy of U.
Honolulu and Waikiki average around 80 degrees year-round with only 20 to 40 inches of rainfall. Along the Waianae coast, there is less rain, and temperatures can be a little higher.
On the windward side or East coast, it tends to rain more; however, one minute it may be raining and the next minute there may be an astounding rainbow. The County of Honolulu governs the island of Oahu.
While traffic on Oahu is considered one of the worst in the United States, the island boasts a robust infrastructure. Water, sewage, and trash pick up are offered in every area of Oahu, with only some of the most remote locations having cesspools. Parks are plentiful on Oahu, including dog parks, bike paths, and botanical gardens. Like the other islands, Oahu is also considered a safe place in comparison to other cities on the Mainland. However, theft is becoming more and more common, including car theft and house raids.
From January to the previous year, robberies were up 52 percent with 79 robberies reported to the Honolulu Police Department in a four-week period. Murder is rare, however, in the same January report, a 20 percent increase in crimes involving firearms was reported. Overall, residents of Oahu can feel safe walking most streets at night, but they should be vigilant in certain areas and neighborhoods and always take precautions to secure belongings.
The oldest island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai is known for its lush landscapes, sharp mountains on Na Pali Coast and cascading waterfalls. Quaint, country towns add to the laid-back vide of this less-populated smaller island.
Real estate on Kauai is competitive with single-family home prices comparable to Maui or Oahu and not much supply. If you want to live the old Hawaii lifestyle, full of aloha and tranquility, Kauai might be the island for you.
As the oldest island, Kauai has a unique history. The first settlers of the island are believed to be Marquesans and other Polynesians who arrived around A. The early settlers lived off the land, growing taro, yams, and bananas, and enjoying the plentiful fresh water.
With the arrival of Westerns in the late s, Kauai became a common stop for sea voyagers and missionaries. Kamehameha the Great had difficulty conquering Kauai, and its neighboring island, Niihau, due to rebellion and disease outbreaks. But in , Kamehameha and the King of Kauai, Kaumualii, came to a peaceful agreement, with Kauai joining the Hawaiian Kingdom with Kaumaulii as its governor. Sugar and pineapple dominated the island for nearly years.
Kauai tends to get more rain and has had historical flooding and hurricanes which have wreaked havoc on homes and hotels. Annual rain fall varies from about 50 inches annually on the windward shore to less than 20 inches on the leeward side of the island. Infrastructure has remained the same on Kauai for the past decades, despite an increase in tourism.
Two-way roads, one-way bridges, small parking lots, and a small public transportation system — the Kauai Bus — make getting around Kauai a challenge. But Kauai is a small island, so there is not far to travel.
The water systems were initially constructed by sugar plantations and later expanded by the County. Wastewater systems are available in Waimea, Hanapepe, Lihue, Wailua, and Kapaa, but public wastewater systems are not available in many rural areas like Princeville, Kekaha, or Kokee. With its small population and geographic area, Kauai is one of the safest islands. Minimal crime exists on Kauai besides petty theft. Remote waterfalls and hiking trails should not be accessed if you are not prepared or know the area, as explorers have been lost in the lush landscapes of Kauai in the past.
However, there is no real estate to buy on Niihau, and it is nearly impossible to even visit Niihau. No one knows exactly how many people live on Niihau, as the Robinson family does not have to report population numbers.
Former Niihau residents say there are a lot of rules, including no alcohol or guns, men not having long hair or earrings, and everyone attending church on Sundays.
Breaking the rules might mean an eviction from the island by the Robinson family. Despite many attempts, Kamehameha was never fully successful in conquering Niihau by force.
The king made the family promise that they protect the island and its residents from outside influences — and many generations later, descendants of the Sinclair family have upheld that promise to today.
Brothers Bruce and Keith Robinson currently manage Niihau. Niihau is drier than other islands with less trade wind rainfall due to its low elevation and location next to rainy Kauai.
Historical droughts on Niihau have been recorded several times. Temperatures average 70 to 80 degrees year-round. For any ocean activities, watch for outfitters certified by the Surfrider Foundation. The sunbathing and camping are superlative here, but avoid swimming in the dangerous breaks between October and March. Some residents still live at the site, but they have been cured of leprosy. The classic Pali Trail leads down to it—with 3.
Enjoy the resort hot spots of Waikiki, Ko Olina, and Turtle Bay slated to reopen in July but make sure to venture beyond them. For those who want to tour local delicacies, try the Saturday markets. Consider the Bishop Museum, which frequently offers surf exhibits and has permanent exhibits devoted to celestial navigation and outrigger canoeing. Not quite ready to catch a world-class wave? Sign up for the Daily Wander newsletter for expert travel inspiration and tips. Read our privacy policy.
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