Travel Guide U.S.A.: Hawaii

Aloha and e komo mai - Welcome to Hawaii! The species-rich chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean, which has been the 50th state of the United States since 1959, welcomes you with endless summer, deep blue sea and fascinating volcanic landscapes. Whether in winter or summer, life in Hawaii takes place outside. On the many islands you have the opportunity to learn to surf, watch whales, hike through the rainforest or climb the summit of the Mauna Loa volcano.
Hawaii combines natural beauty, culture and adventure - you can discover and experience all this during your time as a volunteer on Maui.

Profile

Name
Hawaii (Hawaiian Hawaiʻi or Mokupuni o Hawaiʻi)

Location
approx. 3,680 km southwest of the US west coast in the Pacific Ocean

Size
approx. 28,300 km² (of which approx. 16,625 km² land area)

Capital
Honolulu

Best travel time
All year round, especially May to October

Highlights
In particular the island of Maui and the Haleakala National Park there

Visiting Hawaii

Location, geography and climate Hawaii

Hawaii consists of more than 100 single islands. The main islands are Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawai`i Island. Landscapes formed by lava can be found on Hawaii Island. Kauai Island is famous for its thick rainforests and steep cliffs. Due to its isolation from the mainland, there are many endemic animals and plants in Hawaii.

Hawaii is a unique place due to its volcanic character. A so-called hot spot under the pacific continental plate causes the volcanic activity in this area. Many of the Hawaiian Islands were created because of the continental drift of these plates. Furthermore, Hawaii is the place of the world most active volcano, the so-called Kilauea. Since 1840 it erupted more than 60 times. The volcanic activity in Hawaii makes the soil alkaline. It consists of basalts and olivine stones. Therefore, the beaches are not only white but also black and green sometimes. Hawaii is one of few places in the world where the natural flow of lava can be observed. The two main kinds of lava are called Phoephoe-lava and Aa-lava.

The climate is quite hot and tropical and temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C all over the year. At night, temperatures can cool down to 5°C. In the highlands, e.g. on top of the Maina Kea, it even snows sometimes, so that skiing and snowboarding is a convenient way to spend your free time. If you are no big fan of winter sports, you can go for a diving trip instead. Water temperatures are temperate all over the year.

Flora and fauna on Hawaii

In Hawaii there are countless species of birds. A type is the honeycreeper that is only on Hawaii and that is very remarkable through its long beak and its shining plumage. The hawksbill turtle, which is threatened with extinction, is also native to the coasts of Hawaii and lays its eggs on the beaches at night during the breeding season.

Highlights on Hawaii

In the national parks on Hawaii you have the opportunity to inform yourself about the flora and fauna and can get hiking maps or tips for other activities. Haleakala National Park is located on the island of Maui. On your way to the summit of Haleakala you can experience as many different natural spaces as on a trip from Canada to Mexico!

Interesting: English is spoken on the island, but you will also meet some Hawaiian-speaking inhabitants. The original language was almost extinct, but today more and more people are returning to their roots and learning Hawaiian. It is even resumed at some schools.