The Hawaii Traveler

There are nine watery threads running between the Hawaiian Islands. These channels are some of the most revered, most discussed waterways in history–if you’re the sea-faring type. If you’re not, now you know what’s what, and where it is.
 
‘Au’au Channel–between Lana’i and Maui. It’s the most geographically protected and therefore the calmest of all the channels, but isn’t the deepest. It boasts a long and interesting history with whaling ships, and is now popular “grounds” for whale watching instead. It was also a key, destiny-changing location during the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor during World War II.
 
Pailolo …read more

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This week we turned our attention to volcanoes on Hawai’i, which is saying a mouthful. That’s because the entire state of Hawai’i owes its very existence to the volcano. Each island consists of at least one primary volcano, although many islands are composites of two or more–even tiny little Ni’ihau has its own volcano. The Big Island is the volcanic showoff, with five volcanoes dotting the landscape. They are: Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualalai and Kohala. While Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on Earth, Kilauea produces the most lava each year.1. Name three volcanoes in the …read more

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It’s believed that Pele is the goddess of fire, lightning, dance, volcanoes and violence. Her mythos is varied, and complicated, but she’s best known on The Big Island, where some of her best work is still on display. It’s in her honor that we test our Hawai’i knowledge this week. Answers are revealed tomorrow, on Wednesday. Here we go:
1. Name three volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands.
2. What is the elevation at the top of Haleakala on Maui?
3. Describe the “grafitti” written on the black lava rock along the highways on The Big Island.
4. What is “vog?”
5. Are there any …read more

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If you’re new to snorkeling, you’ll no doubt be amazed and impressed with the sights you’ll see off the Hawai’i coast.First: Hit a place such as Snorkel Bob’s for equipment, maps, and a fish card, for identifying the scaly creatures that await. (Or just look and appreciate.) Wear your rash guard for protecting your back from the rays while you’re looking below. It’s easy to sunburn unnoticed, since the water can keep you feeling cool, even when you’re burning up.
You might be interested to know that more than 20 percent of Hawaiian reef fishes are found nowhere else in …read more

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While the $115 M renovation of the Royal Hawaiian Center is wrapping up, the nearby Royal Hawaiian Hotel, a Waikiki historical landmark, will begin its radical transformation into something more millennium.  Will it still be pink? According to sources, yes.

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Today’s test, in the spirit of Kaua’i Week, is all about–what else?–the island of Kaua’i, that little round island at the top of the chain of islands known for their beauty and tranquility. Here we go; answers are revealed tomorrow.

True or False: Kaua’i is home to the wettest place on Earth.
Name some movies that have showcased some of Kauai’s best outdoor scenery?
What is Bali Hai?
Why are there so many chickens on Kauai?
Name the largest canyon in the Pacific.
Bonus question: Where can you find the only river boat trip in Hawai’i?

Until tomorrow, friends, aloha!
Image by Jody …read more

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For those of you playing along at home, we’ll get to the answers of yesterday’s (May 27th) Tuesday Test after we jump ahead to a more detailed answer to question #5: How many varieties of snake are there in Hawaii?A bit of a trick question, the official answer is: One. It’s the island blind snake, or Ramphotyphlops braminus (shown).
While there may be other snakes on the islands that were introduced illegally or accidentally, federal and state governments invest high stakes in keeping snakes from entering the state. For example, commercial and private jets from other snake-infested …read more

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This week–and every Tuesday–it’s time to ask yourself, “How Knowledgeable am I about Hawaii?” Really, the answer is, “Who cares?” No one’s keeping score. But just for fun, here’s this week’s pop quiz about everyone’s favorite South Pacific destination. Answers revealed tomorrow. Here we go…

1. What Hawaiian island will someday be two islands?
2. What Hawaiian island is getting bigger?
3. What is the state fish?
4. What is the highest mountain in the world, measured from its base to its peak?
5. How many varieties of snake are there in Hawaii?
6. Which island boasts 10 of the 13 climate zones?
7. What …read more

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It’s on Memorial Day that we take extra care and time to remember and honor those who have served our country, and those who paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedom. One of the most awe inspiring memorial on the islands is the USS Arizona Memorial, on Oahu.
Located on the Pearl Harbor Navy Base, the memorial is a National Park Service site spanning ten and a half acres. The memorial of the Arizona itself, a structure over the sunken remains of the ship in memory of the US military men who perished there, is accessible only by boat.
Tickets …read more

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If you’ve ever heard a tour guide or Big Island local proclaim that Hawai’i exhibits 10 of the 13 climate zones, now you can explain why.
Climate basics:
Most scientists and other professionals concerned with climate studies use the Koppen Climate Classification system, a method of listing and describing the earth’s five major climate zones. These zones are defined by temperature and precipitation.  Koppen’s five major climate zones are: 1.Arid and Semi-Arid, 2. Tropical Rainy, 3. Warm …read more

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