You'll enjoy your visit to Hawaii much more if you take time learn all you can about the Hawaiian islands before you leave home. There are hundreds of islands in the Hawaiian chain, but only eight main Hawaiian islands.

Of the eight main Hawaiian islands, two are closed to visitors (Niihau and Kahoolawe) and two have few accomodations and resources available to visitors (Molakai and Lanai).

That leaves four very different Hawaiian islands for you to explore, where you'll find a wide variety of accomodations and lesiure activities to pursue, but before you scour the Web for Hawaiian hotels and things to do on your Hawaiian vacation, get your feet wet with the basics.

The Big Island of Hawaii - Bigger than all the other islands combined and home the volcanoes of Mauna Loa, Kilauea and Mauna Kea. Airports at Kona and Hilo and a resort paradise.

The Garden Island of Kauai - Hawaii's Garden Island of beautiful beaches and striking island scenery.

The Valley Island of Maui - Home of Haleakala, the volcano crater known as the "House of the Sun," Maui's also the best place in Hawaii to go whale watching from a boat or shore.

The Gathering Place of Oahu - Honolulu is the economic, business and political center of Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is the world's most famous beach and there are dozens of places throughout Oahu to explore and enjoy.

The Most Hawaiian Island of Molakai - The small, friendly island features miles of undisturbed beaches and undeveloped places.

The Pineapple Island of Lanai - Small in size and population, Lanai has always been associated with pineapple plantations.

The Forbidden Island of Niihau - Privately owned and entry is strictly regulated.

The Island of Kahoolawe - The Navy's artillery range is a dangerous and strictly off limits island.

After you've read about Hawaii's islands and have decided what type of Hawaiian vacation you want to take --- and there are plenty of different ways to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii --- then you can get into specifics. Check our Hawaiian Travel Guide on the left for more information on hotels, things to do and places to see throughout the Hawaiian islands.

Mahalo