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Settled by Polynesians somewhere in the first millennium, it wasn't until Captain Cook visited in 1778 that the western world took note of what the British explorer named them — the "Sandwich Islands."

Although local natives continued to rule Hawaii throughout the 19th century, Queen Liliuokalani eventually lost her throne to expanding U.S. business interests as Sanford Dole replaced her as President of the Republic of Hawaii near the turn of the century.

Hawaii soon became an official U.S. territory and, a few decades later, was the reason the U.S. entered World War II, following the Japanese attack on an American naval base near Honolulu at Pearl Harbor.

Today Hawaii's warm climate, sandy beaches, warm breezes and scenic beauty make it a vacationer's paradise and immensely popular with honeymooners, surfers, spring breakers and sun worshipers in general.

Comprised of eight main islands - Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau - Hawaii's most famous beach, Waikiki, is located on Oahu's south shore.

In addition to its tropical allure, Hawaii also offers vacation-goers national parks and historic centers such as the Haleakala National Park on Maui, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and Iolani Palace, the former residence of the islands' last monarchs.

Related Web Sites:

Go Hawaii - The official tourism site chock full of useful info on family vacations, golfing, wedding & honeymoom planner, art, history & culture plus hotel booking, dining, weather info and separate guides for each island.

Hawaii Travel | Lonely Planet World Guide - Where to go and what to see including major and offbeat attractions, history and culture, picture gallery, seasonal events.

Hawaii's Visitor Guides - The online visitor center with maps, pictures, restaurant and shopping guides, beach and island overviews.

Aloha from Maui - Top attractions, activities, wedding & honeymoon planner, maps, pictures, travel tips, and a good backgrounder on Hawaiian culture.

The Oahu Visitors Bureau - The official site featuring facts, information and pictures of popular golf courses, favorite wedding spots, family fun, sports, art & culture, hotels & restaurants, plus additional guides to Waikiki, Honolulu, the Windward Coast and shore areas.

Molokai - The Most Hawaiin Island - Generous helping of info on accommodations, transportation, visitor activities, a special report on the Kalaupapa Peninsula, photo tours, FAQ's, weather info, event schedule.

Discover Kauai - The complete guide including island culture, visitor attractions, parks & beaches, hotels & restaurants, event calendar, related links.

Hawaii Summer Vacation Calendar:

also see -> Honolulu | Hawaii Beaches & Surf Reports | Hawaii Wineries

Christmas in Hawaii