Today, East Molokai and West Molokai are considered the main land formations in this island. Aside from its volcanic origins, the island of Molokai is also known for its breathtaking sea cliffs that are considered to be among the highest in the world.
Because of the beauty of these sea cliffs, they have actually been in the spotlight, having been used as a backdrop for the movie Jurassic Park 3. The sixth largest island in the Hawaiian chain is Lanai, which measures square miles square kilometers. The Pineapple Island, as it has been nicknamed, is due to its past days as an island-wide pineapple plantation. Lanai was formed from a single, now distinct volcano, that is probably the oldest of Hawaii's volcanoes.
The summit of Lanaihale, located in the east central part of the island, with an elevation of 3, feet 1 kilometer. The topography of the area is varied, though more arid and dryer than other islands such as Kauai. Some scientists believe that Lanai was once joined to Maui and Molokai but erosion and eventual rising sea levels separated the islands over millions of years. One of the natural wonders of Lanai is the Garden of the Gods, a barren area full of rock formations and red dirt reminiscent of the landscape in Mars.
Considered as the smallest of the major islands of Hawaii, coming in at 45 square miles 72 square kilometers with its nickname "The Target Island" sprouting from its use by the U. Navy from as a target, upon which they fired practically every type of conventional artillery. The island has since been reclaimed by the State of Hawaii, where it can only be used for Native Hawaiian cultural, subsistence, or spiritual purposes, as well as for fishing, historic preservation, environmental conservation, and education.
Kahoolawe has no known permanent residents despite previous efforts to raise cattle and agriculture in the area in the early s, due to the lack of freshwater and the arid nature of the land. Kahoolawe's highest point is the Lua Makika crater at the summit of the Pu'u Moaulanui. Coming in as the second largest Hawaiian Island is "The Valley Island" of Maui, measuring square miles 1, square kilometers. Here, lush rainforests and mountains are within easy access to locals and visitors alike via car.
Past volcanic eruptions have made Maui's soil very fertile and suitable for plant growth. As a result, verdant forests and lush green mountainsides are plentiful. Haleakala, Hawaiian for House of the Sun, offers jaw-dropping views of the sunrise for those brave enough to face the early morning hours and chilly pre-dawn temperatures at its summit. Haleakala formed East Maui, and is the world's largest inactive volcano. During the winter months, temperatures at the top of Haleakala can drop below freezing, with snow covering the summit for short periods of time.
One landmark of particular geologic interest is the Dragon's Teeth along the coastline. As lava from the West Maui volcano flowed out into the open sea, wind and strong waves pushed it back, resulting to sharp and curved spires that look like teeth from a giant monster.
Down near the Hana Highway is a holy place for ancient Hawaiians completely made out of lava rock. The Piilanihale Heiau is a place of worship that spans the size of two American football fields, and was only discovered in the s, as it was covered and perfectly preserved by undergrowth.
With an area of 4, square miles 6, kilometers , is measures almost twice the combined size of all islands put together. Despite its size, the Big Island is actually the youngest island in the group, and is continually growing far and wide thanks to its active volcanoes. If you want to catch a glimpse of Hawaii's volcanoes, pay a visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Despite its big size, one can still have difficulty in finding it as its slopes flare out instead of sloping steeply, a characteristic that can be attributed to shield volcanoes.
Just beside Mauna Loa is the Kilauea volcano, currently one of the most active shield volcanoes in the whole world and has attributed approximately acres of new land since At the rim of Kilauea stands an observatory where scientists study the volcanic activities of the island. Hawaii is unique, as it features deserts, lush tropical forests, and snow as noted above. The island is continually growing, thanks to its very active and lava spewing volcano. Its size trumps all other Hawaiian Islands, with a unique landscape.
Part of HuffPost Environment. All rights reserved. Check out these awesome underwater photos of Kaena, courtesy John Sinton. Suggest a correction. What's Hot. Much of Koolau volcano was also removed by a giant landslide. Elevation m :. State Province, etc :. Google Maps:. More Images:. Disclaimers and Policies Login. The fighters and bombers coming south from their carriers split into three groups when they arrived at Oahu.
One group followed the west coast, another the east, and the third came down the valley between them. This group would have seen agricultural activity interspersed with the wet forests of the valley. Like many of the other islands, US companies had sugar cane, pineapple, and other plantations on Oahu. Native Hawaiians, and immigrants from Japan, worked these fields for the outsider farming companies. The planes converged from their three paths, bringing destruction to the ships and airfields of Pearl Harbor, before returning to the carriers to refuel and come again in a second wave.
View from Pali Pass of the central valley on Oahu, Also arriving that morning were five Japanese submarines.
They had left from a port in Japan on November 25, and by a. From each of these larger submarines embarked midget submarines, which made their way to the harbor and the shores of Oahu. These small submarines were armed with torpedoes, but were much less effective than their aerial counterparts.
Some of these ran aground in the rough waters and rough shores, others were spotted and destroyed. A natural arch formed on the rocky coastline, November Cold War era technologies and research led to the discoveries of continental and oceanic plates, plate subduction, magma hotspots, and the theory of Plate Tectonics. The entire Pacific Campaign was shaped by the ponderous movement of these plates; the islands hopped to victory were formed by forces little understood at the time.
The exotic Pacific that charmed and challenged troops was mysterious in cultural and geologic ways. The fruits of wartime technological developments led to the explanation of the geology of the region. Sunbathers on Waikiki beach, Diamondhead in background.
Honolulu, Hawaii, no date.
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