There are eight main island in the U.S state of Hawaii
The United States' 50th state, Hawaii, is made up of 19 islands and atolls, first settled by Polynesians around A.D. 500. Of those 19 islands and atolls, there are eight main islands.
Oahu
Oahu means the "gathering place" in the Hawaiian language, and is the most populated of the Hawaiian Islands. Oahu is home to the state capital, Honolulu, which is home to Iolani Palace, the only Royal residence on U.S. soil. Oahu attracts visitors to its beaches, such as those of Waikiki and the North Shore, as well as to its lively nightlife scene, which is mostly concentrated in Waikiki and Chinatown.
Maui
Maui is also known for its beaches, such as Kaanapali Beach on the west side of the island and Honolua Bay in the south. Other popular attractions are the old whaling town Lahaina, which is now home to a lively nightlife and restaurant scene, and the Haleakala volcanic crater.
Molokai
The remote wilderness of Molokai can be reached by a ferry from Maui. The island features secluded beaches and hiking opportunities, for example at Kamakou Preserve. A popular attraction is Kalaupapa National Historic Park, which is a former leper colony and is surrounded by the world's highest sea cliffs.
Lanai
Like Molokai, Lanai is mostly rural but is starting to become more developed; it is currently home to two resorts with their own world-class golf courses. Other attractions on the island are the red dirt and rocks of Keahiakawelo--or Garden of the Gods--and the 500-year old Luahiwa Petroglyphs.
Kauai
The Garden Isle, as it is often referred as, Kauai is the oldest and greenest of the Hawaiian islands. Attractions include Waimea Canyon State Park, which features 13 miles of lava rock, and the beaches of Hanalei Bay.
Hawaii (Big Island)
Also referred to as the Big Island, the island of Hawaii is the largest and newest of the islands. Hawaii is home to the world's most active volcano, Kilauea, in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where visitors can trek through lava fields. Hawaii is also home to Mauna Kea, the world's tallest mountain when measured from its base below sea level, and the coffee farms of Kona.
Niihau
Niihau is also known as the Forbidden Isle as it is privately owned and largely accessible only by residents and specially invited guests. Tourists are only allowed to visit on organized diving and hiking day trips. Niihau's approximately 150 residents are mostly Native Hawaiians and the primary language of the island is Hawaiian.
Kahoolawe
The smallest of the eight main islands, Kahoolawe is the only island that is uninhabited. The island was used by the U.S. Navy as a bombing range for 50 years, until 1990. Currently, as of 2010, the island is only accessible to members of groups undertaking clean-up projects of unexploded bombs.
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