Some of the coastline is comprised of tall cliffs rising straight up from the waters edge. In some places, large rocks of lava protrude from the water along the shore. Most of the beaches on the islands serve up beautiful white sand. Some beaches are covered with black sand, formed when molten lava met the ocean.

Akaka Falls, Hawaii Photo by John Bortniak, NOAA Corps

Hawai`i: Hawaii is the largest of the habitable Hawaiian islands and covers 4,038 square miles. This island was formed by five volcanoes, two of which are still active. Kohala is on the northern side of the island. Hualalai is in the west. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are toward the center of the island. Kilauea is located on the eastern side of Mauna Loa. Mauna Kea, at 13,796 feet above sea level, is the highest point in the state. Mauna Loa and Kilauea are still active volcanoes and erupt intermittently, sometimes spewing fiery lava streams flowing down the mountains to the sea.

The north and southeastern coast of Hawaii is protected by high cliffs with silvery waterfalls falling over the edge and into the ocean below. Take a virtual field trip of Hawai`i.

Maui: Maui was formed by two volcanoes and is often called the Valley Island because of the many canyons that cut into the two mountains. A low isthmus passes between the two mountains creating a fertile area for growing sugar cane. Haleakala, the highest point on Maui, also contains the world's largest dormant volcanic crater, at least for now. Haleakala is considered active and is expected to erupt sometime within the next 200 years. Take a virtual field trip of Maui.

Kaho`olawe Island Photo by Jack Lockwood U.S. Geological Survey March 31, 1984

Kaho`olawe: Kaho`olawe is a small, uninhabited island next to Maui. It is dry and windswept. Take a field trip to the island on a small fishing boat.

Moloka`i: The island of Moloka`i can be roughly divided into three regions according to its physical features. The eastern region is covered with rugged mountains and canyons. The west is a dry plateau. The central area is a fertile plain suitable for growing various crops. Take a virtual field trip of Moloka`i.

Lana`i: Is Pineapple growing country, with 98% of the land owned by the makers of Dole pineapple products.

Western shore of O`ahu Waianae Range Courtesy: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

O`ahu: O`ahu consists of two mountain ranges; the Koolau Range in the east and the Waianae Range in the west. The valley between these two mountain ranges consists of a fertile, rolling plain and support many sugar and pineapple plantations. A most notable landmark, is the 760-foot extinct volcanic crater, known as Diamond Head, located on the southeastern end of the island at the end of Waikiki. Take a virtual field trip of O`ahu. View this map of O`ahu from the Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center.

Kaua`i: In the center of the island is Kawaikini Peak, rising 5,170 feet and Mount Waialeale, rising 5,080 feet. Mount Waialeale is the rainiest spot on earth, averaging 460 inches of rain a year, and contributing to this island's nickname; the Garden Island. Many streams flow from these mountains to the sea through canyons in the volcanic rock. Waimea canyon has colorful rock walls that are 2,857 feet high. On the northwestern coast are rugged cliffs that make it impossible to build a road around the whole island. Take a virtual field trip of Kaua`i. You may view this map provided by the Hawaii Geographic Information Coordinating Council.

Ni`ihau: Niihau is a private island owned by the Robinson family of Kaua'i. It is nicknamed "The Forbidden Island." The island is a semi-arid island and the climate is dry, though several lakes provide fresh water.

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