Hawaii is a destination many people visit for its perfect scenery,
but it’s also associated with Pearl Harbor. Islands and submerged volcanoes
make a chain which makes Hawaii. There are about 128 islands that make the
archipelago chain, yet only 8 are inhabited as of today. The islands are
Kahoolawe, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, Niihau, and “Big Island” of
Hawaii. The soils are very rich due to the volcanoes, which is great for
cultivation. The weather can vary throughout the islands due to its topography. The fact that the islands are separated has given Hawaii islands a unique
biogeography. Some plants and animals are not found nowhere else but there, and its critical to avoid getting extinct.
The Hawaiian Islands are very diverse in comparison to North
America, due to its location. Pacific Islanders were first to settle and soon Europeans came along. In 1778 Captain James Cook and his people settled
in. It was until the 19th century that Americans began to settle in
the Hawaiian Islands. Sugar plantations
were established but there were no labors, so people from China, Japan &
Russia where brought to work. As of today, people of Japanese ancestry
outnumber other ethnicity in the region. Hawaii’s economy thrives on tourism
and some agriculture. Tropical crops like sugar cane and pineapple were grown
in the region, but the production has decreased. Trade is also important in
Hawaii, due to its location in the Pacific Ocean.
The island with the largest population is Oahu. Honolulu is very
crowded, polluted, commercialized and the traffic is unbearable just like parts
of North America. Oahu Island has one of the world’s most famous resorts,
Waikiki Beach. Most of the residents live inland, since the homes in the coast
are too expensive. The “Big Island” is the largest island of Hawaii and
youngest, which makes it the most prone to volcanoes. Maui County faces rapid
population growth, high cost of living, and pollution. The Kauai Island is
the oldest and has beautiful sceneries. Hawaii faces environmental problems due
to its small isolated islands and unique ecosystem. Its economy depends tremendously
on outside forces and tourism, and if it declines it would have a negative
impact of Hawaii.
Book used:
Hardwick,Shelley, Susan Wiley. The Geography of North America 2nd Edition. Pearson College Div. 2012.
Book used:
Hardwick,Shelley, Susan Wiley. The Geography of North America 2nd Edition. Pearson College Div. 2012.
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| Hawaii National Volcano Park |
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| Hawaiian Dancers |
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| Maui Island |
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| Early Sugar Cane Plantations |
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| Waikiki Beach |
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