4 of 4

Write now Article Tools

The Lesser Known Islands of Hawaii

2,300 miles away from the North American continent there lies a group of many islands, large and small, which is well reputed as a place of comfort, culture, crystalline waters, and captivating scenery. This archipelago is, of course, the U.S. state of Hawaii, a place well established in the minds of most vacationers and travelers everywhere. However, most tourists seek to unfold their blankets upon the crowded beaches of Maui or Oahu and thereby neglect the less frequented and thus more serene havens of the Hawaiian islands such as Niihau, Kauai, and Lanai. These relatively unknown jewels of the Pacific can provide vacationers with an enhanced Hawaiian experience uninhibited by crowded beaches.

Niihau, oftentimes referred to as the "Forgotten Island," is the smallest inhabited island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Comprised of only about 160 permanent residents, the majority of whom are native Hawaiians, this little island is overflowing with authentic Hawaiian culture. There you are unlikely to find the clamorous throngs of tourists that saturate the more popular islands. In fact the only "clamor" you might hear in Niihau would be of the Hawaiian tongue. Niihau is the only Hawaiian island where Hawaiian is still the primary language so most of this island's visitors there will enveloped with real Hawaii upon arrival. And, despite its isolation from the crowds, Niihau offers a great deal of activities for its visitors including safaris, aerial tours and sunbathing upon its secluded beaches.

With a coastline that is almost unrivaled in majesty when viewed from afar, Kauai is another lesser known Hawaiian island that almost begs to be visited. Though, strangely enough, many people may be able to recognize it as the site for several famous films such as Jurassic Park, Six Days Seven Nights, and Peter Jackson's recent remake of King Kong; and these are only the tip of the iceberg; Kauai has been featured in more than 70 movies and television shows; it even served as the setting for Disney's animated movie, Lilo and Stitch. You might ask, "Why would so many filmmakers choose this island as the setting for their movies?" The answer can be found in Kauai's picturesque lush landscape which earns it the title of "The Garden Isle." Here travelers can really get a glimpse of Hawaii's magnificent plant life with a wide range of beautiful attractions such as the Moir Gardens, the Mcbryde Garden and the Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens. Kauai certainly holds a rank among the most beautiful places in the world.

Lanai, "the Pineapple Island," has just recently become open to tourism and therefore is another one of Hawaii's more secluded islands. With 12 relatively pristine beaches and numerous attractions such as the Garden of the Gods, and Kanepuu Preserve, Lanai is known by those who have visited its peaceful beaches as a place in which almost anyone can attain the feeling of having their own private paradise. If one wishes for relaxation, it would be a sin to ignore "The Pineapple Island."

These lesser known islands of Hawaii present a great travel opportunity for almost any prudent vacationer. Surely paradise rests in places like these- unknown to the masses.

Learn more about this author, Paul French.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Traveling to the more remote Hawaiian islands?
We want to hear your view. Write now!