Sandwich Islands is the historical name of the Hawaiian islands. So if you want to explore the islands, then you should not miss out on places like Oahu, Maui, Kauai and some smaller islands like Molokai, Lanai etc. These are the best places to know regarding Hawaiian culture, food, activities etc. Hawaii is the only state of the US that is made up of islands only. Due to volcanic activities, some islands might have gone into oblivion while some others are currently being formed.
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The British explorer James Cook discovered the islands in 1778. He named it Sandwich islands in the honour of John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich. There are eight main islands. You can explore them by visiting each island by taking flights or other transportation facilities. There are several historical sites as well. And also beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests are there for sightseeing.
The Sandwich islands are known for polar explorer Ernest Shackleton’s final resting place. Today the name Hawaiian islands are used everywhere instead of the Sandwich islands. Now the name Sandwich islands are synonyms with nostalgia. Even now the name is famous with foreigners.
Most of the islands are uninhabited. English as the official language of the islands make it easier for the foreigners to converse easily. English is practically spoken by everyone throughout the islands. The Sandwich islands are an archipelago of several islands. The largest being Montagu and several other islands such as the Traversay, Candlemas, Central islands etc.Capital of Sandwich Islands is King Edward Point.
Activities on each island
Activities depend on each island. Sunbathing, hiking, snorkeling etc are the common activities experienced by travellers. There are lots of other activities where typical sandwich island culture is revealed. There are several options available depending on the nature of your trip.
- Hawaii Volcano Tour
This is a perfect way to experience the history of hawaii. The guides will take you to the most active volcanoes like Kilauea volcano.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is there to experience the volcanic landscape of the region
- Maui Tours
Maui tours will help you to discover and explore more about the islands. You can have the view of the lofty Haleakala and the Hana highway. Enroute a lot of waterfalls and other hidden places, farms, beaches and endless sceneries are there.
Other activities like snorkeling in the reef, whale watching, surfing, hiking,visiting pearl harbour, and farms are readily available in every stay.
More Activities
There are a lot of water activities available in the islands including paddleboarding and kayaking. You can also experience wildlife viewing, particularly watching penguins and Whales etc.Other key activities include scuba diving,boat tours, photography, hiking etc.
Things to be considered before activities
You are supposed to know prior about the weather conditions. Reaching the islands seems to be very difficult. Harsh weather conditions include strong winds, rain and snow.
Top five foods
- Wild Patagonian Toothfish
Also known as the Chilean sea bass is abundant in the Southern Ocean Waters of the islands. Widely used for grilling, baking or frying, it is a mouth drooling fish. Tourists are allowed to catch the fish under restricted circumstances. Some regulations are placed to reduce overfishing.
- King Penguin Eggs
Naturally abundant but less common item is the penguin’s eggs. Usually these eggs are tried by explorers and whalers. As part of conservation, these are not a part of a regular diet. The delicate ecosystem of the islands give very much importance to sustainable development. The government and people are responsible for the conservation of the area.
- Reindeer Meat
Introduced to the islands by Norwegian whalers, these are not native to the islands. Due to environmental concerns, consumption is restricted. As the government gives special attention to conservation, we can easily assume about the delicate and fragile ecosystem.
- Antarctic Mussels
It is found clinging to the rocks and has rich nutrients in it. But it is also not a part of the typical regular diet.
- Roast Beef
Roast beef and sandwiches are also a part of their food habits. It is common throughout the islands.
Some Interesting facts about the islands
- English and Hawaiian are the official languages of Hawaii. Before the arrival of the Christian missionaries, no written language was there.
- Hawaii is the most isolated yet populated centre on Earth. It has its own time zone.
- Its state flower is yellow hibiscus, and its state mammal is Hawaiian monk seal, State bird is Nene, state marine mammal is humpback whale.
- There are some celebrities born in the islands like Barack Obama, actress Aulii Cravalho, actress NicolenKidman, Tia Carrerre, dancer Carrie Ann Inaba etc.
- Home to many movies like Here to Eternity, Jurassics Park, Avatar, Raiders of the Lost Ark to name a few.
- Atop Mauna Kea Volcano on Hawaii you can take a sunbath in the morning and in the evening you can make a snowball.
- The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is the oldest Catholic church in use. Established in 1831, Lahainaluna High School is the oldest school west of the Rocky Mountains.
Top Beaches in the Sandwich Islands
- Waikiki Beach
A famous crescent shaped beach with golden sands. Lots of tourists are attracted to this spot. It is a very crowded beach.
- Ko Olina Beach
The water is very clear and shallow, even kids can enjoy this place.
- Waimea bay Beach
It is known as the best known big wave surfing beach. Some of the world’s best surfing competitions are held here.
- Hanalei Bay, Kauai
More calm during summer and more vibrant during winters. With a mountain backdrop,this is one of the most beautiful locations in the Sandwich Islands.
- Kalapaki Beach
A perfect spot for all ages. Myriads of games take place on the shores. There are also lots of inexpensive food stalls along the shores.
Best time to visit the islands
The best time to visit generally is during April and May or September and October. Both these time periods provide you with different experiences.
You can enjoy warm temperatures year round. During these times rainfall is also very low. But September is the cheapest month to visit there in terms of money. Typical rainy season is from November to March. Tourists with a flare to this weather can visit the islands during these months.