Across the expanse of the mid-Pacific Ocean, 2,000 miles from the nearest continental mass, North America, and 500 miles from any other land, lies a row of islands known as the Hawaiian Archipelago. Consisting of eight major islands, Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe, each island is a summit of an immense volcanic mountain rising from the ocean floor.

The Hawaiian Archipelago is located near the middle of the Pacific plate, one of twelve rigid structures covering the earth like a cracked eggshell. These plates are in perpetual motion with the Pacific plate, slowly moving toward the northwest at five to eight centimeters per year. As these plates shift in their constant movement, weak areas in the earth's crust give forth a hot molten material called magma. The eruption of this magma and its evolution over millions of years explain the origin of the Hawaiian Islands. The magma escaping through volcanic vents in the crust flowed out on to the ocean floor. Over time, as the magma hardened, layers were built up, finally reaching the ocean's surface. This type of formation, gently sloped, is called a shield volcano. As long as the shield volcano has a conduit to feed it with hot molten magma, it will continue to grow.

The islands that lie to the northwest have been cut off from the source of the magma and, therefore, as volcanoes, are extinct. These islands are in direct contrast to the Big Island, Hawaii, which is still quite active. The Big Island is the second largest volcanic island in the world rising 30,000 feet from the ocean floor with 10,000 feet above sea level (only Iceland exceeds it in size). Kilauea, a shield volcano on the Big Island, is in a state of constant flux, with volcanic activity occurring on a periodic basis. Magma coming from Kilauea often flows through lateral conduits instead of the summit crater.

As time passes, the land mass, now hardened lava (magma that flows from a volcano over the earth's surface), begins to break down through erosion perpetuated by the relentless force of the elements. The steady motion of pounding waves wears down the black lava cliffs, producing magnificent black sand beaches.

There are two types of lava released by Hawaiian volcanoes. One is smooth, silver-black, and organically shaped. This type of lava is called pahoehoe. The other, called lava 'A'A, is much more erratic and rugged. Ocean, wind and rain create pockets in the volcanic soil which serve as the host environment for seeds delivered by wind, sea and birds - hence, the introduction of the organic material that now makes up the tropical rain forest and jungles that co-exist with the age-old lava rock.

Surrounded by the temperate nurturing Pacific Ocean, the islanders enjoy a moderate marine climate (rainfall is abundant) that varies very little throughout the year. However, temperatures in specific cases can fluctuate a great deal, as experienced when travelling from sea level to the summit of the now dormant crater, Haleakala of Maui. According to Hawaiian legend, the demigod Maui once snared the sun from the rim of this volcano and made it promise to go more slowly across the sky.

Waimea Canyon, located on the island of Kauai, is known as the Grand Canyon of the Hawaiian Islands. Although its size and dimension do not compare with the Grand Canyon in the state of Arizona, Waimea Canyon is spectacular in a multitude of varied color and vastness.

The Na Pali Coast, located on the island of Kauai, depicts Hawaii in its most rugged and pristine state. Jungle cliffs drop straight into the ocean or give way to secluded white sand beaches.

Akaka Falls, located on the Big Island, Hawaii, plunges 442 feet in a spectacular cascade of pure sparkling water. Surrounded by lush tropical rain forests, where exotic flowers such as the reddish orange heliconia and the bird of paradise abound, Akaka Falls, unlike others, flows year round.

Glorious Hawaiian sunsets, filtered by clouds on the wind, bathe the swaying palms as they stand guard over nature's perfect beaches.