The Hawaiian Islands lie 2,400 miles southwest of San Francisco, about five hours by air. They are the southernmost US state and enjoy a subtropical climate with balmy tradewinds and sunshine galore. Seven million visitors arrive yearly to enjoy the scenery and cultural diversity.
Islands are the tops of volcanoes, some still active.
There are wide variations in rainfall with Kauai Island the wettest. Temperatures range between 70 and 80 degrees. There are eight major islands with 6,450 sq miles and growing. The Hawaii the Big Island , also called Hawaii, is twice the size of the others combined. Mauna Kea is the highest peak at 13,796 feet, with active volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park .