Hawaii Tourism Is Its Main Income

Tourism is Hawaii's major industry, which has supplanted the sandalwood forests and the sugar plantations as the supplier of Hawaii's wealth.

This isn't to say that tourism is the only industry in Hawaii. Business opportunities of all types abound, with the Hawaiian Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism offering incentives to high-tech businesses in particular. All four branches of the US military have also had a very strong presence in Hawaii since World War II.

But tourism is what Hawaii is most famous for. And rightly so. Hawaii has plenty to offer visitors to its eight islands. First of all, Hawaii's location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean means that Hawaii has a benign tropical/subtropical climate, making it warm year-round. For the tourism industry, this is a real bonus, as Hawaii can offer tourists from around the world an "escape from winter."

Hawaii's climate is influence strongly by the trade winds, which blow consistently from the northeast. This makes the climate and weather patterns in Hawaii very predictable, which means that tourists can plan accordingly. The windward (ko'olau) side of the islands in Hawaii receive very high levels of rainfall, which is not as bad for tourism as you might think. The rain itself allows the mountains of Hawaii to abound in lush rainforest (Hawaii is no desert island), while on a short-term basis, spectacular rainbows and sunsets are common, adding to the natural beauty that is such an asset to the tourism industry in Hawaii.

The basic picture of Hawaii is enough to explain its vibrant tourism industry: crystal clear blue waters that are warm and filled with jewel-like tropical fish, beaches with golden, white or black sands, paradisical vegetation on dramatic mountains, exquisite sunsets and rainbows alternating with brilliant tropical sunshine… But there's more tourism in Hawaii than that.

Hawaii has a rich cultural heritage that also contributes to its tourism industry today. Hawaii has the distinction of being the only state of the USA that was once a kingdom - the palace of King Kamehameha and his dynasty is a unique attraction. Displays of traditional crafts and dances (including the renowned hula) are performed throughout Hawaii to this day, some for traditional reasons and others solely for the benefit of the tourism industry - but in the islands of Aloha (love), who needs an excuse to dance?

Hawaii also has some unique geographical features that provide a drawcard to another segment of the tourism market. The most notable features are volcanic: Kîlauea is the world's most active volcano, which erupts frequently - and safely - giving spectators an awesome demonstration of the force of nature with its flows and fountains of red-hot lava.

Hawaii is also home to many endangered species of tropical plants and, including the very rare monk seal. The tourism industry throughout Hawaii is run in such a way as to preserve these species. Special tours exist to give visitors a chance to appreciate Hawaii's marine life, including dolphins, whales and tropical fish - snorkeling and kayaking are popular ways to enjoy these.