Maui - Dive Training Magazine | Scuba Diving Skills, Gear, Education

Geos

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Facts and Figures

Location: Hawaii is the northern point of a vast triangle of Pacific Ocean Islands known as Polynesia. The other two points are Easter Island and New Zealand. The Hawaiian archipelago lies within the tropics in the central portion of the Pacific Ocean about 2,396 miles (3,834 km) southwest of San Francisco. A total of 1,470 miles (2,351 km) north of the equator, Honolulu is 21 degrees 13 minutes north latitude and 156 degrees 56 minutes west longitude.
The Islands: The landmass of the 132 islands in the Hawaiian archipelago consists of eight main islands and 124 islets. The island of Hawaii, often referred to as “the Big Island” is the largest and geologically youngest of the major islands. Heading northwest from the Big Island, the other major islands are Kahoolawe, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, home to Honolulu, the capital city, Kauai and Niihau. As the crow flies, Hawaii stretches for about 1,523 miles (2,437 km), making it the world’s longest island chain. The state encompasses 10,932 square miles (28,423 sq km). Of that area, 4,508 square miles (11,721 sq km) are water and 6,423 square miles (16,700 sq km) are land.
Climate: The climate is generally consistent and mild throughout the year with moderate-to-high humidity, northeasterly trade winds, and significant differences in rainfall within rather short distances. At sea level the average daytime summer temperature is 85 degrees F (29 C). The average daytime winter high is 78 F (26 C). Nighttime temperatures are often cool enough to warrant a sweater. Temperatures drop significantly with altitude, and weather is often localized.
Entry Requirements: As a state in the United States, conditions of entry for Americans are the same as they are to cross state lines in the continental United States. For non-U.S. citizens, requirements vary according to whether Hawaii is the first port of entry into the United States or whether one has already legally entered the country and is merely crossing state lines. Some visitors require a visa. However, Canadians only need a passport and citizens of some nations can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
Getting There: Honolulu is an international hub. Many flights from the continental United States and other international destinations go to Honolulu daily and some flights are direct to other islands. Inter-island flights are frequent.
Nondiving Activities: Snorkeling, sailing, fishing, kayaking, hiking, four-wheeling, motorcycling, biking, nature tours, Jet Skiing, windsurfing, surfing, golf, tennis, beachcombing and more. Spas and gyms abound.
Language: English and Hawaiian, which is spoken daily on the private island of Niihau and being taught in schools throughout the state.
Currency: U.S.
Electricity:110/120v (volt), 60 Hz (hertz)
Time: Greenwich meantime minus 10 hours. Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.