A visit to Hawaii can be one of the most memorable trips you’ll ever take. You may travel to the Aloha State as a celebration, a time to spend with loved ones, or a simple respite from your everyday life. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to remember your time on the islands with a keepsake as unique as Hawaii itself – a Hawaiian Islands wood map.
Why Visit Hawaii?
The 50th state is a destination like no other. With a culture that stands out and a rare landscape, the Hawaiian Islands are a haven for all kinds of travelers. Thrill-seekers, beachgoers, and culture enthusiast all find their vacation niche in Hawaii.
What Makes Hawaii Unique?
A glance at a map of Hawaii’s islands reveals the most obvious trait that sets Hawaii apart. Hawaii is the only state made up entirely of islands, which gives visitors a perfect blend of beach life, jungle adventures, and rich history. Eight major islands make up this magnificent state.
The Main Hawaiian Islands:
- Hawaii (or the Big Island)
- Kaho’olawe
- Kaua’i
- Lana’i
- Maui
- Moloka’i
- Ni’ihau
- O’ahu
While these eight islands are recognized as the primary islands of the state, as seen on many maps of the Hawaii islands, there are actually 137 islands that make up the whole archipelago. Most of these isles are uninhabited and contribute to the flourishing natural marine and bird populations because of their low human impact.
The islands' history is different from any other state in the United States and includes a monarchy, setting it apart for history enthusiasts. In 1810, King Kamehameha I united the Hawaiian Islands and went through several rulers until Queen Liliʻuokalani was forced to abdicate in 1895. Visitors can still see the Iolani Palace — the home of Hawaii’s last monarchs — when they come to O’ahu.
Planning Your Hawaiian Vacation
It’s a well-known fact that Hawaii is a popular vacation destination, and there are many reasons why millions of tourists travel to the Hawaiian Islands each year. Planning your Hawaiian vacation could mean penciling in a lot of beach relaxation, or you could spend time experiencing Hawaii’s culture, cuisine, and character.
A vacation soaking in the adventures of Hawaii might include exploring the Kualoa Ranch rainforest on O’ahu where “Jurassic Park” was filmed, parasailing, surfing, or snorkeling. Hiking lush mountain trails and seeing lava flows at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park add to the appeal.
If you enjoy learning about the local culture on vacation, Hawaii won’t disappoint. Make time for an authentic luau while visiting to get the best blend of cultural performance, music, and food. Then, find some historical sites, such as Pearl Harbor, to add to your itinerary.
The Topography of Hawaii
It may seem odd to look at the topography of Hawaii when planning your vacation, but looking at a map of Hawaii’s islands that highlights the features of the land helps showcase some of the special attributes the state offers.
For example, did you know that Hawaii’s volcanos are the largest mountains on Earth? Adventurers who want to check out the peak of Mauna Kea will travel 13,796 feet above sea level. Highlights like this are found all over a map of the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaii also has astonishing cliffs, deep valleys, and volcanic structures — both active and inactive — that add to the diverse topography of Hawaii. In fact, when checking out a map of the Hawaii islands, keep in mind that all of the islands were volcanic at one point and formed by volcanic activity under the water.
One striking way to remember the unique topography of Hawaii is with wood maps, which highlight the noteworthy destinations and the islands’ surrounding ocean. A Hawaiian Islands wood map can help bring all your memories of your favorite trip into focus.
Why Wood Maps?
Hawaii is brimming with unique keepsakes to help you reminisce on a special trip. Local souvenir shops sell collectibles from the islands, such as Maui fish hooks, shark teeth, and unique jewelry.
For a place like Hawaii, with its unique topography and recognizable outline, wood maps make the perfect memento of your travels. Physical 3D wood maps show off the depth of water, the rise of cliffs, and the enormity of mountains, making them a great way to share the awe-inspiring land you visited.
How are Wood Maps Made?
The making of wood maps starts with topographical maps and bathymetric charts to showcase the land and sea. Using these measurements as guides, an artist uses a laser cutter to make precise cuts in layers of high-quality birch to create a piece you’ll be thrilled to display in your home or office.
Features of a Hawaiian Island Map
A 3D wood map of the Hawaiian islands could include all the major islands that make up the state, or you could pick the specific island where you spent most of your time.
After an artist laser cuts the wood to showcase the underwater landscape around the isles, the water is hand-stained, and the layers are glued together. Then, notable points of interest and major roadways are etched onto the wood so that you can find the locations of your trip highlights on your wood maps.
For example, the map of Maui highlights:
- Haleakala National Park
- Kahului, Wailuku
- Makena
- Kihei
- Lahaina
- Hana
- Makawao
- Ma'alaea
The map is then finished with a solid wood frame and acrylic glass protection to complete this vacation-commemorating work of art. Wood maps are beautiful, educational, and perfect for any traveler.
Displaying Your Wood Maps
Unique souvenirs are not just reminders of a memorable trip, but they also add to your home or office décor to make your space interesting and inviting. There’s nothing like having people over and being able to share stories from your vacation because of a striking piece of art.
There are many ways your Hawaiian Island Map can be shown to remind you of your vacation in the islands:
- Display your wood maps surrounded by personal photos of your trip
- Choose a Hawaii islands map wall clock for a practical and eye-catching memento
- Decorate your office with a cork map of the island you spent time on
- Use a unique cribbage board to wow your friends while you play your favorite card game
- Serve up your favorite snacks — maybe a new Spam recipe from the island? — on a stunning serving board
Your vacation is likely a memorable time in your life, and you should have a souvenir that is just as special as the trip itself. No matter how you show off your maps of the Hawaiian Islands, you will cherish your wood maps almost as much as you cherish your memories from the Aloha State.