Hawaiian Islands,which are entirely

Hotspots [This Dynamic Earth, USGS] The vast majority of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur near plateboundaries, but there are some exceptions. For example, the Hawaiian Islands,which are entirely of volcanic origin, have formed in the middle of thePacific Ocean more than 3,200 km from the nearest plate boundary. How dothe Hawaiian Islands and other volcanoes that form in the interior of platesfit into the plate-tectonics picture? Space Shuttle photograph of the Hawaiian Islands, the southernmostpart of the long volcanic trail of the "Hawaiian hotspot" (seetext). Kauai is in the lower right corner (edge) and the Big Island of Hawaiiin the upper left corner. Note the curvature of the Earth (top edge). (Photographcourtesy of NASA.) In 1963, J. Tuzo Wilson, the Canadian geophysicist who discovered transformfaults, came up with an ingenious idea that became known as the "hotspot"theory. Wilson noted that in certain locations around the world, such asHawaii, volcanism has been active for very long periods of time. This couldonly happen, he reasoned, if relatively small, long-lasting, and exceptionallyhot regions -- called hotspots -- existed below the plates that wouldprovide localized sources of high heat energy (thermal plumes) tosustain volcanism. Specifically, Wilson hypothesized that the distinctivelinear shape of the Hawaiian Island-Emperor Seamounts chain resulted fromthe Pacific Plate moving over a deep, stationary hotspot in the mantle,located beneath the present-day position of the Island of Hawaii. Heat fromthis hotspot produced a persistent source of magma by partly melting theoverriding Pacific Plate. The magma, which is lighter than the surroundingsolid rock, then rises through the mantle and crust to erupt onto the seafloor,forming an active seamount. Over time, countless eruptions cause the seamountto grow until it finally emerges above sea level to form an island volcano.Wilson suggested that continuing plate movement eventually carries the islandbeyond the hotspot, cutting it off from the magma source, and volcanismceases. As one island volcano becomes extinct, another develops over thehotspot, and the cycle is repeated. This process of volcano growth and death,over many millions of years, has left a long trail of volcanic islands andseamounts across the Pacific Ocean floor. According to Wilson's hotspot theory, the volcanoes of the Hawaiian chainshould get progressively older and become more eroded the farther they travelbeyond the hotspot. The oldest volcanic rocks on Kauai, the northwesternmostinhabited Hawaiian island, are about 5.5 million years old and are deeplyeroded. By comparison, on the "Big Island" of Hawaii -- southeasternmostin the chain and presumably still positioned over the hotspot -- the oldestexposed rocks are less than 0.7 million years old and new volcanic rockis continually being formed. Above: Artist's conception of the movement of the PacificPlate over the fixed Hawaiian "Hot Spot," illustrating the formationof the Hawaiian Ridge-Emperor Seamount Chain. (Modified from a drawing providedby Maurice Krafft, Centre de Volcanologie, France). Below: J. TuzoWilson's original diagram (slightly modified), published in 1963, to showhis proposed origin of the Hawaiian Islands. (Reproduced with permissionof the Canadian Journal of Physics .) The possibility that the Hawaiian Islands become younger to the southeastwas suspected by the ancient Hawaiians, long before any scientific studieswere done. During their voyages, sea-faring Hawaiians noticed the differencesin erosion, soil formation, and vegetation and recognized that the islandsto the northwest (Niihau and Kauai) were older than those to the southeast(Maui and Hawaii). This idea was handed down from generation to generationin the legends of Pele, the fiery Goddess of Volcanoes. Pele originallylived on Kauai. When her older sister Namakaokahai, the Goddess of the Sea,attacked her, Pele fled to the Island of Oahu. When she was forced by Namakaokahaito flee again, Pele moved southeast to Maui and finally to Hawaii, whereshe now lives in the Halemaumau Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano.The mythical flight of Pele from Kauai to Hawaii, which alludes to the eternalstruggle between the growth of volcanic islands from eruptions and theirlater erosion by ocean waves, is consistent with geologic evidence obtainedcenturies later that clearly shows the islands becoming younger from northwestto southeast. Prominentworld hotspots [54 k] Although Hawaii is perhaps the best known hotspot, others are thought toexist beneath the oceans and continents. More than a hundred hotspots beneaththe Earth's crust have been active during the past 10 million years. Mostof these are located under plate interiors (for example, the African Plate),but some occur near diverging plate boundaries. Some are concentrated nearthe mid-oceanic ridge system, such as beneath Iceland, the Azores, and theGalapagos Islands. A few hotspots are thought to exist below the North American Plate. Perhapsthe best known is the hotspot presumed to exist under the continental crustin the region of Yellowstone National Park in northwestern Wyoming. Hereare several calderas (large craters formed by the ground collapseaccompanying explosive volcanism) that were produced by three gigantic eruptionsduring the past two million years, the most recent of which occurred about600,000 years ago. Ash deposits from these powerful eruptions have beenmapped as far away as Iowa, Missouri, Texas, and even northern Mexico. Thethermal energy of the presumed Yellowstone hotspot fuels more than 10,000hot pools and springs, geysers (like Old Faithful), and bubbling mudpots (pools of boiling mud). A large body of magma, capped by a hydrothermalsystem (a zone of pressurized steam and hot water), still exists beneaththe caldera. Recent surveys demonstrate that parts of the Yellowstone regionrise and fall by as much as 1 cm each year, indicating the area is stillgeologically restless. However, these measurable ground movements, whichmost likely reflect hydrothermal pressure changes, do not necessarily signalrenewed volcanic activity in the area. Authors' Note: Since this booklet's publication in 1996, vigorous scientific debate has ensued regarding volcanism at "hotspots." New studies suggest that hotspots are neither deep phenomena nor "fixed" in position over geologic time, as assumed in the popular plume model. See http://www.mantleplumes.org/ ." Mauna Loa Volcano [36 k] | J. Tuzo Wilson | Longtrail of Hawaiian hotspot | "Contents" "Some unanswered questions" USGS Home Page Top of this Page URL: http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/hotspots.html Last updated: 05.05.99 Contact: jmwatson@usgs.gov

Waikiki Beach photos -

Waikiki Beach photos - pictures of Waikiki Beach, Oahu Hawaii You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids > Lots More Destinations > DESTINATIONS > Photo Galleries > Waikiki Beach photos - pictures of Waikiki Beach, Oahu Hawaii Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break Beach Vacations Ten Latest Family Travel Deals All-inclusive and other Family Resorts Topics Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide Activity Kits Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses Search Travel with Kids Waikiki Beach - photos Photos of Waikiki Beach - Oahu, Hawaii ...scroll down... Waikiki Beach - photos View of the Kuhio Beach area looking east, showing surfboard rental/lesson zone, and two of Oahu's oldest hotels, the Sheraton Moana Surfirder (mid-height grey-white building) and the pink Royal Hawaiian. Next picture of Waikiki Beach return to article on Waikiki Beach Top Things to do on Oahu, Hawaii photos (c) Teresa Plowright From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Family Vacation ideas byRegion Family Resorts Ten Family Travel Deals What's Hot Ice Hotel Deals -FDR and Pebbles Wisconsin Dells discounts Caribbean Islands Tower of London - photos Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot Ice Hotel Deals -FDR and Pebbles Wisconsin Dells discounts Caribbean Islands Tower of London - photos Headlines 30 Days of Caribbean, Day 10: Atlantis Deal Atlantis Bahamas -- with 14-acre "waterscape"-- is a one-of-a-kind... Family Vacation Ideas: Spring Break Spring Break-- typically a ten-day school holiday in mid-March to... 30 Days of Caribbean, Day 9: Breezes Curacao The island of Curacao is a 2-1/2 hour flight... Don't Leave Home Without [All This Stuff] I have to confess, there often comes a moment --...

Hawaiian Wedding Hawaiian music

How to Find Music for a Hawaiian Wedding - eHow.com Clear Instructions on How To Do (just about) Everything Web eHow.com Home Family & Relationships Center Wedding Bells How to Find Music for a Hawaiian Wedding Hawaiian music has a slow, melodic sound all its own. Capture the feel of the islands by using this traditional music to set the tone of your special day. Steps: 1. Explore your options to learn what Hawaiian musicians are available. Check the yellow pages, do a search online, and ask island hotels and banquet halls for recommendations. 2. Consult with a wedding planner, who can make the arrangements for you if time is short. 3. Ask to listen to the musician play before you make any decisions. 4. Request the Hawaiian wedding song, called "Ke Kali Nei Au." This means, "I'm waiting for thee." 5. Ask to have it played on a guitar or a guitar-ukulele duet. 6. Arrange for a hula dancer to perform to the song. 7. Listen to a demo of Hawaiian music to hear how it sounds. 8. Select other Hawaiian songs you would like to include on your wedding day. Some of the options include the "Maile Swing," "Sophisticated Hula" and "Pretty Red Hibiscus." 9. Expect to pay about $150 an hour for a vocalist/guitarist, and $100 an hour for a hula dancer. But remember that prices can vary quite a bit, depending on the performer's level of experience. Tips: Ask a conch shell, or pu, blower to announce the beginning of your ceremony. This signifies that an important event is about to occur. Please Share Your Tips with Us More Resources: Contribute to eHow: Write an eHow Article Suggest a Topic Give Us Feedback on This Article Related eHows: Appreciate Hawaii's Culture Throw a Luau Plan a Hawaiian Wedding Celebrate a Hawaiian Christmas Hire Musicians Things You'll Need: Hawaiian Music Project Details: Skill Advisory: Moderately Easy New! -- Related eHows: Appreciate Hawaii's Culture Throw a Luau Plan a Hawaiian Wedding Celebrate a Hawaiian Christmas Hire Musicians Check out Thousands of How-To Solutions in eHow's Centers Automotive Careers & Education Computers & Home Electronics Family & Relationships Finance & Business Food & Entertaining Health Hobbies & Games Holidays & Traditions Home & Garden Personal Care & Style Pets Sports & Fitness Travel How to: --? Web eHow.com Home | Site Map | About Us | How To Books | Link to eHow Subscribe to the eHow of the Day Mailing List : Have the eHow of the Day appear on your My Yahoo! Page: Add the eHow of the Day to your RSS reader: © 1999-2005 eHow, Inc. How things get done. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy .

Hawaii Resort Vacations News

Hawaii Resort Vacations : Hawaii Travel Agency : Panda Travel Panda Travel. Serving Hawaiian Travellers for over 25 Years. Advanced Search Home About Panda Help Site Map --- FLIGHTS HOTELS VACATIONS SPECIALS CRUISES Home » News » Hawaii Resort Vacations News Book Now! » Hawaii Resort Vacations Booking Hawaii resort vacations has never been easier thanks to PandaOnline.com. Located in Hawaii, Panda Travel Hawaii has more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry. During that period, we have built solid connections with a great number of Hawaii resorts and hotels. These connections, coupled with our experience, are what allow us to offer a variety of excellent deals on Hawaii resort vacations. With six major Hawaiian islands, each of which have their own flair, Hawaii offers travelers a wide opportunity of travel experiences. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a cultural journey, an athletic adventure or a quiet retreat, Hawaii has you covered. Nevertheless, choosing the right resort and the right island plays a big part in ensuring that you get what you expected. Panda Travel Hawaii is dedicated to helping travelers find the Hawaii vacation of their dreams. Our website contains detailed information about the six major Hawaiian islands, as well as pictures and descriptions of many of its resorts and hotels. For travelers who require additional information, our expert agents can answer questions they may still have. In addition to descriptions of each Hawaiian island, our website also lists featured packages and specials. This makes researching Hawaii resort vacations easy--everything is in a single place at your fingertips. Not only do our packages make traveling to Hawaii more affordable, but also more convenient--they often include airfare, hotel and car rental for a single price. Headline News Airfare Deals Airfare To Hawaii Best Hawaii Vacations Cheap Flights To Hawaii Cheap Hawaii Airfare Cheap Hawaii Vacation Packages Cheap Hawaii Vacations Discount Flights To Hawaii Discount Hawaii Airfare Discount Hawaii Vacation Packages Flights To Hawaii Group Travel To Hawaii Hawaii Air Hawaii Airline Hawaii Beach Resorts Hawaii Cruise Vacation Hawaii Discount Travel Hawaii Family Vacation Packages Hawaii Golf Vacations Hawaii Honeymoon Packages Hawaii Honeymoon Vacations Hawaii Hotels And Resorts Hawaii Interisland Travel Hawaii Resort Vacations Hawaii Travel Deals Hawaii Travel Packages Hawaii Travel Vacations Hawaii Vacation Deals Hawaiian Holidays Hawaiian Honeymoons Hawaiian Island Vacations Hawaiian Resorts Luxury Hawaii Honeymoons Luxury Hawaii Vacations Multi Island Hawaii Vacations Panda Travel Hawaii Pleasant Hawaii Vacations Romantic Hawaii Vacation Waikiki Hawaii Weddings In Hawaii ©2006 Panda Travel, Inc. | Contact | Privacy & Usage | Site Map | FAQ | News | Toll Free: 1.800.303.6702