THE HAWAIIAN Islands were formed millions of years ago by volcanoes, some of which are still active today. Here are images that will lure you to Hawaii to see for yourself.

1

This is the Kilauea volcano, the biggest volcano in Hawaii and the most active in the world. It has been erupting non-stop since 1983.

2

The view from the top of Kilauea. The lava flow inside the crater forms eerie shapes.

3

This gigantic lava flow is in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. To get to the lava flow area, you hike six miles from the main entrance - and you'll need a permit to enter the park.

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4

Hot underground lava spills into the Pacific Ocean, where the cold ocean instantly cools the lava and creates a huge smoke and steam cloud that can be seen from miles away.

5

Pololu Valley from the air.

6

The lush green mountainsides of Kauai Island from the air.

7

Na Pali Coast on Kauai Island. The two beaches below are only accessible by boat or air.

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8

The beautiful town of Wainiha, just north of Na Pali Coast in Kauai.

9

Kauai island is filled with waterfalls.

10

Ewa Beach on the island of Oahu, next to one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.

11

The upper west side of Oahu is far away from the busy tourist area and mostly occupied by locals.

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12

A glorious sunset at the upper west side of Oahu, near Makaha.

13

Oahu is home to the most popular surfing beach in the world - the North Shore's Banzai Pipeline.

14

The Haiku Stairs, aka Stairway to Heaven, has almost four thousand steps and it usually takes about three hours to get to the top. It is illegal to climb the Stairs.

15

The view on top of the Haiku Stairs is beyond belief.

16

It took ten years to build the H3 highway on Oahu. After a rainy day, drivers can see ephemeral waterfalls on the mountains on both sides.