'Hawaii: the pacific anomaly'
Hawaii is one of the most intriguing places on the planet. A Pacific island chain that shouldn't be there. The most isolated populated area in the world. Tropical islands (with snow capped mountains) that are part of the USA but don't feel like it. Safe to live on but with continuous volcanic activity. The place where WWII started for America, and where its end is commemorated. A tropical island paradise with a tourist beach culture, but is also the seventh wettest place on Earth. The western outpost of the US with Asia, with observatories tracking objects in space. Its clear air and high mountains make it the world standard in monitoring air quality and atmospheric gases.
Come and explore this unique and fascinating area. Come to Pearl Harbour and meet one of its survivors, see its exciting volcanic activity, learn how its diversity and mix of cultures means it sees itself as apart from mainstream America, enjoy the (endangered) wildlife, and learn what it's like to live in a place with a huge diversity of culture and geography.
(this talk is designed for a general audience. My Hawaii talk for schools is here)
Other talks
Grand Canyon Montserrat volcanoes Etna & Aeolian Islands Canadian wilderness Botswana & Okavango Delta New Zealand Utah & Arizona Antarctica Pompeii, Herculaneum & Vesuvius Iceland Hawaii Expedition planning