Virtual Tour To O’ahu, Hawaii Kristina Soriano kxs5643@psu.edu

In the summer of 2013 I went to O’ahu, Hawaii with my family In the summer of 2013 I went to O’ahu, Hawaii with my family. Together we explored the island. Little did I know I would be able to relate my trip experience to geology class. In the next few slides, you will understand what I mean by relating my trip to geology class. Enjoy the trip! And don’t forget sun block!

Hawaii is consisted of many islands Hawaii is consisted of many islands. These islands formed when the Pacific Plate moved over a hotspot in the Earth’s mantle. During my stay at Hawaii I was fortunate enough to stay on the island of O’ahu. Other than just visiting the beach, we went on many excursions that you will soon see. Although a lot of Hawaii is natural, unfortunately these rocks I am standing on weren’t always there. People created this for us to walk on.

First, we are off to our tour of the island on a helicopter First, we are off to our tour of the island on a helicopter. Here is me taking attempting to take a selfie without falling off

Koolau Mountains We flew through these mountains. It is not considered a mountain range because it was originally formed as one mountain, known as the Ko’oalu Volcano. These mountains are the remains of the volcano after the entire eastern half slide into the Pacific Ocean. These mountains are shield shape mountains.

Sacred Falls Sacred falls waterfall is 80 feet long at the end of a narrow canyon . The park has been closed since 1999 due to a landslide. It is also very dangerous because it is slippery and many people have died trying to hike it.

Pearl Harbor Pearl harbor is the largest natural harbor in Hawaii. This is also a US naval base and national historic landmark. There is still oil leaks from the ships that sunk in 1941 affecting the marine life.

Waikiki Beach Waikiki means “sprouting water”. It is called that because it has a gentle surf. Sand at the shoreline is mostly coarse grained and calcareous due to the winters.

This path led to the waterfall in the picture with my brother and I in it. Waterfalls are formed by tectonic movement, erosion and geology.

Thank you for touring O’ahu! Many people don’t realize how they can relate their trips to geology. Geology is all around us since it deals with Earth’s physical structure. O’ahu is one of the Hawaiian islands that does not have active volcanoes so you didn’t have to worry about that on your trip! Come back soon!