Here's the view just a minute or two after takeoff from Honolulu International Airport.
The entire city of Honolulu spreads out below.
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Closer shot of the beautiful coastline.
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The Koolau Mountains divide Oahu into windward and leeward halves.
Below are three breathtaking views of this dramatic backbone of the island.
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Directly over Makapuu Lighthouse at the eastern tip of the island.
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Skirting the southeastern portion of the island towards Koko Head crater.
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Closer and but more dramatic view of Koko Head.
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Hanauma Bay, one of the island's most famous snorkeling spots.
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At nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, the two massive volcanoes on the Big Island tower way above the cloud line. Mauna Kea fills the foreground in this view while Mauna Loa looms behind.
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Two of Hawaii's major islands are off limits to tourists. Below, the island of Kahoolawe, which for many years was used by the US military for training exercises, is still said to be littered with unexploded bombs.
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The forbidden island of Niihau, privately owned and the only island left in Hawaii
where
Hawaiian remains the principal language.