Hawaii is home away from home for Alaskans, who flock to the 50th state

When it comes to vacation spots, Alaskans have a soft place in their hearts for the islands of Hawaii.

Nonstop direct flights from Anchorage to Hawaii have only increased throughout the years, and more and more Alaskans are taking advantage of the approximately six-hour flights by heading to the Islands of Aloha for rest and relaxation.

Hawaii is a series of many islands, although there are eight major islands -- Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe, and the Big Island, also known as Hawaii.

Each island has a different flavor, whether it be the bustling city of Honolulu on the island of Oahu, the erupting volcanoes on Hawaii, the lush forests of Molokai or the fabulous golfing on Maui. Every vacationer will find something they enjoy in Hawaii.

Niihau

The privately owned island has livestock as its principle industry.

Kauai

"The Garden Isle" has lots of lush vegetation, beautiful waterfalls and some wonderful beaches. At 552 square miles, it isn't a huge island.

Oahu

Even though it is only 597 square miles, Oahu is the most populated island, thanks to Honolulu. Pearl Harbor is based here, and Waikiki is a major visitor center.

Molokai

"The Friendly Isle" has the world's highest sea cliffs along its northern coast. There are agriculture, ranching and tourism-based industries on this tiny island.

Lanai

Known as "The Private Island," because, until recently, it was a private island owned by the Dole Company as a pineapple plantation. Now it is home to two world class resorts and it has become a popular destination.

Maui

"The Valley Isle" is an extremely diverse island, with rainforests and desert-like conditions on the same island. It has the 10,023-foot Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano crater in the world, as well as popular towns like Lahaina, Wailea, Kaanapali and Kahului.

Kahoolawe

No one is allowed to go ashore of this island without written permission -- it was once used as a target by the U.S. Navy and Air Force, which are now cleaning up unexploded shells.

Hawaii

"The Big Island" is 4,028 square miles and has volcanoes such as Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, as well as colorful orchids, waterfalls and plenty of rainforests.

Part of the allure of Hawaii -- especially to Alaskans in the middle of the winter -- is the constant temperatures the state enjoys. Whether it is the middle of winter or the middle of summer, the temperature doesn't fluctuate much, and often, 75-degree weather can be enjoyed all winter. It warms up in the summer, but not like the drastic changes Alaska has.

Don't worry about being too hot, though -- tradewinds brings a cooling breeze almost constantly.

The strength of these winds build during the afternoon, as the heat rises, and usually diminish a bit during the evening, as the temperature falls a bit.

Those mild temperatures mean plenty of time spent on the beach for Hawaii-goers. There are countless beaches on the islands, and just like the islands themselves, every beach seems to have a different flavor.

Whether it be white sandy beaches or volcanic rock-laced coves, no beach is the same. Some offer incredible snorkeling, while others are a surfer's dream. Some beaches are better suited for windsurfers, while others have mild waves.