Hawaii has been making headlines lately, as the first state to make solar powered water heaters mandatory. Governor Linda Lingle passed the legislation, Act 204, early in July 2008. The act will require all new single-family homes to include the use of a solar powered water heater. Beginning in 2010, any home seeking a building permit will also be required to have a solar powered water heater.

Vacationing in Hawaii on a budget can be a challenge. Everything is more expensive on an island, from food to transportation to entertainment. Even a simple bottle of sun block or a bottle of water costs more in Hawaii than on the mainland. Here are a few tips to help you vacation in Hawaii on a budget.

In Hawaiian, Mauna Loa means Long Mountain. Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on earth. It extends nearly 56,000 feet from the base of the ocean. Scientists have recorded eruptions from Mauna Loa 33 times since 1843, making it one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Five of those eruptions reached the west coast of Hawaii, and one lava flow reached the sea on the southwest side of Hawaii in less than three hours.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the top destinations for those visiting Hawaii. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located about 30 miles southwest of Hilo. The Park contains two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mt. Kilauea and Mt. Mauna Loa.

The Hawaiian Islands formed because of volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean. The resulting lava eruptions created land in the middle of the ocean that is now known as the Hawaiian Islands. Birds, water, and air currents carried seeds across the ocean to the newly formed Hawaiian Islands and vegetation began to grow.