The eight major islands and over 100 small islands of Hawaii---like a chain of beads some 2,575 kilometers long---lie upon the Pacific, southeast to northwest. Although the state is located in the tropical zone, its climate is comfortable because of the ocean currents that pass its shores and winds that blow across the land from the northeast. The temperature usually remains close to the annual average of 24 degrees Centigrade. Rough, black rocks of lava just out of the water along parts of the coastline. In some places, cliffs rise almost straight from the water’s edge. Along the gentle sloping land areas to the southeast are beaches of yellow, white and black sands.