Final answer:
The Hawaiian Islands are formed by volcanic activity above a stationary hotspot and the subsequent movement of the tectonic plate. Various physical and climatic conditions across the islands are due to mountains causing rain shadow effects and the impact of tectonic plate movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Hawaiian Islands, despite their popularity and renown, cover a relatively small surface area compared to the extensive slumps and debris avalanches that have detached from the islands themselves over time. The Hawaiian archipelago is composed of about 137 islands stretching approximately 1,500 miles and are some of the most remote in the Pacific.
The physical transformations due to active tectonic plate movement impact not only the landscape through earthquakes and volcanic activity, but also the livability of these islands. This is further exemplified by the diverse climates within the islands, such as on Kauai, where mountains create significant rain shadow effects, leading to high variation in precipitation and subsequently climate types across the island.