The best, and easiest, way to visit the long string of islands and atolls that make up the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is to visit the Mokupapapa Discovery Center. It packs a lot in a small space, describing all the islands and their abundant marine life through videos, films, displays, maps and interactive exhibits, such as a mock-up of the Pisces V diving submersible, with workable robotic arms. It's worth visiting just to hear the kumulipo.