STS084-721-014 (15-24 May 1997) --- The island of Oahu is the third largest and most populated of the Hawaiian islands. The Koolau mountain range on the windward (northeastern) side of the island is obscured by clouds. Diamond Head, a circular feature on the southeastern end of the island is the result of volcanic activity more than 10,000 years ago. Honolulu International Airport is visible along the southern shore. The Waialua Mountains on the southwestern side of the island are also obscured by clouds. Pearl Harbor is at the center of the view. The Hawaiian islands, including Oahu are a product of hot spot volcanism, where a deep mantle plume generated by slow convective currents punches through the overlying plate, creating volcanic islands. Since Oahu has passed over this hot spot it is no longer volcanically active.