How were the Hawaiian Islands created? What is the difference between shield and composite volcanoes? Objective At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to describe the theory of geological processes that created the Hawaiian archipelago while demonstrating an understanding of terms and concepts associated with hotspot theory and plate tectonics. Background The Earth’s geology is in a constant state of flux. Hawaiian geology is the same, undergoing a constant cycle of formation, transformation, and destruction. Because Hawaiian volcanoes are formed in the middle of the Pacific plat Duration: 60 Minutes.