Google added images of Hawaii to its Street View photo library on Thursday, but for the first time ever, those shots weren't taken by Google's Trekker staffers.
As a part of a pilot program that launched last year and lets third-party organizations borrow its high-tech Street View Trekker equipment, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) snapped pictures from popular destinations in Oahu and the Big Island for the mapping platform's growing collection. The HVCB is first Google Street View Trekker partner to date.

In June, Google launched the program mostly aimed at tourism boards, universities, government agencies and research organizations. The move is a way for Google to expand its coverage while minimizing costs, while letting third parties boost awareness (and ultimately tourism) to their regions.
Now, Google users can explore Hawaiian beaches, the volcanic crater along the Kilauea Iki Trail and visit the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
A Google Trekker backpack captures 360-degree photos of surroundings and can be taken through narrow alleys and inclines, bringing users to exotic places from the comfort of their computer. It has provided pictures for a variety of locations and landmarks added to Google Street View, such as the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest and the National Football League's Indianapolis Colts stadium.
For those interested in borrowing the technology and contributing to Google Maps, click to apply here.
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The Royal Palace of Amsterdam in the Netherlands -- called Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam -- joins a long list of places blurred on Google Maps related to the Dutch royal family, including the Royal Stables and another residence called Huis ten Bosch.
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is largely whited out on Google Maps and details can't be seen when the area is zoomed in.
The Tantauco National Park in Chile can only be seen from a marker via Google Maps. The private natural reserve is home to many endangered animals.
Man-made reservoir Keowee Dam on Lake Keowee in South Carolina is also blurred on Google Maps. Shaped like a Christmas tree, the dam helps run a power utility called the Duke Energy company.
We're not entirely sure why this location in Russia has been blurred out, especially since it's in the Siberian tundra. The closest city is Egvekinot, Russia, which is a neighbor to Alaska across the Bering Strait.
The Minami Torishima Airport -- a one-runway airport serving the island of Minami Torishima, located off the east coast of Japan -- is oversaturated with white. It is currently used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
The Dugway Proving Ground in Dugway, Utah is a region occupied by the U.S. Army where the military can test biological and chemical weapon systems. The Michael Aaf building on the proving ground is whited out, most likely for security reasons.
The Cornell University Combined Heat and Power Plant in Ithaca, NY -- which opened in 2010 -- is blurred on Google Maps. The high-tech, eco-friendly facility generates electricity from natural gas as a part of the university's effort to lower its carbon dioxide emissions.
The city of Babylon, Iraq looks more like endless farmland than a bustling city.
Properties owned by the Dutch royal family aren't the only places blurred in the Netherlands. Joining the list are the oil tanks in Vlissingen (pictured), as well as several army bases and air force bases. The land area to the left also appears to be pixelated and adjusted.