Mountains and Ocean in Hawaii. Photo by Troy on

15 Amazing Facts about Hawaii


 

Located in the Pacific Ocean about three thousand two hundred kilometers from the US mainland, Hawaii is a state in the Western United States. What makes it unique is that it is the only United States state that is located outside North America. It is also the only state that is an archipelago and in the tropics.

Hawaii is the largest of the 137 volcanic islands that make up the Hawaiian archipelago. The state spans 1,500 miles (2,400 km) and is geographically and ethnologically part of the Polynesian subregion of Oceania.

As a result, with a length of nearly 750 miles, the state鈥檚 ocean coastline is the fourth-longest in the nation (1,210 km). The eight major islands are Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawai鈥檌.

To prevent confusion with the state or archipelago, the last of these, after which the state is named, is frequently referred to as the 鈥淏ig Island鈥 or 鈥淗awaii Island.鈥 The majority of the Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument, the largest protected area in the United States and the fourth-largest in the world, is made up of the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Here are the 15 Amazing Facts about Hawaii;

1. Surfing was Invented in Hawaii

A man surfing. Photo by Jeremy Bishop on

One of the best things to do in Hawaii is surf, but for islanders, it鈥檚 more than simply a sport or pastime. One of Hawaii鈥檚 most priceless artifacts, it offers a strong and unbreakable link to the old culture.

Although surfing began in what is now known as Polynesia, Hawaii was the most developed and well-researched location where it was invented  This activity, which was formerly known as wave sliding, offered all people more than just simple entertainment. For the people of Hawaii, it held deep societal and spiritual significance, making it crucial to their way of life.

Who was allowed to use what kinds of boards and surf specific types of waves depended heavily on social standing? Surfing has always remained to be the best recreational activity to do while in Hawaii.

2. The World鈥檚 Largest Dormant Volcano is found in Hawaii

Mountain ranges. Photo by Katie Rodriguez on

More than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui is made up of the enormous shield volcano Haleakala, also known as the East Maui Volcano. Another volcano, Mauna Kahalawai, popularly known as the West Maui Mountains, formed the western 25% of the island.

Although it has a 10,023-foot tallest peak and a summit crater that measures roughly 7.5 by 2.5 miles, the majority of this mountain is submerged beneath the sea. Haleakala would reach a height of almost 30,000 feet if measured from the ocean’s surface. This enormous volcano is dormant, not extinct. Haleakala’s most recent eruption is thought to have taken place in the late 1700s.

3. Maui Island in Hawaii is Home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Design

The King Kamehameha Golf Club鈥檚 74,000-square-foot clubhouse is located in Waikapu, 750 feet above sea level, next to the West Maui Mountains (Central Maui). This design was initially imagined by the renowned architect in 1949 as a private residence (on a lower scale), and at one point it was intended as a residence for Marilyn Monroe.

Although this is a private golf club, visitors are allowed to stop by the magnificent clubhouse and take in the breathtaking scenery! A Guest-For-A-Day pass, which is only seldom made available, can be purchased if you want to play a round of golf at this exclusive course.

Read on Top 10 Astonishing Facts about the Kilauea Caldera, Hawaii.

4. Hawaii is the only U.S state with Two Official Languages

You might be astonished to learn that even though English is the de facto national language of the United States, the country has managed for more than 200 years without making it an official language. Every official document and statement uses it.

In places with a high concentration of non-English speakers, it is required that some papers be printed in various languages. 28 states now have English as their official language as a result of the English Only Movement, including Hawai鈥檌, which has two official languages (English and Hawaiian). The adoption of English and Hawaiian languages makes Hawaii the only US state with two official languages.

5. Hugging and a Kiss on the Cheek is a Common Greeting in Hawaii

People hugging. Photo by Erika Giraud on

Hawaiians have their contemporary local customs that are appreciated by visitors too. Among the contemporary local customs in Hawaii is the way of greeting people, both locals, and tourists.

Their traditional Hawaiian honi ihu allows the people to hug and kiss one another on the cheek as a common way of greeting in Hawaii. Whether you are meeting friends, family, or new people, hugging and kissing is the local way of greeting them. However, it is acceptable to have handshakes at business meetings.

6. Hawaii has Vog instead of Smog due to Less Industrial Pollution

Vog from a mountain. Photo by Roberto Nickson on

Most of the time, the island skies are unpolluted; there is no smog in Hawaii. However, the Kilauea volcano, which has been intermittently erupting on the Island of Hawaii since 1983, does produce vog, a volcanic haze (aka Big Island).

Occasionally, the vog blows to other islands. Although strong vog can be uncomfortable for those with asthma or respiratory problems, it is not harmful.

Voggy skies on Maui provide stunning moonrises and sunsets, magnifying the sun and moon and making them appear enormous and orange. Therefore, if you come here on a foggy, hazy day, you鈥檒l probably be rewarded with a spectacular sunset.

7. The Hawaiian Islands were Previously Ruled under a Monarchy

Previously, a monarchy with kings, queens, princes, and princesses governed the Hawaiian islands. From 1824 to 1845, Lahaina (on West Maui) served as the Kingdom of Hawaii鈥檚 capital. That little town has a lengthy, interesting history. Hawaii continues to respect its former ali鈥檌 (royalty).

Hawaii celebrates Prince Kuhio Day on March 26 and Kamehameha Day on June 11 in honor of King Kamehameha the Great (honoring Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole). Both dates are state holidays in Hawaii, and celebrations and parades are held to honor them.

Read on 10 Best Facts about Lahaina Hawaii.

8. Each Hawaiian Island has an Official Colour and Flower

A sunflower. Photo by Aaron Burden on

Another amazing fact about Hawaii is that each island has an official color and flower. The official color of Maui Island is pink and its flower is Lokelani or Damask Rose.

Lava and the Big Island are both red due to the presence of the fire goddess Pele there. The Lehua is a vivid red flower that grows in Hawaii鈥檚 tropical jungles. It is a flower from a bottlebrush. It illuminates the twisted Ohia Tree鈥檚 flaming crimson leaves.

The island of Kahoolawe鈥檚 color is grey. This island is offshore of Maui and is lonely because no one can go there. Kahoolawe鈥檚 flower is from the beautiful Hinahina which is trimmed with silver grey. This island has no buildings or a beach.

Lanai, another island close, gets its orange hue from the Kaunaoa (kah鈥檕o-nah-oh鈥-ah) plant. Along the beaches, it grows on the ground and is bright orange. At number 5 is the friendly Isle, Molokai whose color is green. The flower of Molokai is the white kukui nut flower.

Oahu island has freeways of grey, hotels of white, and cliffs of green but its color is yellow. The color is from the golden yellow flower, the Ilima which is a symbol of love. Kauai鈥檚 island is purple which is of the flowers on the fragrant Mokihana Tree. Ni鈥檌hau鈥檚 color is white which is derived from white shells and not flowers.

9. There are No Snakes and Some Rodents are not Allowed in Hawaii

The authorities of Hawaii are strict on the type of pets people should keep while on their visit or stay over. Surprisingly, there are no snakes in Hawaii either in the wild or those that are petted.

There are no squirrels, hamsters, or gerbils in Hawaii too. It is illegal to own or sneak in any of the creatures according to the laws of Hawaii.

10. The Banyan Tree in Hawaii is one of the largest in the US

A Banyan tree. Photo by Fallon Michael on

The historical Lahaina town, which served as the former capital of Hawaii, has a banyan tree near the harbor. It is Hawaii’s oldest banyan tree. On April 24, 1873, William Owen Smith, the town’s sheriff at the time, planted the banyan tree in Lahaina, which the Smith family later received as a gift.

The tree was planted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant mission’s arrival on Maui. Queen Kepolani, the late King Kamehameha’s wife, had extended an invitation to the mission to visit Maui.

It is situated in the Courthouse Square, which has been renamed the Banyan Tree Park totaling 1.94 acres, where its expansive trunk and aerial root system currently covers 0.66 acres (0.27 hectare). This tree is not only the largest in Hawaii but also in the United States.

11. Hawaii is a Rabies-free State

Hawaii has very severe quarantine regulations in place to maintain its rabies-free status. Therefore, taking your pet dog or cat to Hawaii for a short visit is difficult.

Either it demands months of training and credentials, or it necessitates months of quarantine after they arrive. Therefore, unless you are permanently relocating to Hawaii, it is advisable to keep your pet dog or cat at home.

Also, read 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Hawaii.

12. Hawaii is One of Two States in the US that All Forms of Gambling are Illegal

A casino. Photo by Kaysha on

People across the world have the habit of gambling. However, not all countries or states tolerate gambling within their boundaries. One of them is Hawaii in the United States alongside Utah which are the only two US states where all forms of gambling are illegal.

The Hawaiians who are obsessed with gambling have to take their obsession elsewhere or face consequences. This has made many Hawaiians huge fans of Las Vegas.

13. Former US President, Obama was Born in Hawaii

Official portrait of former President-elect Barack Obama. Photo by Library of Congress on

Another amazing thing about Hawaii is that one of the presidents of the United States was born there. On 4th August 1961, Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was born at the Kapiolani Medical Centre for Women and Children.

Barack Obama was the only US president to be born outside the contiguous 48 states. He became the 44th president of the United States of America.

14. Hawaii has a Long Chain of 137 Islands

Maui island in Hawaii. Photo by Engin Yapici on

Since the subject of which island to visit is frequently raised, the majority of people are aware that Hawaii is made up of several islands. Hawaii consists of numerous land masses. The eight major islands are Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, Niihau, and the less well-known Kahoolawe. Hawaii Island is commonly referred to as the Big Island or just Hawaii.

Hawaii is made up of 137 islands in total, including the main eight, as well as islets, atolls, and reefs that span an amazing 1,500 miles from north to south.

15. There are No Billboards in Hawaii

Billboards in New York. Photo by Andrea Ricketts on

Major cities around the world have attractive billboards which light up their skies at night and are brilliant in the daytime. However, this is a different scenario in Hawaii.

There are no billboards in Hawaii which was a rule that was passed some years ago. The other three states to ban billboards include Alaska, Maine-et-Loire, and Vermont. Hawaii banned billboards so that residents can enjoy distraction-free and scenic driving.

 

Hawaii is a very beautiful state that you will always yearn to return to after your first visit. From the recreational activities to their culture, you will enjoy the brilliance of Hawaii.

Read on 10 Most Famous People from Hawaii.

 

 

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