Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Hawaii

1. Hawaii is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands.
2. It became the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959.
3. Hawaii has its own time zone, Hawaiian Standard Time, which does not observe daylight saving time.
4. Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the Big Island, is the tallest mountain in the world when measured from its base on the ocean floor.
5. Hawaii is the only state that grows coffee commercially, with Kona coffee being world-famous.
6. The state is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakalā, on Maui.
7. The Hawaiian language has only 12 letters: A, E, I, O, U, H, K, L, M, N, P, and W.
8. Hawaii’s state fish is the humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa, also known as the reef triggerfish.
9. Hawaii has no snakes, thanks to strict animal import laws.
10. Hula dancing is a traditional Hawaiian art form that tells stories through movement and music.
11. Hawaii’s beaches come in a variety of colors, including white, black, green, and red sand.
12. Diamond Head, a famous volcanic crater, is one of Hawaii’s most iconic landmarks.
13. Hawaii exports macadamia nuts, pineapples, and sugarcane.
14. Molokai is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world, rising over 3,000 feet.
15. The phrase "Aloha" means both "hello" and "goodbye" and conveys love and compassion.

Geography of Hawaii

Hawaii is an archipelago of volcanic islands located in the central Pacific Ocean. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Mauna Kea (13,796 feet).
• Climate: Tropical, with mild temperatures year-round.
• Major Islands:
  • Oahu: Home to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.
  • Maui: Known for Haleakalā and the Road to Hana.
  • Kauai: The "Garden Isle," famous for the Na Pali Coast.
  • Hawaii (Big Island): Known for its active volcanoes and diverse ecosystems.
  • Molokai: A quiet island with a strong connection to traditional Hawaiian culture.
  • Lanai: A small, luxurious island with pristine beaches.

A Brief History of Hawaii

Hawaii’s history is rich and deeply rooted in Polynesian culture:

• The islands were first settled by Polynesians over 1,500 years ago.
• In 1778, Captain James Cook became the first European to visit Hawaii.
• The Kingdom of Hawaii was established in 1810 under King Kamehameha I.
• Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898 and became a state in 1959.

Top 10 Things to Do in Hawaii

1. Relax on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.
2. Watch the sunrise from Haleakalā National Park.
3. Hike the trails of the Na Pali Coast in Kauai.
4. Visit Volcanoes National Park and see lava flows.
5. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay on Oahu.
6. Drive the scenic Road to Hana on Maui.
7. Experience a traditional luau and learn hula dancing.
8. Explore the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
9. See waterfalls like Akaka Falls on the Big Island.
10. Discover the secluded beaches of Molokai and Lanai.

Top 10 Destinations in Hawaii

1. Honolulu
2. Haleakalā National Park
3. Na Pali Coast
4. Volcanoes National Park
5. Molokai

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Hawaii, visit the state’s official tourism site: Go Hawaii