Buzz
Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States located entirely on the Hawaiian Islands, known as a dream destination for many travelers. It boasts the tallest mountains and is the only state still rising, due to ongoing volcanic eruptions, particularly from the Kīlauea volcano (one of the most active volcanoes in the world).
Hawaii is the birthplace of the Hula dance. (In ancient times, the Hula dance was performed during ritual ceremonies to honor the gods. Today, it is showcased for tourists' entertainment).
15 fascinating insights into Hawaii travel
1. The main eight islands of Hawaii – Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe – cover over 99% of the land area of this state. The smallest of the eight islands is Kahoolawe, with an area of 125 km2 and no permanent inhabitants.
2. In Hawaii, the two earliest indigenous groups were Kanaka Maoli and Kanaka Oiwi. In 1852, indigenous Hawaiians made up 95% of the islands' population. By 1900, their numbers dwindled to 150,000, less than 15% of the population, while 75% were of Asian descent.
3. Hawaii's primary economic sectors include sandalwood, whaling, sugar production, pineapple, military, tourism, and education.
4. Waimea Canyon is a stunning gorge, 900m deep in the Kalalau Valley, on the western side of Kauai, Hawaii's oldest island. As the largest and most beautiful canyon, it's often likened to the second Grand Canyon of the United States in the Pacific Ocean region, boasting a naturally mesmerizing allure that entices visitors.
5. Hawaii is a state characterized by rugged terrain and surprising elevation changes from sea level. Sea-carved cliffs rise above the ocean surface, creating spectacular coastlines around some of the islands. The towering sea cliffs on the northeastern coast of Molokai reach heights of 1,150m above sea level, among the tallest cliffs globally, while those on Kauai exceed 600m.
6. Polihua Beach is the longest stretch of white sand on Lanai, spanning 2.5 km. It's also an incredibly serene beach for relaxation.
7. The size of the Haleakala volcano crater on Maui is nearly equivalent to... Manhattan! This massive volcano stretches 6.99 miles (11.25 km) in length, 2.0 miles (3.2 km) in width, and plunges 2,600 ft (790 m) deep.
8. Kilauea is one of the most powerful volcanoes globally, located in the Hawaiian archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Despite its intense activity, it remains a focal point of interest for tourists and scientific researchers alike.
9. In the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, you can discover over 7,000 marine species, a quarter of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Notably, there are 1,400 monk seals living here. These seals are unique to the Hawaiian Islands, leading solitary lives and being the only native seal species in Hawaii. They are currently endangered and dependent on conservation efforts.
10. Niihau is known as the “forbidden island” of Hawaii, privately owned and the smallest inhabited island in the Hawaiian archipelago. The island's population is 230 people, nearly all of whom are native Hawaiians. It is owned by the Robinson family, whose ancestors purchased the islands from King Kamehameha IV over a century ago. You can visit this island only by invitation from a Robinson family member or a native Hawaiian resident of Niihau.
11. Kona Coffee – the world's most expensive coffee, exclusively grown in Kona, a coastal region on the western side of Hawaii, where coffee has been continuously produced since the early 19th century. Along the slopes of the Hualalai and Mauna Loa volcanoes, the state grows coffee for about 22 miles long and 2 miles wide. Coffee grown elsewhere in Hawaii is not considered Kona coffee.
12. Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States on August 20, 1959.
13. The Hawaiian alphabet consists of only 12 letters.
14. The place with the most rainy days on Earth is on the island of Kauai, experiencing up to 350 days of “liquid sunshine” each year.
15. The capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, situated on the island of Oahu, is famously known as The Gathering Place.
As per Travelingmyself.com
***
Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourMarch 7, 2015
