Buzz
Hawaii, the 50th state of the United States, located entirely on the Hawaiian Islands, is renowned as a dream destination for many travelers. It boasts the highest mountains and is the only state still rising, due to ongoing volcanic activity, notably from the Kīlauea volcano (one of the most active volcanoes in the world).
Hawaii is the birthplace of the Hula Dance (Historically, the Hula Dance was performed during religious ceremonies to honor the gods. Today, it is showcased to entertain tourists).
Discovering Fascinating Facts About Traveling to Hawaii
1. The eight main islands of Hawaii, namely Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe, make up over 99% of the land area of this state. The smallest of these islands is Kahoolawe, covering an area of 125 km2 and uninhabited.
2. In Hawaii, the first indigenous groups were Kanaka Maoli and Kanaka Oiwi. In 1852, indigenous Hawaiians comprised 95% of the island's population. By 1900, their numbers dwindled to just 150,000, less than 15% of the population, while 75% were of Eastern origin.
Hawaii boasts a diverse economy including trade in sandalwood, whale hunting, sugar production, pineapple farming, military presence, tourism, and education.
Waimea Canyon stands as a breathtaking marvel, plunging 900m deep into the Kalalau Valley on the oldest Hawaiian island, Kauai. Often dubbed as the 'Second Grand Canyon' of America in the Pacific, its natural allure captivates travelers' hearts.
Hawaii is characterized by rugged terrain and abrupt altitude changes relative to sea level. Dramatic coastal cliffs sculpted by relentless waves encircle parts of the islands. Notably, the sea cliffs on the northeast coast of Molokai soar 1,150m above sea level, ranking among the world's tallest, while those on Kauai exceed 600m.
Polihua Beach boasts the longest stretch of pristine white sands on Lanai, spanning 2.5 km. Its serene ambiance makes it an ideal retreat for relaxation.
The size of Haleakala volcano's crater on Maui is nearly equivalent to that of Manhattan! This colossal volcano spans 6.99 miles (11.25 km) in length, 2.0 miles (3.2 km) in width, and plunges 2,600 ft (790 m) deep.
Kilauea stands as one of the world's most potent volcanoes, residing on the Hawaiian archipelago in the Pacific. Despite its intense activity, it magnetizes tourists and scientific researchers alike.
The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands harbor over 7,000 marine species, a quarter of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Notably, it's home to 1,400 monk seals, an endemic species facing conservation challenges.
Niihau is renowned as the 'Forbidden Isle' of Hawaii, privately owned and boasting the smallest population in the Hawaiian archipelago, with only 230 residents, predominantly native Hawaiians. It's been in the Robinson family's possession for over a century, purchased from King Kamehameha IV's time.
Kona Coffee, the world's priciest brew, thrives exclusively in Kona, a coastal region in western Hawaii. Coffee cultivation has been a continuous practice here since the early 19th century, spread along the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa volcanoes, spanning approximately 22 miles in length and 2 miles in width. Coffee grown elsewhere in Hawaii cannot bear the Kona label.
Hawaii officially became the 50th state of the United States on August 20, 1959.
The Hawaiian alphabet comprises only 12 letters.
The island of Kauai holds the record for the most rainy days per year on Earth, with up to 350 days of 'liquid sunshine' annually.
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, sits on the island of Oahu and is affectionately known as 'The Gathering Place'.
As per Travelingmyself.com
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourMarch 7, 2015
