Hawaii is a group of islands located in the central Pacific Ocean. The islands are part of the United States and are the northernmost island group in Polynesia. Hawaii consists of eight main islands which span 1,500 miles across the Pacific Ocean. Each island has its own unique geography, from mountains to rainforests and tropical beaches. The main islands are Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe.
Hawaii is known for its lush green landscapes and diverse terrain. The Big Island of Hawaii is home to Mauna Loa – one of the world’s largest volcanoes – as well as other volcanic features such as Kilauea and Mauna Kea. In addition to this impressive landscape, the Big Island also hosts tropical forests and grasslands that provide habitat for many native species of plants and animals. Kauai is known for its dramatic mountain cliffs and waterfalls while Oahu is home to Waikiki Beach — one of the world’s most famous beaches — as well as lush valleys filled with dense vegetation. Maui features Haleakala National Park — a vast crater that offers sweeping views over the island below — while Molokai boasts some of Hawaii’s most remote beaches with pristine waters perfect for snorkeling or diving. Lanai offers visitors miles upon miles of deserted seascapes with rocky coves perfect for swimming or exploring by boat while Niihau is often referred to as “The Forbidden Isle” due to its strict private ownership regulations which restrict access to outsiders. Kahoolawe is an uninhabited island that was used by the US military during World War II but now serves as a wildlife refuge where visitors can glimpse rare species such as sea turtles, monk seals and humpback whales.
History
Hawaii’s history is long and varied, beginning with the first Polynesians who arrived in Hawaii around 1000 AD. These early settlers brought with them a culture that was based on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and gathering. They also developed an extensive system of oral traditions that were passed down for generations. The Hawaiian language evolved from this period as well as the unique traditional arts and crafts of the islands.
In 1778, Captain James Cook became the first European to discover Hawaii and his arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in Hawaiian history. The islands were soon populated by traders, missionaries, and whalers who began to shape the political landscape of Hawaii. In 1810 King Kamehameha I united all of the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom. He then established a monarchy that was marked by strong central authority and a hierarchical social structure based on land ownership and class distinctions. Following Kamehameha’s death in 1819, his son Liholiho succeeded him as king, ushering in a period of modernization and reform known as the “Golden Age” of Hawaii. During this time, Western customs were adopted alongside traditional Hawaiian culture as schools were built, foreign languages taught, trade flourished, and Christianity was introduced to the islands.
- Allcitycodes: Provides map of area codes in Hawaii by county and city.
- Ask4beauty: Introduction to the state of Hawaii, addressing geography, history, politics, economy and population.
- Toppharmacyschools: Lists all educational institutes in Hawaii, including psychology, biological science, clinical psychology, computer science, economics, fine arts, etc.
Things to Do in Hawaii
Hawaii offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for an adventure, a relaxing beach day, or cultural experiences, you’ll find something to do in Hawaii. For the adventurous traveler, Hawaii offers some of the best surfing and snorkeling in the world. The waters around the islands are teeming with marine life and coral reefs that make for an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking to relax, there are plenty of beaches offering sunbathing and swimming opportunities. For those seeking cultural experiences, there are numerous Hawaiian cultural centers that offer classes on Hawaiian language, history and culture as well as traditional hula dancing and ukulele lessons. No matter what type of traveler you are, you’ll find something to do in Hawaii that will keep you entertained!
Famous Natives
Hawaii is home to many famous natives, from musicians to athletes. Musician Bruno Mars was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. He has sold over 130 million records worldwide and won multiple awards for his music. The singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett is also a native of Hawaii. He is best known for his hits “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise”. His music has been featured on film soundtracks and he has sold over 40 million albums worldwide.
Boxer Max Holloway is another famous native of Hawaii. Born in Waianae, he began his professional career as a featherweight boxer at the age of 18, going on to become world champion at the age of 24. He currently holds the title of undisputed featherweight champion with an impressive record of 21 wins and 3 losses. Basketball player Bill Walton also hails from Hawaii, where he was born in Laie before moving to San Diego as a child. Walton played college basketball at UCLA before being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974, winning two NBA championships during his career with the team.
