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Top 10 Facts about Hawaii state

Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state in 1959. The State is an archipelago of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean. Its capital city is Honolulu and is located on the island of Oahu.

An interesting fact about this State is that it is the world’s largest island chain. Additionally, this is the only U.S. state completely made up of islands.

The volcanoes in Hawaii are active, for example, Kilauea has been erupting for more than 3 decades. As a result, the lava creates more land for Hawaii by 40 acres annually.

This tropic state is famous for its beaches that have beautiful colours. The weather here is beautiful all year round too.

Hawaii is unique from all other American states, its beautiful culture and traditions have been passed down for generations.  

There are about 1.4 million people in Hawaii, making it the 11^th least populous state. Moreover, Hawaii is the 8^th smallest state in land area.

Read more in the top 10 facts about Hawaii State below.

1. The major export products from the State of Hawaii are agricultural

Photo Sourced from Wikimedia

Historically, Hawaii is dominated by plantations making agricultural products the No. 1 exports. The backbone of this economy is therefore driven by the fertile soil and tropical climate.

In the recent past, the Hawaiian economy has steadily expanded since the mid-20th century. Tourism and military defence have now become the top 2 sectors.

One of the agricultural products is Hawaiian coffee. The coffee farms are located in Maui and Oahu islands and are open for tours.

The main exports are coffee, macadamia nuts, pineapple, livestock, sugarcane and honey Other Hawaiian exports include food and clothing.

2. Hawaii was ruled by a monarch in the 19^th century

Photo by Lux Tonnerre – Wikimedia

The Hawaiian Islands were earlier ruled under a monarchy, with kings, queens, princes and princesses.

The capital of the kingdom was located at Lahaina in West Maui from 1824 to 1845. This little town still honours its royalties from the past.

Kamehameha Day is celebrated on June 11 to honour King Kamehameha the Great and Prince Kuhio Day on March 26 to honour Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole.

Both of these dates are Hawaii state holidays and are marked with festivals and parades.

The monarchy came about after a series of battles that began in the 1780s and ended in 1795. After the chiefs lost, the islands were ruled by one leader known as King Kamehameha the Great.

3. Hawaii State is home to the largest dormant volcano

Mount Haleakala is the largest dormant volcano in the world. This mountain is found on Maui island.

Its highest peak is at 10,023 feet, while the interior of the summit crater stretches approximately 7.5 by 2.5 miles. Most of the mountain lies below the ocean.

The massive volcano, which formed 75% of the island of Maui, is dormant. Its last eruption was in the 18^th century according to scientific records.

Haleakal膩 has erupted at least ten times in the past 1,000 years. Following its recent activities, scientists believe that the volcano may erupt again in the future.

It is being monitored as a moderate priority according to the National Volcano Early Warning System.

Some active volcanoes are found in Kilauea and Mauna Loa islands.

4. In Hawaii State, it is customary to take a gift to your host

There are some key customs and etiquette that one needs to know or learn before travelling to Hawaii.

One is that when visiting a home, it is considered good manners to bring a small gift for the host. If you attend parties here, you will notice several forms of potluck.

Another custom here is to remove your shoes before entering a house. This tradition was borrowed from the Japanese who migrated to the island. It is considered respectful. 

When celebrating the birth of a child, Hawaiian families hold s luau during their first birthday.   

5. Hawaii鈥檚 largest industry is tourism

Photo by William Fulton Soare – Wikimedia

After World War II ended, the Islands of Hawaii were depicted as a leisure paradise. There were several photographs of tourists surfing and pristine beaches.

It soon became the largest industry on the Island. This grew even bigger after Hawaii gained statehood in 1959.

More than 6.4 million tourists visit annually and they spend about $10 billion US dollars.

What makes it a perfect location is that the weather is great all year round. The majority of the tourists visit during the winter months.

6. Hawaii is the only US state with two official languages

Hawaii is the only U.S. state with two official languages: English and Hawaiian. These two languages were officially listed in the State鈥檚 1978 constitution.

However, the Hawaiian language is not widely spoken as the law requires it used for public acts and transactions only. Another widely spoken language is pidgin or Hawaii creole.

other languages spoken in Hawaii include Tagalog, Japanese, German, Portuguese, Italian, French and Ilocano.

7. Surfing originally started in Hawaii

Photo by tatonomusic on Unsplash

Surfing was invented in Hawaii several hundred years ago. The now popular modern sport where surfers perform stand up paddle boarding originated from Hawaii.

It was started at Waikiki by beach boy鈥檚 decades ago. Surfing has remained to be a central part of Polynesian culture.

Popular surfing competitions include the Triple Crown of Surfing and The Eddie.

This State has produced super talented swimmers, including five-time Olympic medallists, Duke Kahanamoku and Buster Crabbe. These two set 16 swimming world records.

Back in the 4^th century, surfing was an elite sport that was reserved for royalty.  This rich tradition was however ruined when westerners migrated to the Islands.

The best surfing spots are in Oahu.

8. It is rude to refuse the Lei in Hawaii

Photo by Nathan Laird – Wikimedia

A lei is a coronet made of Hawaiian flowers that have been strung together into a circle to be worn.

Once one arrives in Hawaii, the first thing they receive is a lei put around their neck.

This garland is also worn during birthday celebrations, graduations and other important events. It represents love, good luck and friendship.  

It is considered rude to refuse it or remove it immediately.

When giving a lei, a traditional Hawaiian will bow slightly then raise it above the guests鈥� heads. Raising the hands above another’s head, or touching the face or head, is considered disrespectful.

Traditionally, open lei is given to a pregnant or nursing woman only.

9. You can mail a coconut to anywhere in the world from Hawaii

One fun and interesting culture in Hawaii is sending a coconut via mail. The coconut has to be dry and unhusked.

You can write a message on it then have it inspected by the agricultural officer before mailing it. 

Several stores and hotels sell coconuts that are already decorated and ready for mailing.

This tradition was introduced in 1991 to allow residents and guests to send unique gifts from the islands. 

10. Each island in Hawaii has an official colour and flower

Each island in Hawaii has its official colour and flower in Maui, the official colour is pink and the flower is Lokelani or Damask Rose.

The Hawaii state flower is the yellow hibiscus which was adopted in 1988. The hibiscus that comes in all colours was adopted for each territory.

If the flower is worn behind a woman’s left ear, it means she is taken or married, and if it is worn on the right then she is available or single.