What Hawaii is known for

Hawaii has been a state in the United States of America for just over sixty years, entering statehood on August 21, 1959. The region is about 2,400 miles away from San Francisco across the North Pacific Ocean and making it the southernmost state of America. Hawaii's name likely comes from the word "Owhyhee," which is the traditional home of the Polynesian people, but the truth about where the zone's name comes from is relatively unknown. Nick-names have also been given to the state, mainly the "Aloha State" and the "Paradise of the Pacific." Both of these outline the friendly invitation that the state gives to all of those who are looking for an island to escape to away from the rest of the world.[6] 

The population of Hawaii sits around 1.42 million people, with about 24% of the population being in Honolulu.[7] Honolulu is the capital of the state of Hawaii, its name means “sheltered harbor” or “calm port” in the Hawaiian language. Honolulu has a population of about 345,000 people, placing it in the top 60 most populated cities in the United States. There are many sites and destinations that people can visit when traveling around this city. One of these is the American lagoon harbor called Pearl Harbor. This harbor is located on the west side of Honolulu. The famous USS Arizona Memorial resides at this location, which is the resting place of over 1,100 of the sailors who were located at the base when it was surprise-attacked by Japanese planes during World War II. Many people visit this memorial to remember those who fell and the sacrifices made by all who then participated in the war.[5] 

Other specific places that tourists can visit include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Waikiki Beach, and Waimoku Falls. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the big island of Hawaii and elevates from sea level up to 13,677 feet, offering opportunities for hiking and exploration to those hoping to participate in these activities. One unique aspect of the national park is that it is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park also contains two of the world's most active volcanoes, named Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Waimoku Falls is located in Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui. This waterfall is one of the many places that people can visit while exploring the national park.[4]

Waikiki beach is unique when compared to the many state parks and forests on the Hawaiian islands. Waikiki is located on the island of Oahu and stretches out for two miles. It is famous for its white sand and light turquoise-colored beaches. Many tourists will go to this beach to spend time surfing on the waves, swimming or paddleboarding through the temperate water, fishing, and feeling the fine sand under their feet. This location has become very famous for not just those in the United States but also for many people across the world.[8]

If the beaches or volcanoes aren't what visitors are looking for, they could always explore one of the many state forests in Hawaii. The area has a relatively large amount of these, capping off at 19.[1] Some of these forests include Hilo Forest Reserve, Hauula Forest Reserve, Ka‘u Forest Reserve, Kapapala Forest Reserve, and others. All of these include hiking trails, opportunities for exploration, and many scenic views.[9] Waipio Valley, translated as "curved water," is another place that can be visited when traveling throughout Hawaii. Waipio Valley is a historically significant spot to the people who are native to Hawaii, named for the river that runs through it. Other activities that can be taken advantage of include helicopter tours throughout the islands and over the forests, guided expeditions through the forests, boat excursions, and more.[10] 

Geography

Due to Hawaii being an island chain in the Pacific Ocean, it is the southernmost state in the United States of America by a significant margin. The closest state to it is California, which is over two thousand miles away. Hawaii itself is about 1,520 miles long. The region is made up of a group of 8 islands close together; these eight islands are Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau. Because of its distance from the rest of America, Hawaii has a time zone of its own, Hawaiian Standard Time, and they do not observe Daylight Savings Time.[1] The population of the area is about 1.42 million people. The majority of the population consists of Asian natives and Caucasian individuals. Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander people only take up about 10% of the population in the state. The most common occupation consists mainly of education in elementary and secondary schools, but close after that are general medical and surgical hospitals.[7]

The region is home to much more life than simply that of people. Hawaii has hundreds of different plant and animal species throughout each of the islands, relying on the islands for shelter and food. The state bird is the nene, also known as the Hawaiian goose. The state animal is the humpback whale, and the state flower is the yellow hibiscus.[1] Other animals that can be found on the islands are the green sea turtle, gold dust day gecko, red jungle fowl, small Indian mongoose, and more. Some other plants that can be found on the land are palm trees, beach naupaka, pukiawe, and thatch screwpine. With the large array of plant and animal life that mixes throughout the area, it is perhaps easy to see the islands as the tropical getaway that they claim to be.[11]

Besides the plants and animals that people see as they explore Hawaii, the people there also grow many crops and livestock to help in the economy. The main livestock products that are in the region are beef cattle, dairy, eggs, and hogs. The main crops that are grown in the area include large amounts of flowers, coffee, bananas, avocados, macadamia nuts, guavas, tomatoes, papayas, and a variety of other fruits. Some vegetables commonly grown are corn, beans, lettuce, potatoes, and taro. The most valuable crops grown in Hawaii are sugar cane and pineapples.[15]

The climate of Hawaii doesn't change very often. There are two main seasons in the zone, mainly summer and winter. The average temperature during the summertime is about 85 degrees, while the average temperature in the winter is about 78 degrees. During the winter months (November through April) there is often an abundance of rain.[12] Honolulu, the state capital, gets an average of 49 inches of rain per year, which is above the U.S. average by more than 10 inches. It rarely, if ever, snows in the area.[13] Because of this short winter season, the best time to visit the state is pretty long. The months of March through September are the recommended times to visit in order to avoid too much rain and be there for the sunnier months.[14]

In today's Hawaiian culture, there are many messages and pursuits that focus on finding peace and calm in a fast-paced world. The word aloha symbolizes being in the present and connected to one's life. This philosophy teaches lessons of kindness, peace, compassion, and responsibility to all of those who are raised on the islands. Many of these same lessons are expressed in the culture of Hawaii through chants, music, the famous hula dance, arts, cultural practices, and hospitality.[16]

History

The state of Hawaii was first settled by Polynesian people who were sailing from other Pacific islands between A.D. 300 and 600.[17] These Polynesian people lived in small communities throughout the islands, thriving as highly skilled farmers and fishermen. They were ruled by chieftains and occasionally battled each other for more territory. In 1778, a British sea captain by the name of James Cook visited the islands, being the first European to set foot on the islands. Years later, between 1792-1810, the king at the time, King Kamehameha, conquered enough of the other rulers on the islands to unite them into a single kingdom. Because of this feat, Hawaiians to this day still celebrate his achievement on June 11 each year.[18]

After that uniting, more and more people visited the islands. The first Christian missionaries approached Hawaii in 1820, followed by western traders and whalers. Sadly, many of these people brought unfamiliar diseases with them to the region, reducing much of the Hawaiian population at the time. By the year 1893, colonists from the United States were controlling Hawaii's sugar cane economy, and they overthrew the kingdom that was there, establishing the Republic of Hawaii, which was later made a U.S. territory. During its time as a territory is when the attack of Pearl Harbor occurred, marking the day of the United States' entrance into World War II.[18] The territory was made a part of the United States of America in the year 1959 as the 50th state accepted into the union.[17]