Are you ready to learn about Hawaii with us?
Hawaii is a beautiful state made up of eight islands: Nihau, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and the big island of Hawaii. Hawaii was the 50th state to join the United States of America on August 21, 1959. Hawaii also has many interesting volcanoes.
Hawaii also has lots of interesting food. Hawaiian food is a mix of cuisines influenced by Asian, American, Portuguese, and Polynesian dishes. Check out some of our great Hawaiian food receipes. Fresh seafood and fruit is, of course, abundant. Shaved ice is just that ... Shaved ice! with yummy fruit flavors added to it.
Lau Lau is traditionally cooked in the Imu or earth oven and consists of pork and fish wrapped in taro leaves. Do you want to try Hawaiian food?
A luau is a traditional Hawaiian party with a feast. There's lots of yummy food, local music, and the famous hula.
A lei is a garland or a wreath that Hawaiians are known for wearing around their neck. It is usually made of flowers, but the word "lei" can be used with anything that is made to hang around the neck. It is used nowadays as a welcome or goodbye ritual.
Hawaii also bosts some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. There are lots of beach sports like beach volleyball and water sports like surfing on the beaches. Don't you want to visit Hawaii?
Here are 10 Interesting Facts About Hawaii That You May Not Know
Today, we've got ten surprising and interesting facts about Hawaii: one of the most beautiful locations in the world. Now sit back, relax, and check out these interesting facts about Hawaii you probably don't know.
One. The origin of the word Hawaii. The word Hawaii comes from the Proto-Polynesian "Hawaiki" which means place of the gods or homeland.
Two. Hawaii grows by roughly 42 acres each year. Because of the Kilauea volcano, Hawaii's big island which is the common term used for the state of Hawaii is growing by more than 42 acres each year. This volcano has been erupting for around 30 years now.
Three. Hawaii is the only state in the US that grows that grows coffee, vanilla beans and cacao commercially. Another interesting fact is that it can take as long as five years for just one vanilla bean to be grown completely.
Four. The state of Hawaii has lost more species and has more endangered species than any other states in the US. Around 70% of this state's native birds are extinct and the rest are listed as being in danger of becoming extinct.
Five. A number of Hollywood movies have been filmed in Hawaii. Over the years, there have been a number of popular movies filmed in Hawaii even if they are not set there. Some of those movies include Jurassic Park and Jurassic World, 50 First Dates, Godzilla, Tropic Thunder and You, Me and Dupree. Many of those filming locations can be seen at the Kuala Ranch. And of course there's the TV show Hawaii 5-0.
Six. Hawaii is the only state in the US to honor a monarch. They celebrate King Kamehameha Day which takes place on the 11th of June. This particular monarch is known for uniting the Hawaiian Islands in 1810.
Seven. No building on Kauai can be taller than a palm tree by law. That's not the only weird thing about Kauai. There are no cities, no freeways, chain skyscrapers, towers or restaurants. There are very few mainstream stores and the maximum speed limit on the entire island is only 15 miles per hour.
Eight. Hawaii is the only state in the US that is made up entirely of islands. This state consists of 132 different islands including eight main islands: Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, ad Kahoolawa, as well as 124 islets, shoals and reefs.
Nine. Only people with Hawaiian ancestry are considered to be Hawaiians. Even if you were born and raised in Hawaii, you are not considered to be a true Hawaiian unless you have ancestry in your family. People who don't come from Hawaiian ancestry, even if they were born and raised in the state, refer to themselves as locals.
Ten. There are only 7400 people who live on the island of Molokai, which used to be a leper colony and even fewer people on Lanai, which is the smallest inhabited island open to visitors in Hawaii.
We hope you have enjoyed learning all about Hawaii.
You forgot Kauai as one of the eight islands of Hawaii.
Thank you for the feedback. Greatly appreciated. You are correct. We did go and make sure that Kauai is of course included as one of the eight islands:).