Everyone appreciates something unique. Hawaii has a fascinating culture, and its role in world history is something that will be unforgettable. Hawaii remains the most popular travel destination in the United States and famous destinations in the world. Nicknamed the Aloha State, below are 20 interesting facts on Hawaii.
1. Hawaii Is the Only State Made Up of Islands
According to the National Ocean Service, the Hawaiian archipelago contains a staggering 132 islands, including eight main islands and 124 islets, reefs, and shoals.
Hawaii`s islands are Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kaho’olawe.
2. It Is the Only State That Is Not Geographically Located in North America-Interesting Facts on Hawaii
Like Alaska, it does not share a border with any of the other 48 states. Although it is a U.S. state, politically, it belongs to North America, while geographically, it is located in Polynesia, a sub region of Oceania in the Pacific Ocean.
3. In Hawaii, There Is No Single Majority Ethnicity Among the State’s Residents
There being no majority ethnicity, Hawaii is one of the most racially diverse places in the world. According to the World Population Review, Hawaii’s racial composition is as follows;
- Asian: 37.79%
- White: 24.95%
- Two or more races: 23.89%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 10.06%
- African American or Black 1.83%
- Other: 1.23%
- Native American: 0.26%
4. Hawaii Has No Snakes, Except in the Zoo-Interesting Facts on Hawaii
They are outlawed. It is illegal to own one, even as a pet. Those that are legally allowed are displayed in the Zoo. Not following this rule could cost one three years in jail and fines up to $200,000.
5. There Are No Billboards in Hawaii
Hawaii outlawed billboards back in the 1920s. It was the first U.S. state to do so, followed by three other states, namely Vermont, Maine, and Alaska.
6. There Are 12 Letters Only in the Hawaiian Alphabet-Interesting Facts on Hawaii
Written by 19th-century missionaries, the entire Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters, including all five vowels (A, E, I, O, U) and just seven consonants (H, K, L, M, N, P, W).
7. Hawaii Has Its Own Time Zone
The individual state has one of its time zones out of the 24 that exist in the world. It is known as Hawaiian Standard Time, UTC -10. It also doesn’t partake in daylight savings time, meaning that they do not alter schedules based on sunlight.
8. Hawaii Was the First State to Take Action to Ban Plastic Bags-Interesting Facts on Hawaii
It became the first state in the U.S. to ban plastic bags in 2015.
9. There are NO Private Beaches in Hawaii!
All beaches are publicly owned and controlled in Hawaii. This means you can soak up the sun at the beautiful beaches of Hawaii because they are free to visit and open to the public to be enjoyed by anyone
10. Hawaii Is Regarded to Be the Most Isolated Population Center in the World
The Hawaiian archipelago is about 2,400 miles from the Mainland U.S. The island group lies 2,392 miles west of San Francisco, 2,550 miles southwest of Los Angeles, 3,900 miles east of Tokyo, and 4,536 miles northeast of Australia.
11. Hawaii Is Home to Only Two Native Mammals-Interesting Facts on Hawaii
Many other mammals live on the Islands of hawaii today, such as the Humpback Whale, Indian mongoose, Green Sea Turtles, Pacific rat, European Rabbit, and Deer. However, there are only two mammals that are native to the Islands of hawaii:
- The hoary Hawaiian bat
- The Hawaiian monk seal
12. Hawaii Has the Highest Life Expectancy
Hawaii is ranked first in the states with the highest average life expectancy, 81 years as of 2020.
13. You Can Mail a Coconut From Hawaii-Interesting Facts on Hawaii
Not just a postcard, you can mail a coconut to any resident in the United States of America from Hawaii. Also, not in a box, just a coconut!
14. Hawaii Is a Constant Growing Landmass
In the United States, it is the only state that continues to grow in size every day. This is because Hawaii is also home to the world’s most active volcano (Kilauea) in the world.
When a volcanic eruption occurs, the lava from the volcanoes spurts up and gets cooled by the water, creating a new landmass. The vast majority of the unique volcanic rock ends up in the ocean and falls to the seafloor. This volcanic process has resulted in the Island of Hawaii growing in about over 40 acres each year.
15. Islands in Hawaii Have a Nickname and Are Represented by a Flower and a Color-Interesting Facts on Hawaii
The names highlight a common trait of the individual island:
16. Hawaii was a Kingdom
Before turning into a state, Hawaii was once a kingdom.The first king of Hawaii was Kamehameha. Queen Liliuokalani was the last of Hawaii’s royalty to live in the only palace in the United States.
17. The World’s Most Giant Plant Maze Is Found in Hawaii
Stretching over 3 acres, The Dole Pineapple Garden Maze was declared the world’s largest plant maze in 2008; it consists of 14000 crafted colorful Hawaiian plants. Pineapples are the number one agricultural commodity in Hawaii. “Pineapple Island” has made a significant impact on the nation`s economy.
18. Hawaii Is the Only State in the U.S. Where Coffee Is Grown Commercially -Interesting Facts on Hawaii
The Big Island (in Kona), Oahu, Maui, and all have coffee farms for such use. Tourists are welcome to tour and visit. Kona coffee which is grown on the big island is considered the best in the state.
19. Tourism is Hawaii’s Economic Pillar!
Oahu Island isthe most visited Hawaiian island while Hawaii – The Big Island is the third most visited island.
The tourism industry has created job opportunities for residents, and the economy recorded $2.07 billion in tax revenues to the state in 2019.
20. Aloha State Is the Only State With Two Official Native/Second Languages
While the United States has no official language, Hawaii`s official languages are English and Hawaiian.
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