Hawaii Facts about Hawaii Culture and Nature
If you are planning to go on a Hawaiian vacation, you should know a few ‘Hawaii facts’ first. Understanding about a place where you will be traveling will allow you to appreciate it more; without being shocked by cultural differences upon your arrival. Gaining important facts of Hawaii in time will allow you to experience much more and to feel freer to enjoy your trip.
Hawaii is an archipelago situated far out in the Pacific Ocean, some 3,200 km (1,988 mi) southwest of the North American mainland.
As vulcanic islands in extreme isolation from the rest of the word in the middle of the pacific Ocean Hawaii has given biological evolution a special challenge. Situated in the tropics the mountainous landscape has been an environment for a wide range of species of animals and plants. Species of plants and animals only living in Hawaii is a vast amount of the total flora and fauna.
Unfortunately Hawaii has more endangered species per square mile and has lost a higher percentage of its endemic species than anywhere else on Earth according to scientists.
Hawaii is a cluster of 100’s of tiny volcanic islands, eight of which are well known. The most traveled of the eight islands of Hawaii are Oahu, Maui, The Big Island (Hawaii) and Honolulu, Many people are aware that Hawaii is included in one of the United States. In fact, Hawaii became a state in 1959.
Before Hawaii became a state, it was a kingdom. The kingdom was established with the help of England. The island’s first King was named King Kamehameha the Great, who reigned in the 1800’s. He is known for unifying the islands to one. The King’s monarch declined in the late 1800’s and became a bicameral parliament instead. If you visit Hawaii during the month of June, you’ll notice that the natives still celebrate the King with parades, and many other island-wide festivities. It’s also known that during Kamahameha’s rule, Hawaii was known as the Sandwich Island.
Hawaii facts also include their vast national parks. Some places to visit while vacationing in Hawaii is Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kalaupapa National Historical Park is another natural wonder to visit for those that are intrigued by nature.
It’s good to know that Hawaii is surrounded by pristine, crystal blue water of the Pacific ocean. Other geological Hawaiian facts involve Hawaii’s many volcanoes. The Big Island, alone, has five active volcanoes Kahala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Mauna Loa, Kilauea, Hualalai, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea, which are amazing sights to see if you have never been in the presence of an active lava-flowing volcano.
Hawaii can also be called the ‘Island of Flowers‘. This is mainly due to its vast array of rich and exotic flowers. You can easily find rare plants such as plumerian, ilima, silversword, and candlenut growing around the island. Hawaii’s flowers contribute to why it is called one of the most beautiful places in the world. Another Hawaii fact is that the state flower is the yellow hibiscus. But as mentioned above many of the original Hawaiian flowers are now extinct or endangered.
When traveling to Hawaii, you’ll notice that a lot of the women there wear hula skirts. The hula skirt can be seen on many of the native dancers and encompasses an array of exotic leaves. On top of that, the Hawaiian shirts have become a popular attire around the world as wearing an Hawaiian shirt gives the sense of a cool, laid-back image.
More Facts about Hawaii History and Hawaii Customs
Other Hawaii facts include more detail about Hawaii’s history. You may already know that Hawaii’s first king was King Kamehameha, but did you know that Hawaii, at one time, also had two queens? Yes, in 1823, Hawaii had two queens, one named Kaahumanu and the other Lilluokalani. However, shortly after their reign, the Hawaiian government was defeated in 1893.
As some states have mottos for their citizens to uphold, so does Hawaii. Hawaii’s motto Is “Ua Ma ke Ea o Ka Aina I ka Pono” which means the life of the island is perpetuated in righteousness.
It’s probably helpful to know that Hawaiians are very strict on cultural rules. One rule that is upheld to the highest is in regards to wearing shoes or “slippas.” Out of respect, a guest that enters someone’s home, whether clean or dirty are required to remove their slippers.
Other Hawaii facts include Hawaiian attire. With that said, on your Hawaiian vacation you’ll want to do your best to blend in with the relaxed nature of other Hawaiian locals by choosing clothing that compliments the Hawaiian feel. You’ll notice that Hawaiian clothing is very laid back and dressed down.
Clothes are usually made of bright colors with pictures of lush green plants and flowers. Cotton dresses and sarongs can easily be worn any place you choose to go. You will also notice that the locals are comfortable wearing flip flops or thongs instead of hard shoes. This just adds to the relaxed feel.
Upon landing to Hawaii, you are sure to be greeted with fresh flowers, Lei.
The history behind lei starts with the Polynesian voyager settlers who traveled from Tahiti. Hawaiians used leis to make themselves look more beautiful or to differentiate themselves from other Hawaiians. Leis are made of flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, and feathers. You may even see some leis that were constructed of the bones and teeth of various animals.
Did you know that the Hawaiian language only have 12 letters, which include the English 5 vowels? The Hawaiian language was developed by 19th century missionaries. When speaking in the Hawaiian language, the words are broken up into separate syllables so they are easy to pronounce.
You may have heard of that the way Hawaiians celebrate any special occasion from baby birthdays, to graduations, to weddings is with a luau. History tells starting 150 years ago, the luau replaced the ancient version, “aha ‘aina”, which was originally designed to unite all who attended. During these festive occasions, food is of plenty.
Hawaii is one of the most cultural and historical places on earth. From King and Queens who ruled the islands, to Hawaii’s welcoming feel of comfortable attire and lively festivities of their most popular luaus, Hawaii is rich in ancient history. Gaining knowledge of these other Hawaiian facts increases your interest in these beautiful, tropical islands, I hope. If you plan on visiting Hawaii any time soon, you could feel like a pro by expanding your knowledge of important Hawaii facts. Hopefully the information discussed in this article will also help you to intelligently communicate with any of the locals about the local wonders of Hawaii – for mutual benefit.
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