Essential Facts to Know About Hawaii

It is quite common for a visit to any Hawaiian Island to ignite an obsession with the isolate islands way out in the Pacific, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! Hawaii is an incredible place and is one of those places that you cannot get out of your head. From the white sand beaches to the lush rainforests, there is so much to know and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. Each island is waiting to be discovered, whether it is the hidden features or the interesting history.

These are some of our favorite tidbits and interesting facts that will get you ready for your visit to Hawaii:

• The first known setters of the islands arrived in approximately 800AD.
• Hawaii has been discovered many times. Originally by ocean voyagers from the Polynesian Islands, and eventually by European explorer Captain Cook in about 1778.
• The island chain is the only state in the United States that is surrounded entirely by water.
• The rich volcanic soil is perfect for growing a variety of tropical plants, fruits and vegetables, including coffee.
• Hawaii is both the southernmost state and the westernmost in the US.
• Despite being a part of the United States, two of the islands are privately owned. Larry Ellison owns Lanai, and the island of Ni’ihau as been owned by the same family for generations.
• You must be personally invited by the owners of Ni’ihau to set foot on the island.
• There is no majority ethnicity or race in Hawaii.
• The English language is one of the primary languages of Hawaii. Many locals continue the tradition the Hawaiian language, which consists of only 12 letters in the alphabet: A, E, I, O, U, H, K, L, M, N, P and W.
• Today, Honolulu is the state capital, though at one time, Lahaina was the capital of the state, and the center of the whaling industry in the Pacific.
• Hawaii’s weather is generally always warm and sunny, though Mauna Kea on the Big Island receives snowfall each year.
• While driving around any island, you will notice that the islands are free of billboards. In order to keep Hawaii naturally beautiful, billboards are not permitted on any island.
• Hawaiian monarchy ruled the islands for over a hundreds years, and many of the most notable figures in Hawaiian history are the great Kings and Queens, including King Kamehameha, Queen Liliuokalani, King Kalakaua, and King Lunalilo.
• The Iolani Palace on Oahu is one of the most significant buildings in the state, and was equipped with electricity before the White House.
• Known for sunshine and beaches, Hawaii actually receives a significant amount of rain, and features two of the wettest places on Earth: Mt. Waialeale on Kauai, and Hilo on the Big Island.
• Every place has obscure laws, but Kauai may have one of our favorites. No building can be taller than the tallest tree on the island.
• Due to the activity of Mt. Kilauea, approximately 42 acres of land are added each year to the Big Island.