HAWAII FROM A-Z

Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono
The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness

Facts about Hawaii for each letter of the alphabet.
Click on highlighted word for more information

A IS FOR AGRICULTURE, AQUARIUM, & ARCHEOLOGY

• Millions of acres in Hawaii are designated for AGRICULTURE or ranching. The Island of Hawaii has the only commercial coffee plantation in the country. Much of the cropland in Hawaii is used for growing sugarcane and pineapples, and more than 1/3 of the commercial supply of pineapples come from Hawaii. There are ranches for beef cattle, feedlots for hogs, and farms for dairy cattle. The Parker Ranch is one of the largest in the country. The National Agriculture Statistic Service and AG in the Classroom provide information about agriculture. Hawaii leads the world in harvesting macadamia nuts. The State Soil is Hilo. Hawaii has 4-H Clubs and chapters of the Future Farmers of America.

• Most of the larger Hawaiian Islands have an aquarium. The aquariums include live coral habitats, the world's only "wolphin" and the largest tropical aquarium in the country. Waikki Aquarium is the third largest aquarium in the country. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration museum on Hilo has interactive exhibits and a saltwater aquarium.

• Hawaii has several ARCHAEOLOGY sites, and there are special events and programs throughout the year. The Bishop Museum conducts archeological research in Hawaii and France. The University of Hawaii specializes in underwater Archeology. Honolulu Community College has a dinosar exhibit. A variety of Fossils have been found in Hawaii.

• Five of the top 10 BEACHES in the country are in Hawaii and Wailea Beach is considered #1. More than 100 world-renowned beaches ring Honolulu.

• Many varieties of BIRDS are found in Hawaii. The State Bird is the Nene Bird - a variety of goose that lives and breeds on land. It is endangered and protected by law. The Honeycreeper Bird is unique. At one time Laysan Island was home to the largest colony of albatross in the world. Many of the birds in Hawaii are endangered, and the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program works to recover endangered species and restore and protect habitats.

• Hawaii has over 1,000 county and state BRIDGES including 2 Suspension Bridges. The longest bridge is the Airport Viaduct, and The Nanue Bridge is the highest. The Admiral Clarey Bridge has the largest openable span in the world. On the Island of Maui, the road to Hana has 59 bridges.

• Hawaii has several several BYWAYS and Scenic Drives. The state also has Trails including Horse Trails, and participates in National Trails Day. The state also has many Roadside Attractions.

• Honolulu, the State CAPITOL, is on the island of O'ahu. The largest port in Hawaii is located here and shippers call Hawaii "The crossroads of the Pacific". Aloha Tower overlooks Pier Number 9.

• Hawaii has all forms of communication including newspapers, radio, and television, telephone, and internet. The Telephone Area Code for Hawaii is 808. There are several Internet Service Providers, and Webcams throughout the state provide beautiful scenic pictures as well as traffic conditions.

• Hawaii has four official COUNTIES. The largest county in size is Hawaii and the smallest is Kalawao. Honolulu County has the largest population and Kalawao has the smallest. Hawaii County is the most multicultural county in the country. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states of the United States for the level of local government below the state itself.

• Hawaii has several DAMS and is part of the National Dam Safety Program. Four islands have hydroelectric power. Hawaii was the first state to create Ocean Thermal Energy. The first well for Geothermal Energy using volcanic power was drilled in 1976. Hawaii has excellent Solar Power resources, and Wind Power is being used. The largest wind generator in the world is on the island of Oahau.

• The Hula is a traditional Hawaiian folk DANCE and reflects the ideas and events of Hawaiian history and culture. It integrates poetry, movement, and rhythm which tell a story. The patron of the hula is the Goddess Laka. The grass skirts worn by the dancers was brought to Hawaii from the Gilbert Islands. Many old chants and dances survive.

• Hawaii has a long history of EARTHQUAKES. Thousands of earthquakes occur every year beneath the island of Hawaii and are closely linked to volcanoes. Hawaii is also victim of tsunamis from distant earthquakes and a Tsunami Warning System has been developed. The Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo has personal accounts, photos, and safety information.

• Hawaii has an extensive Public School EDUCATION system and provides free education for Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Progams include Special Needs, Gifted/Talented, and ESL. There are also community schools for adults. The Hanauma Bay Marine Education Center has a nature preserve and beach park and the state has a Hunters Education Program. The Kamehameha Schools are private schools for children of Hawaiian ancestry. Information about school in Hawaii is available at GreatSchools and SchoolBug.

• Hawaii celebrates a variety of EVENTS including State and County Fairs the Merrie Monarch Festival, King Kamehameha Day, Aloha Week, Lei Day, and the Memorial Big Wave Classic. The Chinese celebrate Buddha's birthday. The Hawaii Scottish Association has events and a festival. Hawaii observes Fixed Public Holidays and many other holidays.

• More than 650 species of FISH live in Hawaiian waters including some of the most exotic fish in the world. About 23% of the fish are unique to the islands. There are also about 40 species of sharks - the most famous being the Great White which is rarely seen. The Triggerfish is the unofficial State Fish. Sea Life Park on the Island of Oahu has the state's only marine park. A number of farms on the Island of Hawaii raise catfish, trout, crayfish, and ornamental fish for aquariums. Deep-sea fishing is a popular activity.

• The Hawaii State FLAG has eight stripes representing the major islands. The flag resembles the Union Jack of Great Britain because many of King Kamehameha's advisors were British and Hawaii was once under British protection. The Native Hawaiians have a flag and there is a flag of the independent and sovereign Native-State Hawaii.

• The Hawaii State FLOWER is the yellow hibiscus. A special red daylily has been named King Kamehameha. Lili'uokalani Gardens on the island of Hawaii features a Japanese pagoda, arched, bridges, and a teahouse. Hawaii is the worldwide leader in the production of orchids. Each island has a flower, and color. Oahu - lima, yellow; Maui - lokelani, pink; Hawaii - lehua ohia, red; Kauai - mokihana, purple; - Lanai - kaunaoa, orange; Molokai - white kukui Blossom, green; Niihau - pupu shell, white.

• The Food of Hawaii can be separated into two categories; Hawaiian food (the food of the native islanders), and local food (the blend of the food of later settlers). The Hawaii Food Bank provides food so that no one goes hungry.

• Hawaii is an ideal place to study GEOLOGY because of it's volcanic and tectonic setting. The Bishop Museum has a Geology division. The US Geological Survey provides information and a map about Hawaii. Information is available about the geological history of Hawaii.

• Hawaii has many GHOST TOWNS and all of the sugar mills and plantations in the state are official ghostsites. Kalaupapa has some residents. Apua is now a park. Keomuku has a few small buildings. Halawa has a few ruins among newer homes.

• The GLOBAL POSITION of Hawaii is approximately longitude 154 to 161 west and latitude 18 to 23 north. Hawaii is located about 2,400 miles southwest of the continental United States. It is the only state that is not in the North American continent. The geographic center of the state is off the southwestern shore of Molakai west of Lanai. The highest point is Mauna Kea volcano. The lowest point is sea level. Naalehu on the Big Island is the southernmost point in the United states at 19.07 degrees north. From east to west Hawaii is the widest state in the United States. NOAA provides information about the Topography of Hawaii. Geocaching is a high tech treasure hunt using a Global Positioning System, and Hawaii has several Geocaches.

• The State Historic Preservation Division maintains an inventory of all known HISTORIC SITES. The Hawaiian Historical Society preserves historic materials relating to Hawaii and the Pacific Region.

• The HISTORY of Hawaii dates back over a thousand years and there are many myths and legends. Polynesians were the original inhabitants of Hawaii and there is a Polynesian Cultural Center on the Island of Oahu. The Polynesian Voyage Society researches how Polynesians discovered and settled islands in the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii participates in National History Day.

• Hawaii has a variety of INDUSTRIES including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and travel. Tourism is a major industry and the state has many attractions including Cruise Ships that go from island to island. Trade Shows and conventions are held throughout the year.

• Hawaii has over 10,000 INSECTS and most of them are found no other place on earth. The state has more endangered and threatened insects than any other state. Hawaii has a variety of Butterflies. The State Butterfly is the Kamehameha butterfly 1 of only 2 butterflies that are native to Hawaii. There is a Butterfly Ranch on the Island of Maui.

• Hawaii is the only state that is made up of ISLANDS and is the longest island chain in the world. The island of Hawaii is the largest island. Each island originated from a hot spot on the ocean floor where magna broke through the crust of the earth. The archipelago that forms Hawaii is 1,600 miles in length and is made up of 8 major islands, more than 100 minor island, and many shoals and islets. Lo'ihi is a new island being formed offshore of the Big Island of Hawaii. The Gardner Pinnacles are the most westernly of the Hawaiian Islands.

• JAZZ is popular in Hawaii. There are several jazz clubs. The Hawaiian International Jazz Festival held every year features world-class entertainment. A variety of concerts are held several times a year. Hawai'i Music Festival specializes in performances and educational tours.

• The Waipio Valley and Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii have a lush JUNGLE. The valley is also known as "The Valley of the Kings". There are tropical ferns, exotic flowers, cascading waterfalls, and ancient ruins. The Alakai Swamp at the base of two high peaks on the Island of Kauai is a jungle-like area, and many of Hawaii's rarest trees and birds are found there.

• The islands of Hawaii have KARST, caves, and caverns. The Ewa Karst is the largest of several karst on the island of Ohau. Hawaii has some of the longest and deepest caves in the country. Kauai has wet caves and sea caves. Hawaii has 3 lava tubes that have guided tours. The National Parks System has a Cave and Karst Program.

• Many aspects of life in Hawaii focus on KIDS. The Hawaii Division of Forestry & Wildlife has information and coloring pages for kids. Hawai'i Kids Count helps improve the well-being of kids and their families in the state.

• Hawaii is the only state that was once a KINGDOM with its own Monarchy & is the only state ever governed by Monarchs who were recognized by International Law. King Kamehameha I was the first king of Hawaii and there are at least 5 statues of him around the world. Queen Liliuokalanii was the last of the Hawaiian Monarchs. In 2000 postage stamps were issued on the 125th anniversary of the birth of Princess Kaiulani, heir apparent to the kingdom of Hawaii.

• Hawaii is the only state with two official LANGUAGES - English and Hawaiian. There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian Language. Vowels AEIOU, Consonants HKLMNPW. The word "Aloha" has several different meanings - welcome, goodbye, love, and friendship

• The most important aspect of a LIGHTHOUSE is the light that comes from the tower. Nearly all the islands have a lighthouse. The Kilauea Point Light and Molokai Light are open to the public, and several lighthouses are considered historic.

• Hawaii has Public LIBRARIES and Academic Libraries. A regional library serves the blind and physically diabled and bookmobiles serve remote location. Most libraries have storytelling sessions, library orientations, and special events. Each library is installing public internet stations.

• The most famous Hawaiian ritual is the LUAU which is the traditional way the people of Hawaii celebrate special occasions. The luau is usually eaten at a low table and traditional dishes are served. Dancing and music accompany the feast and each person is given a lei. The State Tree is the Kukie tree. The flowers of the tree are very fragrant and are often used in making leis.

• Because of its strategic location, Hawaii has several MILITARY bases. The history of Pearl Harbor Naval Air Station dates back to 1820. The Eternal Flame is a tribute to the men and women of Hawaii who have served in the armed services. In 1950 the Federal Government presented Hawaii with a Liberty Bell - a national symbol of liberty, freedom, and democracy. The Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the USS Missouri are popular places to visit. Hawaii has Army and Air National Guard units. The Army Corps of Engineers has many projects in the state.

• Hawaii has a variety of MUSEUMS including art galleries and art museums. Honolulu Academy of Arts has over 34,000 artworks. The Kamakana Gallery on Molokai has over ninety artists and fine art crafters.

• MUSIC is an important part of Hawaiian life. The state song is Hawaii Ponoi meaning Hawaii's Own. The Royal Hawaiian Band was the first brass band in the Pacific and the only full-time municipal band in the country. Many sacred songs and chants tell the saga of the fiery godess Pele. The Hawaii Opera Theatre has programs and lectures for all ages. The ukulele is a wellknown Hawaiian instrument - the name means "jumping flea".

• The NAME Hawaii may have come from the traditional name of the home the Polynesians called "Owhyhee". The official nickname of Hawaii is "The Aloha State". It is also known as the Pineapple State, Youngest State, and the Paradise of the Pacific. The Kona district of the island of Hawaii is nicknamed the Gold Coast because of its dependable sunshine. It is also called the Coffee Coast because of the excellent coffee grown there. Each island has a nickname: Oahu - The Gathering Place; Maui - The Valley Island; Hawaii - The Big Island; Kauai -The Garden Island; Lanai - The Pineapple Island; Molokai - The Friendly Island; Niihau - The Forbidden Island.

• Hawaii has several OBSERVATORIES. The Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea volcano has the largest optical and infrared telescopes in the world. Altitude and clear skies make it the best location for building telescopes. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is on the rim of Kilauea Caldera. Hawaii has a chapter of The Astronomical League, several Astronomy Clubs, and celebrates Astro Day

• Hawaii is located in the middle of the Pacific OCEAN half way between the continents of Asia and North America. Maui Ocean Center is a Coral World park. The USGS provides information about why the ocean is Salty.

• Hawaii has 2 OIL refineries. The state does not have any fossil fuel deposits and oil is imported. The refineries have been constructed to match the relatively high needs for jet fuel and gasoline.

• The Iolani PALACE is a National Historic Landmark and the only royal palace in the country. It was the official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, the last monarchs of Hawaii. Washington Place, was a former home of Queen Liliokulani and the official resident of the governors of Hawaii. It is not a historic house museum.

• Hawaii has many PARKS including National Parks and 53 State Parks. There are also city, county, & regional parks.

• Over one million PEOPLE live in Hawaii, and it is the most isolated population center in the world. Famous people include a King and a Queen. Native Hawaiians make up a little more than 20% of the state's residents.

• The United States Mint issued a QUARTER for each state in the order that it became part of the Union. Hawaii became a State in 1959 and a quarter was issued in its honor in 2008. The U.S. Mint has a special Kids Page.

• Take a QUIZ about Hawaii.

• QUILTING is popular in Hawaii and there are many Quilt Guilds and Shows throughout the state. Weaving is also popular.

• The Northwestern Hawaiian Island Coral REEF Ecosystem is the largest protected area in the country. More than 70% of the coral reef in the country is formed here. It is home to sealife, birds, algae, and invertebrates found nowhere else. The ecology of coral reefs in Hawaii is unique compared to reefs in other tropical areas. Reefs on some of the windward islands that are small and close to shore are called fringing reefs and will develop into barrier reefs. The reefs are dominated by corals and the State Gem is Black Coral.

• Hawaii has several varieties of REPTILES and amphibians and many species of invertebrates. There are 5 species of sea turtles that are endangered including the Hawaiian Sea Turtle.

• Hawaii has many RIVERS. The major rivers are the Wailuku on the island of Hawaii and the Anahulu on the island of Oahu. The Wailuku River is the longest river in the state and marks the approximate bondary between lava flows of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

• Hawaii has a variety of SEA LIFE including whales and turtles, and some are endangered. The State Mammal is the Humpback Whale. The Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was established to protect the North Pacific population of the endangered humpback whale.

• Hawaii has many types of SPORTS. Water sports are very popular and surfing was invented here. Other sports include riding, running, hiking, and golfing. The Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame Cybermuseum records outstanding accomplishments of athletes in the state.Hawaii has many golf courses and it is truly a golfers paradise. The University of Hawaii has sports and The Oahu Interscholastic Association serves the youth in the state.

• The STATE SEAL has King Kamehameha the Great on one side and the Goddess of Liberty holding the flag on the other side.

• Hawaii has all forms of TRANSPORTATION. The Hawaiian Department of Transportation is responsible for all transportation including air, water, and land. There are Interstate highways and freeways. The state license plates have a rainbow. In 2002 Matchbox Cars issued a vehicle for each state and the one for Hawaii was the Jeep Wrangler.

• Hawaii is home to many exotic TREES. The State Tree is the Kukie Tree. The east end of the island of Molokai is a tropical rainforest. The Hawaiian Tropical Garden has a variety of palm trees.

• A submarine is used to tour UNDERWATER areas. The USS Bowfin Museum and Park tells the history of this submarine. Under the waters off the islands of Hawaii there is a giant natural aquarium.

• The UNIVERSITY of Hawaii has several campuses. There are also community colleges, learning centers, extension services, and research facilities. The Institute for Astronomy at the University conducts research into galaxies. cosmology, stars, planets, and the sun. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife has an Information and Education program.

• Two ships of the United States Navy have been named USS Hawaii. The 1st USS Hawaii (CB-3) was launched but never commissioned. The 2nd USS Hawaii (SSN-776) will be the 3rd Virginia-class submarine when she is commissioned as expected in 2007.

• Hawaii has a wide variety of VEGETATION. More than 2,500 species of native plants are found in the state, & many plants are endangered. The state has many species of aquatic plants. Hawaii also has numerous non-native plants. The Nature Conservancy helps preserve the land in Hawaii. Ethnobotany of the Ahupuaa describes the plant species introduced by the first Polynesians settlers.

• The islands of Hawaii were formed by VOLCANOES. Mauna Loa means White Mountain and often has snow. It is the highest mountain in the world highest from base to summit. Kilauea is perhaps the most active volcano in the world and has been erupting for years. Volcanoes National Park includes Mauna Loa, Kilauea crater, a forest of giant ferns, and Jaggar Museum. It also offers a Junior Ranger Pogram for kids 5-12 years old. Punchbowl, an extinct volcano, is a national cemetery. Mauna Kea has been extinct for thousands of years and has many Polynesian temples on its slopes.

• Hawaii has many WATERFALLS. Hi'i'awe is the largest waterfall in the state. Rainbow Falls is a State Park on the Island of Hawaii and outproduces any other in the state in sheer volume.

• The moderate WEATHER of Hawaii is influenced by the ocean and the prevailing northeasterly trade winds. It is the only state with a tropical climate. Hawaiian waters are inviting year-round, averaging 74 degrees F. Hilo is the rainiest city in the United States. The Hawaii State Climatologist provides information about the weather in Hawaii. The Environmental Protection Agency provides information about Global Warming in Hawaii.

• The only WILDLIFE native to Hawaii are the hoary bat, the Hawaiian monk seal, and the Polynesian rat. Wildlife refuges are located on many of the islands. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife offers special programs for children. Hawaii is part of the Hawaii is part of the Wildlife Protection Program. Some of the wildlife is threatened or endangered. Hawaii has 10 wildlife refuges

• Xmas is the abbreviation for Christmas which is celebrated in Hawaii in a somewhat different manner than the rest of the world. Sometimes Christmas Trees are unique.

• Hawaii has several YOUTH HOSTELS. The state also has Elder Hostels.

• YMCA/YWCA organizations are located on 6 islands.

• The United States started using ZIP CODES in 1963. The zip codes in Hawaii all begin with 96. The postal code is HA. Postage stamps of Hawaii reflect the island and its history.

• Hawaii has its own time ZONE - the Hawaiian-Aleutian and there is no Daylight Savings Time. The state is in zones 10-11 of the United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones.

• Hawaii has several ZOOS. The Pana'ewa Zoo on the Island of Hawaii is the only zoo in the country situated in a tropical rain forest. The Honolulu Zoo has an African Savanna, South American Aviary, and a Childrens Zoo. Kualoa Ranch on the Island of Oahu has a petting zoo and museum.