Hawaii
Hawaii was the last state to join the United
States. It became the 50th state on August 21, 1959. Hawaii is the southernmost
state in the country. It also is the only state made up entirely of islands.
Facts About Hawaii
|
|
Capital
|
Honolulu
|
Population
|
1,280,000
people
|
Rank
among states in population
|
42nd
|
Major
cities
|
Honolulu,
Hilo, Kailua
|
Area
|
10,930
square miles
28,300 square kilometers |
Rank
among states in area
|
47th
|
Statehood
|
August
21, 1959, the 50th state
|
State
nickname
|
The
Aloha State
|
Name
for residents
|
Hawaiians
|
State
bird
|
Nene
(Hawaiian Goose)
|
State
flower
|
Yellow
Hibiscus
|
State
tree
|
Kukui
|
Abbreviation
|
HI
|
THE ALOHA STATE
Hawaii is nicknamed the Aloha State. Aloha
is a greeting in the Hawaiian language. It can mean “hello” or “goodbye.” Most
Hawaiians would probably say that aloha is an expression of welcome.
Millions of tourists visit Hawaii to enjoy its mild climate and sparkling
beaches.
Hawaii is made up of 8 major islands and
128 islets (small islands). The 8 main islands are Hawaii, Maui, Kahoolawe,
Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau.
Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the capital of
Hawaii and its largest city. About three-fourths of Hawaii’s people live on
Oahu. The island of Hawaii is the largest of the islands. It is sometimes
called the Big Island.
HAWAII’S PEOPLE
Hawaii was first settled hundreds of years ago,
perhaps as early as the 600s. The earliest settlers were Polynesians, people
from islands in the South Pacific. To reach Hawaii, they traveled more than
2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) across the Pacific in long wooden canoes.
For a long time, Hawaii was best known for
growing pineapple and sugarcane. Many people were brought in to work on
pineapple and sugar plantations. The workers came mainly from East Asia,
especially from China, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. Today, many of
Hawaii’s people have East Asian ancestry.
MADE FROM VOLCANOES
Underwater volcanoes formed the Hawaiian Islands. Melted
rock called lava flowed from the ocean floor. The lava cooled and hardened in
the water. Over time, lava flows built the islands of Hawaii.
Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, is on the
island of Hawaii. Since 1983, lava has poured out of Kilauea and added land to
Hawaii.
Kilauea and Mauna Loa, another active volcano, are
part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. At the park, you can see lava flows,
hike a trail, and learn about volcanoes. On the Big Island, you also can see
beaches of black sand formed from lava.
THE KINGDOM OF HAWAII
A Hawaiian ruler named Kamehameha united the
Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom by 1810. Although he died in 1819, Hawaii
remained a kingdom until 1893. Hawaii is the only state that was once an
independent kingdom.
Every year on June 11, Hawaiians observe
Kamehameha Day. They honor King Kamehameha with parades, dances, and other festivities.
They hang necklaces of flowers on a statue of the king in Honolulu.
SURFING—A HAWAIIAN TRADITION
Water sports are important in Hawaii, as you would
expect in an island community. Hawaii has beautiful coral reefs to explore by
snorkeling or diving. The islands are also famous for their giant waves.
The huge waves are perfect for the sport of
surfing—riding waves on a surfboard. Hawaiians started surfing hundreds of
years ago. The north shore of Oahu has some of the best surfing waves in the
world.
HULA—ANOTHER HAWAIIAN TRADITION
The hula is a traditional dance of Hawaii.
Hula dancers move their hips back and forth and make graceful movements with
their hands and arms. They use these movements to tell a story.
Hula dancers usually wear skirts that move easily
and necklaces of flowers. Chanting and beating of drums often goes along with
their dances. Each July, young dancers perform at a hula festival held at the
Moanalua Gardens on Oahu.
PEARL HARBOR
Pearl Harbor near Honolulu is Hawaii’s most famous
harbor. The United States Navy has a base here. In 1941, planes from Japan
bombed the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor. The United States entered World War II
after this attack.
The Japanese bombers sank many U.S. ships. More
than 1,000 sailors went down with the battleship USS Arizona. Today, you
can visit the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. You have to take a
boat to get to the memorial. The memorial floats over the sunken battleship.
THE WETTEST PLACE ON EARTH
On the island of Kauai, though, you can visit
one of the wettest places on Earth. Mount Waialeale gets about 451 inches
(1,146 centimeters) of rain each year. Kauai gets more rain than any other
Hawaiian island. It’s sometimes called the Garden Island. All the rain gives
Kauai lush greenery.
But many places in Hawaii are dry. Honolulu,
for example, gets only about 25 inches (63 centimeters) of rain each year.
Tags
United States
