United States Destinations

State of Hawaii 

Background

Compared with other states, Hawaii is a very unique state in US, having its own native language and local culture, consist of long chain of 19 distinct volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii situates almost at the center of the North Pacific Ocean – namely the ‘hot spot’ and has become a state in 1959, being the 50th state in US.

There are 8 major islands in Hawaii, while 6 are opened to tourists. ‘Hawaii’ itself is the biggest island of all and at the same time the name of the state.

8 major Islands of the State of Hawaii

Historically, the first settlement on Hawaii was by Polynesians, sailing from other Pacific islands between A.D. 300 and 600. Later on Hawaii was visited in 1778 by British captain James Cook. The name ‘Hawaii’ actually comes from Polynesian word ‘Owhyhee’.

Temperature is mild, warm and moist round the year, ranging from 25°C in winter to 31°C in summer. Trade winds in summer months can give you enjoyable sea breeze. There is usually no more than 12°C difference between day and night time temperatures.

Magnificent tropical landscape in Hawaii

Famous produces in Hawaii are cane sugar, pineapple, flowers, coffee beans, bananas, and macadamia nuts. The natural beauty of the islands continues to be one of Hawaii’s greatest assets. Tourist business and U.S. military is Hawaii’s largest source of income.

English is now the dominate language, but Hawaiian, the native language, is still being used. Learning a few words of Hawaiian can be fun and useful. For instance, Hawaiian ‘Aloha’ can mean ‘Hello’, ‘Goodbye’ and ‘Love’ while ‘Mahalo’ means ‘thank you’. Some signs in Hawaii use Hawaiian words, and most street signs use Hawaiian names.

Getting there

All international flight and most mainland US flights use the airport in Honolulu. Just to give some idea of distance, the flight from California to Hawaii is around 5 hours, while flying from New York requires around 10.5 hours.

Another way to get to the Islands is by ferry. There are still limited trans-Pacific cruises travelling from the West Coast ports of US to Hawaii.

Major Cities & Respective Attractions

Honolulu

Honolulu, the capital city, is the biggest city in the whole Hawaii state, located on the Island of Oahu.

Overview of Honolulu city

It is the center of government, transportation, and commerce for the state. It has the combination of modern fast-pace with well-preserve Hawaiian scenery.

Best known landmarks are the Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, where Japanese attached on 1941 and the Bishop Museum.

Other attractions

One of the best ways to visit multiple islands in Hawaii is to take cruises around the islands. An excursion tour can bring you to attractions like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island, Haleakala National Park on Maui Island or Polynesian Cultural center & the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on Oahu.

Pearl Harbor Memorial in Honolulu

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