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Hawaii Basics
The word ‘Hawaii’ conjures up the picture of sunny beaches and shining white sands, volcanic mountains, pretty girls performing Hula with colorful leis on their shoulders, the brave ocean riders surfing the gigantic Pacific waves and the mysterious, ancient stone sculptures creating the garden of God. One visit to Hawaii is not sufficient to explore its many wonders; but one visit is sufficient for understanding why Mark Twain has defined this youngest US state as 'the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean'
This land of Aloha also awaits you thrills and adventures! Take a hike to explore the mystifying tropical rain forests or take a helicopter ride to catch the breathtaking views of this chain of islands like a drop of emerald amidst the deep blue pacific. Or try to crack the mystery of primitive darkness that await you in the underwater and have a close encounter with the myriad marine life that is endemic to this island state. Or just take a leisurely sun bathing in one of the remotest beaches of Hawaii and get absorbed in the ethereal beauty of a Pacific sunset.
Facts about Hawaii
The word that is closely associated with Hawaii is ‘Aloha’---the Hawaiian word for love, warmth, compassion and affection. The island seems to sincerely uphold this aloha spirit throughout its history by becoming the melting pot of multiethnic, multi-racial population and giving birth to an exceptionally colorful unique culture. Over 20% of its population claims a multi ethnic background and no US state other than Hawaii shows the ethnic diversity to this scale.
In the geographical side, Hawaii is made of 137 big and small islands that occupy a total land area of 6,422 square miles in the north central Pacific Ocean. Despite being a US State, Hawaii is cut off from the mainland USA by 2,400 miles. The eight major islands, namely Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, Niihau and Kahoolawe make the state of Hawaii.
The geological researches show that this chain of islands was created millions years ago from the volcanoes. This results in a unique topography of the entire island. The first inhabitants of this remote island were the Polynesians who set their feet here thousand years ago. Eventually the European voyages reached the islands and that marked the beginning of a new age- an age of industry and plantation. The island had gone through the bad times too: the attack of Pearl Harbor and the following courses are known to all.
Hawaii’s transition towards becoming a US state
Hawaii officially became the 50th US state on the 21st August, 1959. The capital and the biggest Hawaiian city Honolulu, is located on the island of Oahu. Kihei, Lahaina, Kailua Kona, Koloa, Kapaa, Princeville, Waikoloa, Hilo, Kamuela, Kahului, and Lihue are the other major cities. But the true charms of Hawaii are to be found in its rain forests, mountain trails, dazzling beaches, surrounding ocean and verdant valleys. Among many natural attractions of Hawaii the major ones are: Napali sea coast with world’s tallest cliffs, Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano; the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” - the Waimea Canyon on Kauai; awe inspring Haleakala Crater on Maui, Waikiki Beach- supposedly the world’s best beach and Diamond Head Crater on Oahu.
Hawaii is a place that offers you a pleasant weather conditions all though the year. Surrounded by the vast expanse of crystal clear Pacific, this chain of Islands offers you a great romantic escape; for the ultimate exotic vacationing experience, you must come to Hawaii at least once in your life.