Hawaii Map
About Hawaii State
Located in the central Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is the southernmost state in the United States. Located in Oceania, Hawaii is the only state with an Asian plurality and archipelago. Nicknamed ‘The Aloha State’, it is the 8th smallest state by area in the US.
Hawaii Counties
There are a total of 5 counties in Hawaii. The biggest among those five is Hawaii County and the smallest is Kalawao County. Check this Hawaii County Map which locates all the counties of Hawaii on the map.
History of Hawaii
The first settlers in Hawaii were the Polynesians of the Marquesas Islands. These settlers arrived on the islands some 1500 years ago, sailing for over 2000 miles in canoes. The second wave of immigrants came in the 11th century from Tahiti. The first recorded European contact was made in 1778 when Captain James Cook set foot on the Waimea Bay in Kauai and named the islands “Sandwich Islands”.
In 1791, Kamehameha − a North Kobala native – united all the major islands and created one royal kingdom in 1810. The American colonists eventually overthrew the kingdom in 1898. During the 20th century, with the boom of the islands’ sugar and pineapple economy, immigrants from all over the world began arriving. It was on August 21, 1959, that Hawaii became the youngest and 50th state of the US.
Geography of Hawaii
The archipelago is roughly 2,000 miles (3,200 km) southwest of the West Coast of the US. Out of its eight main islands − Hawaii, Maui, Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe &minus seven are permanently inhabited. The main island of Hawaii is also known as the Big Island. There are, however, hundreds of islands in Hawaii, which are spread across 1,500 miles.
Stretching for 750 miles, the state’s coastline is the fourth-longest in the US. At 4025 meters, Mauna Kea is the highest mountain in the state. Kilauea spills more lava than any other volcano in the world. Waianuenue Falls, Akaka Falls, Olo’upena Falls, Waipoo Falls and Waimoku Falls are the most jaw-dropping streams in Hawaii. The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument comprises of an area larger than all other US national parks combined.
Travel Destinations in Hawaii
Tourism is a significant part of the state’s economy. Hawaii offers everything travellers ask for from waterfalls to volcanoes and beaches to sea cliffs. The state has endless thrills to experience for honeymooners and solitude seekers alike. Hawaii, a paradise of the Pacific, remains a favourite destination for mainlanders looking for a taste of Polynesian culture.
One of the most visited attractions is the USS Arizona Memorial, which evokes the tragedy of Pearl Harbor during the Second World War. Another popular tourist attraction is the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is a living museum of live performances and simulated tropical villages with dancing, feasts and live exhibitions of Polynesian arts and crafts. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Waimea Canyon State Park, Waipio?o Valley, Hanauma Bay and Molokini offer plenty of recreational opportunities ranging from snorkelling to hiking.
Transportation in Hawaii
Served by several intercontinental flights, Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the gateway to Hawaii. Public transportation (TheBus) connects this airport via routes 19, 20, and 31.
Education in Hawaii
Even though Hawaii has the only unified statewide public education system in the country, it has the highest rates of private school attendance. The University of Hawaii in Manoa (and campuses at Hilo and West O? ahu) is the most popular institution.
