Cities In Hawaii - Quick Facts, History & Geography
Some Quick Facts about Hawaii
Hawaii became the 50th state to join the United States on August 21, 1959 and is the most recent state to be admitted to the Union. Hawaii is a chain of 8 main islands: Hawaii (the Big Island), Maui, Oahu, Molokai, Kauai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe. There are 163 cities in Hawaii and the capital of Hawaii is Honolulu and it is also the largest city with a population of 347,181 people. Hawaii is the southernmost state in the United States, located 2,400 miles southwest of California and is the most isolated population center on earth. The state nickname of Hawaii is the "Aloha State", which is a way to say hello and goodbye. Hawaii is also the only state where you can enjoy the warm sunny beaches, then travel to snow covered mountains within the same day! No big surprise, but surfing was also invented in Hawaii. Hawaii is the 43rd largest state by land area with only 10,931 square miles and is 41.25% water. It is also the 41st largest state by population with over 1.4 million residents. Famous people born in Hawaii include Nicole Kidman, Jack Johnson, Jason Momoa, Bruno Mars, Lauren Graham, Bette Midler, Barack Obama and Tia Carrere
The Amazing History of Hawaii
Arriving in canoes around 300-500AD, the first inhabitants of Hawaii were Polynesians. British captain Jams Cook became the first European explorer to visit the island in 1778. Following a skirmish with Hawaiians, Cook was killed in 1779. In the 19th century, under the power of King Kamehameha I, the islands were unified into a single kingdom in 1810. In the mid-19th century, the growth of the sugar industry led to an influx of immigrant workers from Portugal, Japan, China and the Philippines and the multicultural makeup of Hawaii started to take shape. In 1893, with support of the United States military, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown. Hawaii was then placed under American control and annexed in 1898. Hawaii became an official state on August 21, 1959. Today, Hawaii has grown into a thriving, vibrant, multicultural state with a strong economy based on tourism and agriculture.
The Rich Geography of Hawaii
Hawaii is tropical paradise located in the central Pacific Ocean. Consisting of 8 main islands, Hawaii's geography is shaped by volcanic activity and offers a stunning array of landscapes and natural wonders. Hawaii has a total land area of 10,932 square miles, making it the 43 largest state by size. The Big Island of Hawaii is home to two prominent volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, and its eruptions have shaped the island's landscapes over time. The islands of Hawaii are mountainous, with the highest peaks found on the Big Island. Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, stands as the tallest mountain in the state, reaching an elevation of 13,803 feet above sea level. Hawaii is renowned for beautiful sandy beaches, attracting visitors with their golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Some of the notable beaches include Waikiki Beach on Oahu, Kaanapali Beach on Maui, Hanalei Bay on Kauai and Hapuna Beach on the Big Island. Hawaii is also home to multiple rainforests including the Hana Rainforest on Maui, Waimea Canyon State Park on Kauai, and the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on the Big Island are just a few examples of the verdant rainforest areas found throughout the state.
Hawaii Relocation Guide
Whether you're heading to Hawaii for a tropical green Christmas or you are hoping to make this island paradise your permanent home, Hawaii truly is a piece of paradise! If you took a look at a map of Hawaii, you'd notice that the state is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, farther away from any other landmass than any other island on the earth. Oahu, the most popular destination for tourists, boasts hundreds of hotels and restaurants, as well as countless fun attractions from longboard surfing and luaus to snorkeling and hiking. Of course, the weather in all cities in Hawaii is absolutely wonderful.
Since it is tropical, it does rain a lot, but showers generally only last fifteen minutes to a few hours before the sun returns. Winters are cooler, thanks to Ocean currents coming in from Alaska, but overall the climate is very mild. Cost of living is high in most cities in Hawaii, since most everything from building materials to food must be imported from the mainland. However, most jobs are aware of these extra costs and have to pay more in salary so that you can afford to work and live there.
