In connection with our Annual Hawaiian Luau this coming Friday, here are some Facts About Hawaii that you should know!
In my previous posting, the Ohi'a tree was listed as Hawaii State Tree. In another listing it is the Kukui tree. What is the correct answer? If you are curious, do some Internet Search.
Revered as a symbol of enlightenment, the kukui nut is deeply intertwined with spiritual practices and ceremonial rituals. In ancient times, the soft golden light emanating from the burning kukui nuts would guide travelers safely through the darkness. It also known as the Candle Tree.
Meanwhile here are 21 interesting things about Hawaii that you should probably know.
1. **Hawaii is the Only U.S. State That Grows Coffee** - The volcanic soil and ideal climate make it perfect for coffee plantations.
2. **Home to the World’s Most Active Volcano** - Kilauea on the Big Island has been continuously erupting since 1983.
4. **Unique Time Zone** - Hawaii has its own time zone (Hawaiian Standard Time) and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
5. **Rainbow State** - Hawaii has the most frequent rainbows in the world, often visible after the island’s frequent, brief showers.
6. **Birthplace of Surfing** - Ancient Hawaiians invented surfing, which they called "he’e nalu" or wave sliding.
7. **Hawaii’s State Fish** - The Humuhumunukunukuapua'a, also known as the reef triggerfish, has the longest name of any state fish.
8. **No Billboards** - Billboards are banned in Hawaii to preserve its natural beauty.
9. **Hawaii is Growing** - Due to volcanic activity, the Big Island is continuously growing as lava flows add to the landmass.
10. **Royalty Rules** - Hawaii is the only U.S. state that was once a royal kingdom.
11. **Hawaii's Unique Wildlife** - It’s home to many species that are found nowhere else on Earth, including the Hawaiian monk seal and the nฤnฤ (Hawaiian goose).
12. **The Most Isolated Population Center** - Hawaii is 2,390 miles from California, 3,850 miles from Japan, making it the most isolated population center on the planet.
13. **Hawaiian Language** - Hawaiian is one of the state's two official languages, and the alphabet only consists of 13 letters.
14. **Largest Marine Reserve** - The Papahฤnaumokuฤkea Marine National Monument is one of the largest protected areas in the world, covering 582,578 square miles.
15. **Hawaii Has No Snakes** - Thanks to strict laws, there are no native snakes in Hawaii.
16. **Honolulu's Bustling Business** - Honolulu is the largest city in the world, if measured by its city limits, which span to the ocean.
17. **The Land of Many Islands** - Hawaii is made up of 132 islands, although most are uninhabited.
18. **Hawaii's Stunning Beaches** - The islands are home to beaches with sand in various colors, including white, black, red, and even green.
19. **Pearl Harbor** - The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, led the U.S. to enter World War II.
20. **Highest Life Expectancy** - Hawaiians enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in the United States.
2 comments:
Add one more thing…May 1st…Lei Day. Giving a lei to friends and family means sharing your love, respect and appreciation. A lei can be given for a special occasion or celebration. Or for any reason at anytime.
One more thing…May 1st is lei day in Hawaii. Giving a lei is a mark of respect, love, admiration. Lais are celebratory and given at special occasions and events or for any reason. Usually orchids or plumerias and the maile are used but the puakinikini or the jade petal are very special and seasonal. On Hawaii island there are orchid farms especially for the making of leis. You can also find cacao farms, taro farms and coffee bean farms. Kona coffee is known for its rich smooth and sweet taste and is successfully grown at the 1200 foot level on Hualalai mountain, a dormant volcano situated above Kona on the western side of the island. It is reputed to explode every 200 years or so. But as of this year, it’s almost a hundred years late.
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