Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations in America, and for good reason. It has active volcanoes, lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and delicious food that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. The state is also known for its incredible hospitality and aloha spirit that residents share with visitors from all over the world.
However, there is so much more to Hawaii than just its natural beauty and friendly people. There’s a lot of history behind the islands, and the culture is rich with mythology and legend. Here are 23 things you might not know about the State of Hawaii.
1. Hawaiians were skilled at agriculture
The island of Maui is home to some of the best agricultural activities in Hawaii, including sugar and coffee. The landscape is ideal for growing these crops because it is warm, sunny and dry.
Traditionally, Hawaiians practiced agroforestry to sustain their crops. This practice involved integrating crops with the surrounding environment, which meant that the trees provided protection from wind and rain while the plants provided shade and moisture. Today, the island’s agriculture industry is booming and continues to provide the economy with many jobs.
2. Hula was a traditional dance of the Hawaiians
Before Europeans and Americans landed in Hawaii, hula was a traditional dance performed by the Hawaiians as a way to connect with their ancestors. The dance was usually presented informally at family reunions or to entertain tribal chiefs. However, the art form was almost lost after the arrival of colonizers. However, hula has been revived in recent decades by locals and tourists alike.
3. Most of the islands in Hawaii were formed by volcanic activity
Volcanic eruptions caused the formation of the islands in Hawaii, with the youngest island being about 5 million years old. Many of the older islands were formed by lava flows, which created steep mountainous landscapes. Some of the volcanoes in Hawaii have been active for hundreds of years, and some have erupted more recently.
4. Most of the islands are covered by jungle
The lush green forests on the state’s most remote and wild islands are full of tropical plants and animals. Many of these plants are rare or endangered, and they make for a great hiking adventure in Hawaii.
5. The State of Hawaii is famous for its beaches
The beaches in Hawaii are known for their soft sand, calm waves and gorgeous blue waters. The State of Hawaii is home to over 1,200 miles of coastline, and its near-ideal year-round weather supports a wide variety of water sports.
6. The state is known for its high level of biodiversity
Aside from its spectacular beaches, the State of Hawaii is famous for its amazing diversity of wildlife. Its islands are home to over 900 species of birds, a diverse array of fish, and even some reptiles that are found nowhere else in the world.
7. Overtourism is an issue in Hawaii
Tourism is a huge part of the State’s economy, and it’s been known to cause overtourism issues in some areas. There are some islanders who are trying to combat this by encouraging people to visit less popular islands like Molokai, where there is no traffic light and fewer hotels and shops.