I'm still a little fuzzy on just how many islands there are, so I thought I would educate myself a little more about this amazing state on today's Aloha Friday.
The state of Hawaii consists of eight main islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island of Hawaii. (and though I was happy to find this little tidbit of information, my map does not show which islands is Niihau, or Kahoolawe. But I'm here here to help. Do you see that little island next to Kauai? - that is Niihau. And that little island between Maui and Kauai is the island of Kahoolawe.)
Hawaii is the most isolated population center on the face of the earth. Hawaii is 2,390 miles from California; 3,850 miles from Japan; 4,900 miles from China; and 5,280 miles from the Philippines.
The Hawaiian Islands are the projecting tops of the biggest mountain range in the world.
Hawaii was the 50th state admitted to the union on August 20th, 1959.
The wind generally blows east to west in Hawaii. The highest recorded temperature is 96' F (Honolulu Airport), but temperatures over 92' F generally occur only once or twice a year. The lowest temperature (under 3000 feet altitude) is 56' F. Temperatures under 60' F may occur but rarely more than once a year. Average daytime temp. (July) is 82' F. Average daytime temperature in January is 72' F. This is why we do not have air conditioning. I will say that there are a couple hours in the afternoon that are just a little warm.
There are no racial or ethnic majorities in Hawaii. Everyone is a minority. Caucasians (Haoles) constitute about 34%; Japanese-American about 32%; Filipino-American about 16% and Chinese-American about 5%. It is very difficult to determine racial identification as most of the population has some mixture of ethnicities.
The island of Oahu draws more visitors than any other to Hawaii. One-third of the state's best surfing beaches are on Oahu.
The Big Island is Hawaii's largest at 4,038 square miles. It is twice the size of all other Hawaiian Islands combined.
Kilauea Iki, found on the Big Island, is the world's most active and largest volcano.
Kalaaupapa, on the island of Molokai, was once a leper colony administered by Father Damien.
The island of Lanai is considered Hawaii's most secluded. Lanai's Hulope Bay is a marine preserve and considered one of the best diving spots in the world.
Wendy's Tiki Hut, can be found on the island of Oahu - just a short drive from some of the worlds most beautiful beaches.
20 comments:
Fascinating! I didn't remember much of what I learned about Hawaii in grade school. Have fun!
That's so interesting. I haven't had a good mental picture of Hawaii, but now I can refer to this. I had always assumed that the Island of Hawaii was where everyone lived since it is the biggest, but it seems Oahu has more people on it, right? Why is that? Are you guys going to go visit the other islands? Finally, are there any other nearby islands that didn't make the cut to be included in the state?
Hi butterfly wife - thanks for stopping by! Honolulu Hawaii - that's all I learned in Elementary school.
mary - The big island is the biggest, but it's also the youngest - with hot lava flows and all that. I think the island has a lot of extremes - high mountain with snow sometimes, and hot dry plains. I don't know why it's less populated, but I do know it is home to the biggest contiguous ranch in the usa. And coffee grows there.
Oahu has more people, but the big island is twice the size of all the other islands put together. One thing I know about oahu is that anciently it was known as "the gathering place" and it continues to be the center of government and commerce here.
I think the state encompasses the entire archepegileio (oooch, whatever that word is, wait let me look it up: The Hawaiian Archipelago consists of over 130 scattered points of land stretching some 1,600 miles in length from the Kure Atoll in the north to the Island of Hawaii in the south. I think it all belongs to Hawaii and the USA.
If you want to know more, you're just going to have to come back next friday. Unlike you, I cannot type 90 words a minute.
That is interesting. My son has been obsessed with Hawaii a bit since learining about volcanoes and finding out that there are REAL volcanoes in Hawaii. But then again, he often confuses states and countries and thinks Hawaii is in Texas.
We just started saving for our anniversary trip to Hawaii, in 2 1/2 years! Although I have to say, your post on the big ol' spider gave me some pause as to whether I would EVER want to go, even considering the beautiful scenery and gorgeous beaches. Why am I such a chicken?
That was all very interesting! Thanks for the Friday education! I can certainly say that I've learned something today. Now I can go take a well deserved nap! :)
You forgot one fact, Wendy! Hawaii would like a particular blogger who likes roses to visit very soon! ;)
Thanks for sharing all your info., Wendy. You are so cool! :)
Very interesting! Which Island has Wal Mart?
good to know
Tori - as always a very important question. We have walmart here on Oahu. I have been to 3 different Walmart stores. The closest one, in Mililani is the nicest, cleanest, best organized, most friendly Walmart I have ever been to in my entire life. There are NO super Walmarts on Hawaii, though.
So far I have found a Walmart on The Big Island, on Kauai, on Maui, but none on Molokai or Lanai.
Are there any more lepers in Hawaii? You know this was a big issue for me (Leprosy Free In Hawaii). ;)
Gosh Wendy, sorry I asked so many questions :)
Jessica, can Randy and I come along on your Hawaiian anniversary too - since we were all married 10 days apart? Por favor?
Cool! I am learning so much about Hawaii, slang, spiders, stroller parades, perfect weather, awesome beaches.
The word in Spanish is Archipiélago, it's such a fun word and I love them.
Happy Aloha Friday!!
hello mother
I love your blog
I have another little bit of info on Hawaii
ahem.
you have to be full-blood hawaiian to go on the island of Niihau
I learned that at school
love,
your coolest most awesomely gorgeous almost 13 year old daughter Hannah.
Which island has BYU Hawaii and the Temple? I was under the impression they are on the same Island you live on.
Hi Hannah!
Carronin - BYU Hawaii and the Temple are here on Oahu, about 40 minutes from where we live, in Laie.
Another interesting, but now outdated Hawaii fact...
When we lived in Alaska and my sisters were in young women's (they are 5 years older than me) "our temple" was the Hawaii one, which meant they got to take a youth temple trip to Hawaii. Cool huh?
Alas, now there is one in Anchorage so the poor YM/YW are stuck in the cold. ;)
Steph
hannah, why do you have to be full blooded hawaiian to go to the island that starts with an N?
Hi Hannah!! Almost 13, yikes! We miss you, especially your fantastic babysitting skills. ;)
This post was very educational! I really learned a lot. I wondered what the average temps were, now I know. It is so sad that you don't get snow and 100 degree temps though. lol I guess paradise can't be perfect. ;)
The Hawaiian Islands are the projecting tops of the biggest mountain range in the world.
Can you explain what that means? I've read it several times and I don't get it (geography isn't one of my best subjects).
Elizabeth - the bottom of these mountains is at the bottom of the ocean. You can't see it because of all the water - we just see the top parts. SO, if all the water went away and you measured up from the sea floor to the top of the volcano on the big island of Hawaii, it would be higher than any other big mountains - I think. But still not taller altitude-wise...
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