Hawaii

(həwī`ē, hävä`ē), 50th state of the United States, comprising a group of eight major islands and numerous islets in the central Pacific Ocean, c.2,100 mi (3,380 km) SW of San Francisco.

Facts and Figures

Area, 6,450 sq mi (16,706 sq km). Pop. (2010) 1,360,301, a 12.3% increase since the 2000 census. Capital and largest city, Honolulu. Statehood, Aug. 21, 1959 (50th state). Highest pt., Mauna Kea, 13,796 ft (4,208 m); lowest pt., sea level. Nickname, Aloha State. Motto, Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono [The Life of the Land Is Perpetuated in Righteousness]. State bird, Hawaiian goose. State flower, hibiscus. State tree, candlenut. Abbr., HI

Land and People

The Hawaiian Islands are of volcanic origin and are edged with coral reefs. HawaiiHawaii,
island (1990 pop. 120,217), 4,037 sq mi (10,456 sq km), largest and southernmost island of the state of Hawaii and coextensive with Hawaii co.; known as the Big Island.
..... Click the link for more information. is the largest and geologically the youngest island of the group, and OahuOahu
, island (1990 pop. 836,231), 593 sq mi (1,536 sq km), third largest and chief island of Hawaii, part of Honolulu co., between Molokai and Kauai. Oahu is composed of two parallel mountain ranges (Waianae and Koolau) that are separated by a rolling plain dissected by deep
..... Click the link for more information. , where the capital, HonoluluHonolulu
, city (1990 pop. 365,272), capital of the state of Hawaii and seat of Honolulu co., on the southeast coast of the island of Oahu. The city and county are legally coextensive, and both are governed by the same mayor and council. With ship and air connections to the U.S.
..... Click the link for more information. , is located, is the most populous and economically important. The other principal islands are KahoolaweKahoolawe
, uninhabited island, 45 sq mi (117 sq km), central Hawaii; separated from Maui island to the NE by Alalakeiki Channel. The low island, dotted with many archaeological sites, served as a prison and as a military target range.
..... Click the link for more information. , KauaiKauai
, circular island (1990 pop. 51,177), 549 sq mi (1,422 sq km), 32 mi (52 km) in diameter, N Hawaii, separated from Oahu island to the southeast by Kauai Channel. Lihue (1990 pop.
..... Click the link for more information. , LanaiLanai
, island, 141 sq mi (365 sq km), central Hawaii, W of Maui island across the Auau Channel; Mt. Lanaihale (3,370 ft/1,027 m) is the island's highest point. Lanai City (1990 pop. 2,400) and Kaumalapau port are on the island.
..... Click the link for more information. , MauiMaui
, island (1990 est. pop. 82,500), 728 sq mi (1,886 sq km), second largest island in the state of Hawaii, separated from the island of Hawaii by the Alenuihaha Channel and from Molokai by the Pailolo Channel.
..... Click the link for more information. , MolokaiMolokai
, island (1990 pop. 6,587), 261 sq mi (676 sq km), Maui co., Hawaii, between Oahu and Maui islands. Molokai is generally mountainous, with Mt. Kamakou (4,970 ft/1,515 m) the highest peak.
..... Click the link for more information. , and NiihauNiihau
, island (1990 pop. 230), 70 sq mi (181 sq km), in Kauai co., Hawaii, W of Kauai island. It is mostly arid lowland, rising to 1,281 ft (390 m) at Paniau Mt. The island is suitable for cattle grazing.
..... Click the link for more information. . The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, consisting of uninhabited islets and excluding MidwayMidway,
island group (2 sq mi/5.2 sq km), central Pacific, c.1,150 mi (1,850 km) NW of Honolulu, comprising Sand and Eastern islands with the surrounding atoll. Discovered by Americans in 1859, Midway was annexed in 1867. A cable station was opened in 1903.
..... Click the link for more information. , stretch more than 1,100 mi (1,800 km) from Nihoa to Kure. Most of islets are encompassed in the Hawaiian Island National Wildlife Refuge; the surrounding waters and coral reefs are in the vast 84-million-acre (34-million-hectare) Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Reserve. PalmyraPalmyra,
atoll (2 sq mi/5.2 sq km), central Pacific, one of the Line Islands, c.1,100 mi (1,770 km) SW of Honolulu. Palmyra has no permanent inhabitants. First visited by Americans in 1802, and later claimed by the Hawaiian kingdom (1862) and Great Britain (1889), it was annexed
..... Click the link for more information. atoll and Kingman ReefKingman Reef,
uninhabited reef, less than 1 sq mi (2.6 sq km), central Pacific, one of the Line Islands, 1,075 mi (1,730 km) SW of Honolulu. It was discovered by Americans in 1798 and annexed by the United States in 1922.
..... Click the link for more information. , which were within the boundaries of Hawaii when it was a U.S. territory, were excluded when statehood was achieved.

The only U.S. state in the tropics, Hawaii is sometimes called "the paradise of the Pacific" because of its spectacular beauty: abundant sunshine; expanses of lush green plants and gaily colored flowers; palm-fringed, coral beaches with rolling white surf; and cloud-covered volcanic peaks rising to majestic heights. Some of the world's largest active and inactive volcanoes are found on Hawaii and Maui; eruptions of the active volcanoes have provided spectacular displays, but their lava flows have occasionally caused great property damage. Mauna KeaMauna Kea
, dormant volcano, 13,796 ft (4,205 m) high, in the south central part of the island of Hawaii. It is the loftiest peak in the Hawaiian Islands and the highest island mountain in the world, rising c.32,000 ft (9,750 m) from the Pacific Ocean floor.
..... Click the link for more information. and Mauna LoaMauna Loa
, volcano, 13,680 ft (4,170 m) high, in the S central part of the island of Hawaii, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the largest active volcano in the world. Its several craters and cones include Mokuaweoweo, one of the world's largest active calderas.
..... Click the link for more information. are volcanic mountains on Hawaii island; Haleakala volcano is on Maui in Haleakala National ParkHaleakala National Park
, 29,824 acres (12,074 hectares), on Maui island, Hawaii. Haleakala volcano, 10,023 ft (3,055 m) high, has been dormant since the mid-1700s. Its crater, 2,720 ft (829 m) deep with an area of 19 sq mi (49 sq km), is one of the largest in the world.
..... Click the link for more information. .

Vegetation is generally luxuriant throughout the islands, with giant fern forests in Hawaii Volcanoes National ParkHawaii Volcanoes National Park,
209,695 acres (84,926 hectares), on Hawaii island, Hawaii; est. 1916. The park contains two of the most active volcanoes in the world—Kilauea with its fiery pit crater, called Halemaumau, and Mauna Loa with the active Mokuaweoweo crater on
..... Click the link for more information. . Kahoolawe, however, is arid, and Niihau and Molokai have very dry seasons. Although many species of birds and domestic animals have been introduced on the islands, there are few wild animals other than boars and goats, and there are no snakes. The coastal waters abound with fish.

More ethnic and cultural groups are represented in Hawaii than in any other state. Chinese laborers, who came to work in the sugar industry, were the first of the large groups of immigrants to arrive (starting in 1852), and Filipinos and Koreans were the last (after 1900). Other immigrant groups—including Portuguese, Germans, Japanese, and Puerto Ricans—came in the latter part of the 19th cent. Intermarriage with other races has brought a further decrease in the number of pure-blooded Hawaiians, who comprise a very small percentage of the population.

Economy

Agricultural seeds, forestry, and macadamia nuts are Hawaii major agricultural sectors. Tropical fruits, flowers, greenhouse vegetables, and coffee are also important. Sugar cane and pineapple growing, once major industries, are no longer significant, though some pineapples are still grown for the fresh market. Other products include cattle and dairy products. Commercial fishing, especially tuna, is also significant. Tourism is, however, the leading source of income, and defense installations, including Pearl HarborPearl Harbor,
land-locked harbor, on the southern coast of Oahu island, Hawaii, W of Honolulu; one of the largest and best natural harbors in the E Pacific Ocean. In the vicinity are many U.S. military installations, including the chief U.S.
..... Click the link for more information. , follow.

Government, Politics, and Higher Education

Hawaii's constitution was drafted in 1950 and became effective with statehood in 1959. The governor is elected every four years. The legislature has a senate with 25 members and a house of representatives with 51 members. The state elects two representatives and two senators to the U.S. Congress and has four electoral votes. Multicultural Hawaii has long been a Democratic state, but Republicans have made recent gains. In 1994, Democrat Benjamin J. Cayetano became the first Filipino American to be elected governor of a U.S. state; he was reelected in 1998. Linda Lingle, elected governor in 2002, became the second Republican to win the office since statehood, and she was reelected four years later. In 2010 a Democrat, Neil Abercrombie, was elected governor, and in 2014 and 2018 Democrat David Ige was elected.

Hawaii's institutions of higher learning include the Univ. of Hawaii, with campuses at Honolulu, Hilo, and Pearl City; Chaminade Univ. and Hawaii Pacific Univ., at Honolulu; and the Hawaii campus of Brigham Young Univ., at Laie, Oahu.

History

Early Settlers and Explorers

The first known settlers of the Hawaiian Islands were Polynesian voyagers, who may have arrived as early as A.D. 300; but were present by A.D. 800. The islands were first visited by Europeans in 1778 by the English explorer Captain James Cook, who named them the Sandwich Islands for the English Earl of Sandwich. At that time the islands were under the rule of warring native kings.

The Rule of Kamehameha I

In 1810 Kamehameha I (see under KamehamehaKamehameha
, dynasty of Hawaiian monarchs. Kamehameha I (Kamehameha the Great), c.1738–1819, was king of the island of Hawaii after 1790. Through conquest he became (1810) ruler of all the Hawaiian islands, which were previously governed by warring chiefs.
..... Click the link for more information. became the sole sovereign of all the islands, and, in the peace that followed, agriculture and commerce were promoted. As a result of Kamehameha's hospitality, American traders were able to exploit the islands' sandalwood, which was much valued in China at the time. Trade with China reached its height during this period. However, the period of Kamehameha's rule was also one of decline. Europeans and Americans brought with them devastating infectious diseases, and over the years the native population was greatly reduced. The adoption of Western ways—trading for profit, using firearms, and drinking liquor—contributed to the decline of native cultural tradition. This period also marked the breakdown of the traditional Hawaiian religion, with its belief in idols and human sacrifice; years of religious unrest followed.

Influence of the Missionaries

When missionaries arrived in 1820 they found a less idyllic Hawaii than the one Captain Cook had discovered. Kamehameha III, who ruled from 1825 until his death in 1854, relied on the missionaries for advice and allowed them to preach Christianity. The missionaries established schools, developed the Hawaiian alphabet, and used it for translating the Bible into Hawaiian. In 1839, Kamehameha III issued a guarantee of religious freedom, and the following year a constitutional monarchy was established. From 1842 to 1854 an American, G. P. Judd, held the post of prime minister, and under his influence many reforms were carried out. In the following decades commercial ties between Hawaii and the United States increased.

Development of the Sugar Industry

In 1848 the islands' feudal land system was abolished, making private ownership possible and thereby encouraging capital investment in the land. By this time the sugar industry, which had been introduced in the 1830s, was well established. Hawaiian sugar gained a favored position in U.S. markets under a reciprocity treaty made with the United States in 1875. The treaty was renewed in 1884 but not ratified. Ratification came in 1887 when an amendment was added giving the United States exclusive right to establish a naval base at Pearl Harbor. The amount of sugar exported to the United States increased greatly, and American businessmen began to invest in the Hawaiian sugar industry. Along with the Hawaiians in the industry, they came to exert powerful influence over the islands' economy and government, a dominance that was to last until World War II.

The Overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and Annexation

Toward the end of the 19th cent., agitation for constitutional reform in Hawaii led to the overthrow (1893) of Queen LiliuokalaniLiliuokalani
, 1838–1917, last reigning queen of the Hawaiian Islands. She ascended the throne in 1891 upon the death of her brother, King Kalakaua. Her refusal to recognize the constitutional changes inaugurated in 1887 precipitated a revolt, fostered largely by sugar
..... Click the link for more information. , who had ruled since 1891. A provisional government was established and John L. Stevens, the U.S. minister to Hawaii, proclaimed the country a U.S. protectorate. President Grover Cleveland, however, refused to annex Hawaii since most Hawaiians did not support a revolution; the Hawaiians and Americans in the sugar industry had encouraged the overthrow of the monarchy to serve their business needs.

The United States tried to bring about the restoration of Queen Liliuokalani, but the provisional government on the islands refused to give up power and instead established (1894) a republic with Sanford B. DoleDole, Sanford Ballard,
1844–1926, Hawaiian statesman, b. Honolulu, of American missionary parents. After education in the United States he returned to Hawaii and became prominent in public life.
..... Click the link for more information. as president. Cleveland's successor, President William McKinley, favored annexation, which was finally accomplished in 1898. In 1900 the islands were made a territory, with Dole as governor. In this period, Hawaii's pineapple industry expanded as pineapples were first grown for canning purposes. In 1937 statehood for Hawaii was proposed and refused by the U.S. Congress—the territory's mixed population and distance from the U.S. mainland were among the obstacles.

World War II and Statehood

On Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft made a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, plunging the United States into World War II. During the war the Hawaiian Islands were the chief Pacific base for U.S. forces and were under martial law (Dec. 7, 1941–Mar., 1943).

The postwar years ushered in important economic and social developments. There was a dramatic expansion of labor unionism, marked by major strikes in 1946, 1949, and 1958. The International Longshoremen's and Warehousemen's Union organized the waterfront, sugar, and pineapple workers. The tourist trade, which had grown to major proportions in the 1930s, expanded further with postwar advances in air travel and with further investment and development. The building boom brought about new construction of luxury hotels and housing developments; Hawaii is home to one of the world's most expensively built resort, the Hyatt Regency Waikola, which cost $360 million to construct.

After having sought statehood for many decades, Hawaii was finally admitted to the union on Aug. 21, 1959; although it was thought at first to be solidly Republican, the state has long been a Democratic stronghold. Movements for a return of some sort of native sovereignty have been periodically active.

In Sept., 1992, the island of Kauai was devastated by Hurricane Iniki, the strongest hurricane to hit the islands in the century. Hawaii, which had enjoyed sustained economic and population growth since the end of World War II, saw both slow in the 1990s, as tourism, the sugar industry, military spending, and Japanese investment in the islands (particularly important in the 1980s) declined. The election of Barack ObamaObama, Barack
(Barack Hussein Obama 2d), , 1961–, 44th president of the United States (2009–17), b. Honolulu, grad. Columbia (B.A. 1983), Harvard Law School (J.D. 1991).
..... Click the link for more information. as president in 2008 marked the first time someone born in Hawaii had been elected to the office.

Bibliography

See J. Michener, Hawaii (1959); L. H. Fuchs, Hawaii Pono: A Social History (1961); R. S. Kuykendall, The Hawaiian Kingdom (3 vol., 1938–57); G. Daws, Shoal of Time (1968); S. Carlquist, Hawaii: A Natural History (1970); A. W. Lind, Hawaii's People (1980); J. Moon, Living with Nature in Hawaii (1987); J. F. Siler, Lost Kingdom (2012).

See also: National Parks and Monuments (table)National Parks and Monuments

National Parks
Name Type¹ Location Year authorized Size
acres (hectares)
Description
Acadia NP SE Maine 1919 48,419 (19,603) Mountain and coast scenery.
..... Click the link for more information.

Hawaii,

island (1990 pop. 120,217), 4,037 sq mi (10,456 sq km), largest and southernmost island of the state of Hawaii and coextensive with Hawaii co.; known as the Big Island. Geologically the youngest of the Hawaiian group, Hawaii is made up of five overlapping volcanic mountain masses rising from the floor of the Pacific Ocean—Kohala, the oldest and northernmost; Mauna Kea, the highest point in the state (13,796 ft/4,205 m above sea level); Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano in the world; Hualalai, in the west; and Kilauea, on the SE slopes of Mauna Loa. Lava flows, some of which reach the sea, and volcanic ash cover parts of the island. The north and northeast coasts are rugged with high cliffs; the west and south coasts are generally low, with some good bathing beaches. An unusual black-sand beach lies on the southeast coast. Short rivers radiate from the major summits; Wailuku River, the longest, flows into Hilo Bay. Many waterfalls are on the island.

Hawaii has a tropical-rainy climate, with the north and east slopes receiving the most rain. The west and south slopes are much drier; the Kau Desert is in S Hawaii. Temperatures decrease with elevation; Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea are usually snow-covered in winter. Vegetation varies from tropical rain forest to grasslands to barren volcanic areas. The island's principal agricultural industries are forestry and macadamia nut production. The KonaKona
, district, along the western coast of the island of Hawaii. It is Hawaii's coffee belt and the only coffee-producing area in the United States. The Kona coast, with fine deep-sea fishing offshore, is a favorite tourist spot.
..... Click the link for more information. district of W Hawaii is the coffee belt of the United States and is also known for its health resorts and offshore deep-sea fishing.

HiloHilo
, city (1990 pop. 37,808), seat of Hawaii co., on Hilo Bay of Hawaii island; settled by missionaries c.1822, inc. as a city 1911. The second largest city in the state, a port of entry, and the only metropolitan area on Hawaii island, Hilo is the trade and shipping center
..... Click the link for more information. , on the east coast, is the island's largest city and chief port and is the county seat. A highway, linking the coastal towns, encircles the island. At Kealakekua Bay there is a monument to Capt. James Cook, the first English explorer to visit (1778) the Hawaiian islands. Hawaii Volcanoes National ParkHawaii Volcanoes National Park,
209,695 acres (84,926 hectares), on Hawaii island, Hawaii; est. 1916. The park contains two of the most active volcanoes in the world—Kilauea with its fiery pit crater, called Halemaumau, and Mauna Loa with the active Mokuaweoweo crater on
..... Click the link for more information. and Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park are on Hawaii (see National Parks and MonumentsNational Parks and Monuments

National Parks
Name Type¹ Location Year authorized Size
acres (hectares)
Description
Acadia NP SE Maine 1919 48,419 (19,603) Mountain and coast scenery.
..... Click the link for more information. , table). All over the island heiaus (ancient temples) are found.

Hawaii State Information

Phone: (808) 586-2211
www.hawaii.gov

Area (sq mi):: 10930.98 (land 6422.62; water 4508.36) Population per square mile: 198.50
Population 2005: 1,275,194 State rank: 0 Population change: 2000-20005 5.30%; 1990-2000 9.30% Population 2000: 1,211,537 (White 22.90%; Black or African American 1.80%; Hispanic or Latino 7.20%; Asian 41.60%; Other 32.40%). Foreign born: 17.50%. Median age: 36.20
Income 2000: per capita $21,525; median household $49,820; Population below poverty level: 10.70% Personal per capita income (2000-2003): $28,422-$30,441
Unemployment (2004): 3.30% Unemployment change (from 2000): -0.70% Median travel time to work: 26.10 minutes Working outside county of residence: 1.30%

List of Hawaii counties:

Hawaii County

Honolulu City & County

Kalawao County

Kauai County

Maui County

Hawaii Parks

US National Parks

Haleakala National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site

USS Arizona Memorial

Urban Parks
Ala Moana Regional Park
Kapiolani Regional Park

State Parks

Ahukini State Recreation Pier
Aiea Bay State Recreation Area
Akaka Falls State Park
Diamond Head State Monument
Haena State Park
Halekii-Pihana Heiau State Monument
Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Heeia State Park
Iao Valley State Monument
Iolani Palace State Monument
Kaena Point State Park
Kahana Valley State Park
Kakaako Waterfront Park
Kalopa State Recreation Area
Kaumahina State Wayside
Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

Kekaha Kai (Kona Coast) State Park
Kewalo Basin
Kohala Historical Sites State Monument
Kokee State Park
Kukaniloko Birthstones State Monument
Laie Point State Wayside
Lapakahi State Historical Park
Lava Tree State Monument
MacKenzie State Recreation Area
Makapuu Point State Wayside
Makena State Park
Malaekahana State Recreation Area
Manuka State Wayside
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
Na Pali Coast State Park
Nuuanu Pali State Wayside
Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area
Palaau State Park

Polihale State Park
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
Puaa Kaa State Wayside
Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument
Puu Ualakaa State Wayside
Royal Mausoleum State Monument
Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park
Sand Island State Recreation Area
Ulupo Heiau State Monument
Waahila Ridge State Recreation Area
Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area
Waianapanapa State Park
Wailoa River State Recreation Area
Wailua River State Park
Wailua Valley State Wayside
Wailuku River State Park
Waimea Canyon State Park
Waimea State Recreation Pier

National Wildlife Refuges

Baker Howland & Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuges
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge
Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Huleia National Wildlife Refuge

James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge
Johnston Island National Wildlife Refuge
Kakahaia National Wildlife Refuge
Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge
Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

National Trails
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Marine Sanctuaries
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument

Hawaii

a state in the USA, encompassing the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Area, 16,700 sq km. Population, 799,000 (civilians, 1969), including Hawaiians (10,000), métis (105,000), Americans and groups of European origin (285,000), Japanese (208,000), Filipinos (73,000), and Chinese (42,000). About 70 percent of the population is urban. The official language is English; various native languages have been partially preserved in everyday life. The administrative center and principal port is Honolulu.

Hawaii is the most important transportation junction in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean; through it pass the routes which connect the USA and Canada with East Asia, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand. The principal sector of the economy is agriculture, with 1 million hectares under cultivation. About 97 percent of these lands belong to American companies and to large landowners, about 2 percent to small farmers. The best lands are occupied by plantations of export crops: pineapples, sugarcane (94,000 hectares, 1 million tons in 1969), coffee, sisal, and bananas. Flower horticulture has also been developed. The chief consumer crop is rice. Animal husbandry is of secondary importance and includes 246,000 cattle and 57,000 pigs (1970). The principal branches of industry are sugar processing and fruit canning. Tourism has been developed (1 million persons in 1967). In domestic transportation the principal role is played by maritime and motor-vehicle transport. Of total exports, 87 percent go to the USA.

The Hawaiian Islands were discovered by the Englishman J. Cook in 1778, but as early as the 16th century they had been visited by Spanish seafarers. Europeans left several forms of governmental organization in Hawaii, which at the beginning of the 19th century merged into a single kingdom. By the end of the 19th century almost all the abundant resources of the Hawaiian Islands had been seized by foreigners, mostly Americans; of the Polynesian population of 300,000, only about 30,000 remained. In 1893 the queen of Hawaii was overthrown with the intervention of the USA; in 1894 the so-called Hawaiian Republic was established, which was directly dependent on the USA. The USA annexed Hawaii in 1898, at the height of the Spanish-American War, and in 1900 accorded it the status of a territory. Since 1908 Hawaii has been a military base of the USA in the Pacific Ocean. In 1959 the USA proclaimed the transformation of Hawaii into the 50th state.

REFERENCE

Kuropiatnik, G. P. Zakhvat Gavaiskikh ostrovov SShA. Moscow, 1958.

Hawaii

the largest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Area, 10,399 sq km. Population, 61,300 (1960).

Hawaii is made up of five peaks of basalt shield volcanoes that have merged: Mauna Kea (4,205 m), Mauna Loa (4,170 m), Hualalai (2,521 m), Kohala (1,678 m), and Kilauea (1,247 m). Mauna Loa and Kilauea are active volcanoes. The climate is maritime tropical: it is very humid on the windward northeastern slopes (with maximum annual precipitation of 3,600 mm). On the mountain slopes, which were previously completely covered with tropical forests, there are plantations of pineapple, sugarcane, and other tropical crops. The principal city is Hilo. Hawaii has a national park and a volcano observatory.

Hawaii

(dreams)

Dreams played a significant role in the traditional culture of the Hawaiian islands. As in many other traditional societies, dreams were regarded as communications from deities and from departed ancestors to ordinary mortals. Dreams were known as moe ‘uhane (“soul sleep”). While the body slept, the soul exited the body through the tear duct in the corner of the eye (the lau ‘uhane, or “soul pit”). After exiting, the soul traveled through this earthly realm or through spirit realms. Dreams were remembrances of these journeys. Rather than beginning dream accounts with “I had the weirdest dream …,” traditional Hawaiians would say, “My spirit saw….”

It was believed that nightmares could be created by spirits who entered the sleeper’s body during the night. Traditional Hawaiians also believed that spirits could have sexual relations with sleepers, and were referred to as the dreamer’s “husband of the night” or “wife of the night.” When spirits delivered negative predictions about the future, they could be prayed to and supplicated for mercy. If the unpleasant future could not be entirely avoided, it was hoped that the relevant divinity would at least lessen the severity of the impending disaster.

A variety of information could be received in dreams. Kahunas, traditional Hawaiian shamans, sometimes sought a cure for illnesses in dreams. New information acquired in this way became part of the shaman’s medicinal system. Similarly, when a family had problems or questions they wished answered, the head of the household would pray that the relevant information be provided during a dream. This information could be anything from guidance about the best place to fish to the appropriate name for a new baby.

As with other groups, many dreams in traditional Hawaiian culture required little or no interpretation. For dreams requiring interpretation, certain individuals recognized as especially gifted dream interpreters were called upon. These individuals were often not part of the regular priesthood. All important dreams, especially those bearing on the larger family, were discussed by the whole household every morning.

Hawaii

Fiftieth state; admitted on August 21, 1959

Hawaii’s admission day anniversary is observed as a state holiday on the third Friday in August every year.

State capital: Honolulu

Nicknames: Aloha State; Paradise of the Pacific; Pineapple State

State motto: Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono (Hawaiian “The Life of the Land Is Perpetuated in Righteousness”)

State bird: Nene (pronounced nay-nay) or Hawaiian goose (Nesochen sandvicensis)

State fish: Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (not official; rectangular trigger fish, Rhinecantus aculeatus)

State flower: Pua aloalo (Yellow hibiscus, Hibiscus brackenridgei)

State gem: Black coral

State language: English and Hawaiian

State mammal: Hawaiian monk seal (ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua; Monachus schauinslandi)

State marine mammal: Humpback whale

State song: “Hawaii Ponoi”

State tree: Kukui (Candlenut, Aleurites moluccana)

More about state symbols at:

hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/economic/library/facts/photos

More about the state at:

hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/economic/library/facts/state

SOURCES:

AmerBkDays-2000, p. 600 AnnivHol-2000, p. 146

STATE OFFICES:

State web site: www.hawaii.gov

Office of the Governor 415 S Beretania St State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 808-586-0034 fax: 808-586-0006 gov.state.hi.us

Hawaii State Public Library 478 S King St Honolulu, HI 96813 808-586-3505 www.hcc.hawaii.edu/hspls

Legal Holidays:

Good Friday	Apr 22, 2011; Apr 6, 2012; Mar 29, 2013; Apr 18, 2014; Apr 3, 2015; Mar 25, 2016; Apr 14, 2017; Mar 30, 2018; Apr 19, 2019; Apr 10, 2020; Apr 2, 2021; Apr 15, 2022; Apr 7, 2023
King Kamehameha I Day	Jun 11
Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day	Mar 26
Statehood Day	Aug 19, 2011; Aug 17, 2012; Aug 16, 2013; Aug 15, 2014; Aug 21, 2015; Aug 19, 2016; Aug 18, 2017; Aug 17, 2018; Aug 16, 2019; Aug 21, 2020; Aug 20, 2021; Aug 19, 2022; Aug 18, 2023

Hawaii

a state of the US in the central Pacific, consisting of over 20 volcanic islands and atolls, including Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Molokai: discovered by Captain Cook in 1778; annexed by the US in 1898; naval base at Pearl Harbor attacked by the Japanese in 1941, a major cause of US entry into World War II; became a state in 1959. Capital: Honolulu. Pop.: 1 257 608 (2003 est.). Area: 16 640 sq. km (6425 sq. miles)

Hawaii

Ha·wai·i

Hawaii

Ha•wai•i

Hawaii

Hawaii

Facts and Figures

Land and People

Economy

Government, Politics, and Higher Education

History

Early Settlers and Explorers

The Rule of Kamehameha I

Influence of the Missionaries

Development of the Sugar Industry

The Overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and Annexation

World War II and Statehood

Bibliography

Hawaii,

Hawaii State Information

List of Hawaii counties:

Hawaii Parks

Hawaii

REFERENCE

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Legal Holidays:

Hawaii

Havers

Ha·vers

HAWAII

Hawaii

Synonyms for Hawaii

noun a state in the United States in the central Pacific on the Hawaiian Islands

Synonyms

Related Words

noun the largest and southernmost of the Hawaii islands

Synonyms

Related Words