Hawaii, famous for its appearances in Hollywood movies and TV series, is a dream vacation destination for many. But there’s more to this state than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll explore some interesting facts about Hawaii.

While most people see Hawaii as a state of America, it was once ruled by the Hawaiian Monarchy. In 1893, during Queen Liliuokalani’s reign, a group of men with British, American, and German backgrounds staged a military coup to overthrow the Kingdom of Hawaii and its royal family.

1. Hawaiian Pizza

The infamous Hawaiian pizza has sparked a heated online debate about whether pineapples should be a topping. Surprisingly, the Hawaiian Pizza didn’t originate in Hawaii. It was actually created by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant living in Canada. In 1962, Panopoulos and his brothers experimented with pizza toppings to attract more customers to their Ontario-based shop. The name “Hawaiian” was chosen because of the brand of canned pineapples they used.

2. A Snakeless Paradise

Hawaii is free from snakes, thanks to its geographic isolation. The islands’ isolation prevented any snake species from reaching the archipelago. In fact, it is now illegal to bring snakes to Hawaii without special permission from the government. This precaution is necessary because snakes have no natural predators in the ecosystem and could cause irreversible damage to the environment if introduced.

3. The Sandwich Islands

In the late 18th century, Captain James Cook of the Royal Navy embarked on several expeditions and discovered the islands of Hawaii. Captain Cook named the islands after John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, who was the First Lord of the Admiralty at the time and approved Cook’s voyages.

4. Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Located in the northwestern part of Hawaii is the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This protected area consists of ten small islands and numerous atolls. Established in 2006 by former U.S. President George H. W. Bush, the monument aims to preserve the diverse wildlife of the archipelago.

5. The Explorer Hawai’iloa

Hawaii derives its name from the legendary explorer Hawai’iloa, who discovered the islands. According to mythology, Hawai’iloa founded the first colony on the islands. The names of his children, such as Oahu, Kaua’i, and Maui, were given to neighboring islands in the archipelago.

6. Astronomical Observatories on Mauna Kea

The summit of Mauna Kea, a volcano in Hawaii, hosts around 13 telescopes used for astronomical research. This location is ideal for studying the cosmos, and various institutions, including the University of Hawaii, NASA, and international organizations, utilize these telescopes. They range from optical telescopes to detect visible light to heat and radio telescopes that reveal the invisible aspects of the universe.

7. Ancient Hawaiian Caste System

In ancient Hawaii, there existed a caste system comprising four classes. The highest caste, Ali’i, consisted of chiefs, followed by the Kahuna, a class of priests. The majority of Hawaiians belonged to the Makaʻāinana caste, comprising commoners. The lowest caste, Kauwā, was composed of war captives and their descendants.

8. The Hawaiian Alphabet

The Hawaiian language uses a unique alphabet consisting of only 12 letters. It includes the five vowels (A, E, I, O, U) and seven consonants (W, P, N, M, L, K, H). Despite its limited number of letters, the Hawaiian language can form meaningful words and expressions.

Experience the Wonders of Hawaii on Your Next Vacation!

There you have it! When you plan your next trip to Hawaii, take the time to learn more about the state’s fascinating facts and engage in conversations with the locals. You might even learn a thing or two from talking with them or you could even book Oahu tours to ensure you see the best of the islands within local insights.