Some Interesting Bits about Hawaii

Part of a group of 137 coral and volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is made up of 8 larger islands. Six of these are very popular with tourists.

The largest island also happens to be the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain. Often referred to as the Big Island, it shares its name with the entire state: Hawaii. The oldest island is Kauai. Also known as the “Aloha State,” Hawaii was the 50th state to join the United States. It also has the highest population density in the country. Oahu, considered to be the “main island,” holds 80% of the total population of 1.26 million. The other islands that are most frequently visited include Lanai, Molokai and Maui, which is a big tourist favorite.

Some Fast Facts

Hawaii has two official languages, English and Hawaiian. It has its own time zone, known as Hawaii Standard Time. It is 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, 5 hours behind Eastern Standard Time and 2 hours behind Pacific Standard Time. Hawaii does not recognize Daylight Saving Time. It is normal to dress casually while in the Islands. There are plenty of ATM machines around for your convenience, and there are many activities to do.

Don’t worry if you forget something at home; Hawaii’s numerous malls and retail shops will carry all you need. Since public transportation is rather limited, you may want to consider renting a car. Rentals are rather inexpensive in Hawaii.

Hawaiian coffee is renowned for its low acidity and smoothness. It is documented to have the lowest acidity in the world.

“The Father of Modern Surfing”, Duke Kahanamoku, learned his skills at the famed Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.

Did any of these facts about Hawaii come as a surprise to you?

For example, Caucasians (Haoles) constitute about 34%, Japanese-American about 32%, Filipino-American about 16% and Chinese-American about 5%.

The Kileaua Volcano on the Big Island is part of Volcano National Park. This is the world’s most active volcano. The island is also home to the biggest telescope in the world at the Mauna Kea Observatory, which sits at an altitude of 13,796 feet (4,205 meters).

The most secluded island in Hawaii is Lanai, known in days gone by as “the Pineapple Island. On January 1, 1994, the entire island was rented by Microsoft’s Bill Gates when he wedded Melinda French.

Molokai’s north shore is home to the tallest sea cliffs in the world: more than 3,000 feet (914 m) high and the island has the longest waterfall in Hawaii: Kahiwa Falls – 2,165 feet (660 m) tall.

The rainiest place on Earth is Mt. Waialeale on the island of Kauai. The average rainfall is 397 inches (10 meters) per year. Kauai is known as the “Garden Island.”

After learning these unusual facts, you may feel the desire to visit Hawaii and experience them for yourself. Check out the website link posted below. You’ll find a large selection of the best sightseeing tours and activities in Hawaii, as well as breathtaking adventures. All the most reliable companies and activities are listed there together for your convenience.

The mountains provide a range climate zones and differences in the weather at various elevations due to their shielding effect. The very distinctive micro climates are common in the interior valleys, mountains and beaches of Hawaii. Due to the warm surface temperatures of the ocean and Hawaii’s position at the edge of a tropical zone, Hawaii has only two seasons. Both the winter season and the summer season are warm, one with a bit more rainfall.

The Hawaii Climate of Summer

Between the months of April and November the climate is drier and warmer with the average temperature ranging from 75-88. In the summertime the north east trade winds bring most of the rainfall to the islands leeward side, which brings a welcome relief from the hot and dry weather.

The temperatures you will experience will be directly related to where you are on the islands. If you are on the sides that are sheltered from the winds, the southern and western sides, you will experiences hot and dry conditions. If you are on the windward sides, north or east, you will receive the full force of the winds and experience moister and color conditions. Go windward for tropical conditions and leeward for an arid climate.

The Hawaii Climate of Winter

From December to March it is just a little bit cooler, with temperatures between 68-80 F. Winter is considered the rainy season. The heaviest rains come between October and April (the hoo’ilo season). Though storms may be common, they usually pass through the islands quickly and without incident. There are more cloudy days to spoil your sunbathing, but it seldom rains more than 3 days in a row in one spot.

If you enjoy surfing you will probably want to visit during the winter since this is the surf season. If you are planning on doing some whale watching you will have the best chance of spotting these magnificent creatures from January to March.

Hawaii Climate is Greatly Influenced by the Mountains

In Kauai, you will find Mt. Waialele, which is the wettest area on the planet. This area receives an amazing 38 feet or 420 inches of rainfall annually. Just a few short miles away, Waimea Canyon is dry as can be and has been nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. On the Big Island of Hawaii you will find Hilo, which receives at least 180 inches of rain each year. Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the country, but just 60 miles away you can find Puako which receives less than 6 inches of rain annually. If you want to discover some of the natural beauty that can be found in the higher elevations like Mauna Kea, be sure to wear clothing that is appropriate for cooler temperatures. The temperatures will drop by about 3.5 degrees for each 1,000 feet above sea level.

Watching the sunrise from the summit at Mt. Haleakala is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. While it is a great idea, be sure that you have bundled up with gloves and a scarf as the temperature can be as low as 30 F! Also, keep in mind that at such high elevations, there is less protection from the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen liberally, and bring sunglasses and a hat. In the mountains the climate can change from summer to winter in just a few hours so you need to go well prepared. This special Hawaii climate makes it possible for you to ski on Mauna Kea in winter and sun bathe on the Kona Coast, on the best beaches in Hawaii all on the same day.