March 09, 2025
Aloha Friends
10 fascinating facts about Hawaii that you might not know:
1.
Hawaii Is the Only U.S. State Made Up Entirely of Islands
Hawaii is an **archipelago of 137 islands**, though only **7 are inhabited**. The eight main islands are **Hawai?i (Big Island), Maui, O?ahu, Kaua?i, Moloka?i, Lana?i, Ni?ihau, and Kaho?olawe**.
2.
It’s Home to the World’s Most Active Volcano
**Kilauea**, located on the Big Island, is one of the most **active volcanoes** on Earth. It has been erupting continuously on and off for decades!
3.
Hawaii Has Its Own Time Zone
Hawaii operates on **Hawaiian Standard Time (HST)**, which is **two hours behind Pacific Standard Time (PST)** and **doesn’t observe daylight saving time**.
4.
It’s the Only State That Grows Coffee Commercially
Hawaii’s **Kona coffee** is world-famous! The Big Island’s unique volcanic soil and climate make it one of the best places in the world to grow coffee beans.
5.
Hawaii Has No Snakes
Unlike most places, **snakes are illegal** in Hawaii! The state enforces strict laws to protect its delicate ecosystem from invasive species.
6.
It Has the Tallest Mountain in the World (Technically!)
Measured from its base on the ocean floor, **Mauna Kea** is over **33,500 feet (10,210 meters) tall**—making it **taller than Mount Everest**!
7.
Hawaiian Is a Recognized Language
Hawaii is the only U.S. state with **two official languages**: **English and Hawaiian**. However, the Hawaiian language was once nearly extinct and is now being revived.
8.
Hawaii Was Once an Independent Kingdom
Before becoming a U.S. state in 1959, Hawaii was an independent **kingdom ruled by monarchs** like **King Kamehameha** and **Queen Lili?uokalani**.
9.
You Can’t Own Billboards in Hawaii
Hawaii has strict **anti-billboard laws**, making it one of the few states that **ban billboards** to preserve its **natural beauty**.
10.
Surfing Originated in Hawaii
Surfing, or **he?e nalu** in Hawaiian, was first practiced by ancient Polynesians and became a **sacred tradition** for Hawaiian royalty. Today, Hawaii remains a top destination for surfers worldwide!