Hawaii and its capital Honolulu
In 1959, Hawaii became the fiftieth state of the USA, The Aloha State. Aloha is a Hawaiian word with several meanings. It is often used to mean “welcome,” “hello,” or “good-bye.” Hawaii is the most remote inhabited place on the Earth. By the way, it is the only state which territory is constantly increasing (due to volcanic eruptions). And it is the only U.S. state that is made up entirely of islands (132 islands and islets).
Mauna Kea is the highest mountain on the Earth – 4205 m above sea level and 5181 meters under water. he top of the volcano Mauna Kea is ideal for astronomical observations. There are NASA telescopes here.
Hawaiian alphabet consists of 12 letters: 5 vowels (A, E, I, O, U) and 7 consonants (H, K, L, M, N, P, W).
Niihau is “forbidden island” of Hawaii. The island’s population is 230 people. The Robinsons, whose ancestors bought the island from King Kamehameha IV over a century ago, own it. You can visit the island only if you have an invitation from a family member or native Hawaiians living on Niihau.
Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on the Earth. The last eruption of the volcano began on January 3, 1983 and continues to this day.
During World War II, Kahoolawe island was used as a training base for soldiers and US Marines.
Kualoa mountain range on Oahu was used for the filming of many films and TV shows such as Jurassic Park and Lost.
The Day of King Kamehameha is celebrated annually on June 11. He had united all of the islands under his rule.
Yellow hibiscus is the national flower of Hawaii.
Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing. This sport was invented by kings. Nowadays it is popular in South Africa, Cape Verde, Barbados, Peru, South Africa, Australia and the USA. Unlike other sports, surfing is not included in the program of the Olympic Games.
Hawaii had two queens, as well as Egypt (Hatshepsut and Cleopatra) and Madagascar (Ranavalona I and Ranavalona III). In 1823, Kaahumanu became the queen. The name of the second queen was Liliuokalani. She came to power in 1891 and was an ardent nationalist.
In the 1980s traditional Hawaiian clothing became fashionable. Hawaiian shirts were worn by superstars such as Richard Gere, Bob Barker, Timothy Hutton, Jack Nicholson and Paul Newman.
Hawaii is the birthplace of many famous people such as the singer and actress Yvonne Marianne Elliman, actress Tia Carrera, archaeologist Hiram Bingham, singer and actress Bette Midler, actress Nicole Kidman, dancer Betty Jones, athlete Keala O’Sullivan, Miss USA and Miss Universe 1997 Brooke Mahealani Lee, actor Don Ho, athlete Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, athlete Samuel Kahanamoku, athlete Warren Kealoha, singer-songwriter Jack Johnson, singer Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, model and actress Kristina Anapau, actor Andy Bumatai, as well as model and actress Kelly Hu.
In the 18th century Bernice Pauahi Bishop was to become Princess of Hawaii, but she did not take the title. She donated money and time to charities. She died in 1884. Bernice Bishop is a national heroine of Hawaii.
Machu Picchu is one of the most famous ancient sites in Latin America. The ruins of the Inca city were opened by Hawaiian archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Duke Kahanamoku (his full name is Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku) was one of the best US athletes of the 20th century. He was born on August 24, 1890 in Honolulu. During his swimming career, from 1912 to 1920, he never lost a race. He died on January 22, 1968. Kahanamoku was inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame.
Hawaii is the birthplace of the unique Theridion grallator.
When Captain Cook arrived in Hawaii in 1778, he was hailed as the god Lono, as he arrived during the holy festival. First Hawaiians thought that Cook’s ships were floating islands.
Honolulu is the capital of the State of Hawaii. In the Hawaiian language, its name means “protected bay.” It is also called “the crossroads of the Pacific” because of the many ships and airplanes that stop there. The city is the largest in the state. It is situated on the island of Oahu, in the southern part of it. The capital is considered to be a magnificent modern city, a famous tourist center. There is one of the lowest crime rates in the United States here. People lived on the site of today’s Honolulu in the XI century. Probably, they were the descendants of the travelers who moved there from other islands of Polynesia. And in the XIX century, the city has become a major trade center.
Now Honolulu is the financial, business and commercial center of importance, as well as a tourist center.
Honolulu is the birthplace of Barack Obama.
Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States.
The capital is also rich in parks. There is a large zoo, aquarium, and a number of museums.
The largest US military base Pearl Harbor is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It became known at the end of 1941, when Japan attacked the base, so the United States entered the Second World War.
The capital of Hawaii is the sportiest city in the US according to Men’s Fitness magazine.
In December, there is a traditional running marathon and about 20 thousand people take part in it.