It may not be attached to the mainland U.S., but Hawaii is the 50th state - and it's safe to say that it's pretty spectacular. From the beauty of the Maui hotels to the tropical landscapes, the stunning beaches and the active volcanoes, life in Hawaii is unlike anything you may have experienced before. But if you've not had the chance to fly over to one of these islands just yet, you don't have to worry. These little known facts about Hawaii will give you a real insight into what island life is really like.
The Locals Aren't Called "Hawaiians"
In Hawaii, there are two different types of people. You have those whose ancestry can be traced back to the same islands, and then there are those who have traveled over from different areas of the world and now call the islands their home. However, not everyone in Hawaii can be called "Hawaiian." Semantics matter in Hawaii, and only those with specific Hawaiian ancestry have the honor of calling themselves Hawaiians.
Those who grew up in Hawaii but don't have Hawaiian ancestry are instead called “kamaaina,” which roughly translates to "child of the land." Alternatively, they are just called "locals." And this is something that native Hawaiians take very seriously.
The Life Expectancy Is Higher in Hawaii
Life in Hawaii seems incredibly natural and carefree, and it seems as though that works in the Hawaiian people's favor. It's been discovered that the average life expectancy of those who live on these islands is 81.3 years - which is much higher than the average life expectancy of those who live elsewhere in the United States. Of course, this might have something to do with the fact that almost all of the population of Hawaii has health insurance.
In fact, employees who work more than 20 hours a week are entitled to health insurance from their employers. And this keeps many of them fighting fit, especially as Hawaiian medicine focuses a lot on preventative care.
Hula Dancing Isn't Just Reserved for Women
When you think of Hawaii, you might think of beautiful women in grass skirts and coconut shell tops dancing the hula. But the hula is so much more than just a dance. It's a huge part of Hawaiian culture and tradition, and this traditional dance is used as part of a religious ceremony to honor Hawaiian history and the gods they serve. The dance is also a traditional way to pass down stories from generation to generation.
And while many people associate this dance with female dancers, most hula dances actually begin with a man dancing center stage. Today, men and women share the stage to bring these stories to life.
Surfing Originated in Hawaii
When you think of life in Hawaii, you probably think of surfer dudes and chicks waking up at dawn to ride the waves. And so many people move to Hawaii for the amazing surf these islands have to offer. But surfing is so much more than a sport to the people of Hawaii. This tradition can be traced back to the 4th century AD when Polynesians from the Marquesas and Tahiti introduced it to Hawaii.
Not only that, but the origins of stand-up paddleboarding can also be traced back to the Hawaiian islands. It's believed that it got its start in Waikiki before being taken across the world.
Many Sunscreens Are Banned on the Islands
As the islands of Hawaii are surrounded by marine life on all sides, the people of Hawaii want to preserve their oceans as much as they can. They understand just how delicate the coral reefs and the marine life around them are, which is why they want to protect them at all costs. To do this, they have banned many of the generic sunscreens you can buy from the drug store - especially those that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.
These chemicals are extremely damaging to the coral, so they brought a new law to life in 2021 that banned these chemical sunscreens. Instead, they encourage the use of natural, eco-friendly sunscreen.
The Hawaiian Language Only Has 12 Letters
If you've ever seen any Hawaiian words written down, you'll know that they are extremely long - and often contain the same letters. That's because the Hawaiian language only has 12 letters - including seven consonants and five vowels. This language can be traced back to the early 19th century when Christian missionaries helped native Hawaiian people write down the language they had been speaking for centuries in an effort to publish a Hawaiian Bible.
Although it would take a non-native Hawaiian years to learn this language, one thing to note is that every single Hawaiian word will end in a vowel, no matter what.
Putting a Flower in Your Hair Relays a Secret Message
The hibiscus flower is the official flower of Hawaii, and it's not hard to find this flower on all of the islands. But have you ever noticed that Hawaiian women often put these flowers behind their ears and tuck them into their hair? Well, that's not just because they love the beauty of these flowers. Putting a flower in your hair actually relays a secret message regarding your relationship status.
If a woman wears a flower on the right side of her head, it means that she's single - but if it's on the left, it means that she's in a relationship and taken.
It Was the First State to Ban Plastic Bags
When you live in Hawaii, you have to respect the islands and the natural world around you. And while there's no doubt that Hawaiian people have embraced modern life and rely on grocery stores to stock up their pantries, they still want to stick to their natural roots. Because of this, Hawaii was the first state in the U.S. to ban plastic bags completely. This rule came into place in 2015, when Oahu replaced plastic bags with reusable ones instead.
The rest of the Hawaiian islands have since followed suit, and it's fair to say that this has had a positive impact on the world around them. Plus, everyone loves a reusable bag!
Hawaii's Flag Has a Different Country's Flag on It
Did you know that Hawaii has its own flag? This flag sets it apart from the rest of the United States, but there's something about it that has left many people scratching their heads. While this flag has the typical red, white, and blue colors of the American flag, it also has another country's flag mixed into it. On the left-hand corner, you might spot the Union Jack from the United Kingdom.
This inclusion is to signify the strong relationship that Hawaii has with both the United States and the United Kingdom. After all, the islands were once under the United Kingdom's protection.
Daylight Savings Doesn't Happen in Hawaii
Many people joke about the people of Hawaii living on "island time," - but what you might not realize is that they do actually have their own time zone. Hawaiian Standard Time is followed across all of the islands, and as a result, they don't participate in Daylight Savings like the rest of the United States. But Hawaii isn't completely alone, as there are a few other places that choose not to follow Daylight Savings.
Although Arizona is the only other state in the U.S. not to follow these rules, other countries and territories such as Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands also choose not to observe it.
The Islands Have Their Very Own King
When the United States was under British rule, kings and queens were part of everyday life. But when the country became independent, these rulers became obsolete and were instead replaced by presidents. And while the mainland chooses not to celebrate any kind of royalty, Hawaiian people do have their own king. King Kamehameha united the islands in the 1800s, and since then he was been honored every day on King Kamehameha Day.
He's regarded as the greatest Hawaiian chief of all time, and while he's no longer ruling today, many people still choose to honor his life and his legacy. In fact, the islands are covered in statues of him.
Hawaii Is the Only Coffee-Growing State in the U. S.
Hands up if you love a good cup of Joe in the morning? Well, you're not alone. But if you live in the mainland U.S., you might be interested to know that your coffee has traveled quite a long way. That's because Hawaii is the only state in the United States where coffee is grown! And while Kona coffee is indeed grown in Kona on the Big Island, many of the other islands also grow it.
Thanks to the rich volcanic soil and the unique weather patterns of Hawaii, the islands offer the perfect coffee-growing climate. And many people living in Hawaii rely on this coffee industry for their livelihoods.
It's Illegal to Have Pet Snakes
Many people worldwide have pet snakes, and they keep them in vivariums in their bedrooms and living rooms. Many people in the mainland U.S. even have these slithery little animals as part of their family. But you won't catch anyone with a pet snake in the state of Hawaii, as it's illegal to keep snakes! The Hawaiian government is very strict about this rule, and they won't even let these animals onto the island.
However, this state is home to the Brahminy Blind Snake - which arrived by accident when it was found hidden in some imported plants. This snake is harmless, though, so they let it slide.
The World's Largest Inactive Volcano Can Be Found on Maui
Sure, there are so many amazing Maui hotels - but why stay in the hotel when you have so many amazing natural wonders to explore? The island of Maui is particularly famous for Mount Haleakala, an inactive volcano with the highest point of 10,023 feet above sea level. Not only that, but the crater of Haleakala is also huge in size, spanning a whopping 7.5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide.
In fact, Mount Haleakala is the world's largest inactive volcano. And although it hasn't erupted in over two centuries, scientists constantly keep an eye on it - as you never know when it will erupt next.
The Islands Have Had to Import Animals and Plants
Those who have been to Hawaii will know that life in Hawaii can be pretty expensive. That's because many of the things you can buy on these islands are imported - which puts the price up. Unfortunately, that's the reality of life in Hawaii, as it's difficult to grow crops or raise animals in such different and ever-changing climates. The islands have even struggled to keep their own native animals alive due to such conditions.
All of the native birds on these islands are struggling to survive, and it's been suggested that around 70% of the native animals on these islands have died over the years.
Hugging Is the Biggest Communication Tool
From handshakes to subtle nods of the head, everyone has their own way of greeting people. And while some people believe a hug should always be reserved for tender and intimate moments amongst close friends and family, that's not the case in Hawaii. Those who live in Hawaii believe hugs to be the biggest form of respect, and they use hugging as a way to greet each other, say goodbye, apologize, and even to say "thank you."
They hug everyone and anyone, regardless of whether they know them personally or not. So, if you're planning a trip to Hawaii, be prepared to be hugged more than you've ever been hugged before!
Kauai Buildings Have to Abide by Strict Rules
Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands, and the local government is intent on keeping it as natural and as traditional as possible. Because of this, they have strict building regulations in place. To stop the island from being taken over by skyscrapers and big buildings that take over the natural world, their rule states that buildings can't be taller than a palm tree! However, two buildings do break this rule.
The Kauai Marriott Resort and the Princeville Resort both break this rule - however, they were built way before the rule was established. So, they're forgiven for being a little taller than the rest of the buildings.
The Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa Is the State Fish
If you find yourself in Hawaii and go for a swim along the coral reefs, keep your eye out for a fish that looks just like this. This type of reef triggerfish is called a Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, and it's Hawaii's state fish! However, you'll have to keep your eyes very much peeled if you want to spot this fish in the wild, as it's just 10 inches wide and can flit in and out of the coral extremely fast.
But it seems as though the locals love the fish's small size - and they love to joke about the fact that the name of the fish is so much longer than the actual fish.
Mauna Kea Is Technically Taller Than Everest
There are so many volcanoes in the state of Hawaii, and while there's no doubt that they're huge, some of them are even bigger than they seem. That's because many of them hide underneath sea level - and that's exactly what Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaiʻi does. And while it certainly doesn't look like it is, Mauna Kea is actually taller than Mount Everest if you measure from the base to the top!
If you want the specifics, Mauna Kea is technically 4,000 ft or 1,200 m taller than what is often considered to be the tallest mountain in the world. And that's pretty impressive.
Gambling Is Not Allowed on the Islands
It's no secret that Hawaii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But if you're a gambling fan, you might be interested to know that you won't be able to gamble while traveling on any of the Hawaiian islands. There's a state-wide ban on everything from slot machines to the lottery, and you're not allowed to place a bet on anything in this state. Even cruise ships have to close up their on-board casinos when they pass through Hawaii.
That's the reason why so many Hawaiian residents choose to vacation in places like Las Vegas, as they finally get the chance to place the bets they've been itching to place.
The Expectation Vs. Reality Is Very Different
Suppose you've never been to Hawaii and have learned everything you know about Hawaii from the movies. You probably imagine tropical islands full of rainforests and covered in glorious sandy beaches. And while there's no doubt that many parts of Hawaii are like this, it's not true for the whole state! Like every other state in the United States, these islands also have busy cities - and islands like Oahu are overrun with skyscrapers.
Plus, Hawaii is also home to regular people who all commute to their workplace and work regular 9-5 jobs. Life in Hawaii may be a little prettier than mainland U.S., but it's not how the movies portray it to be.
Taking Volcanic Souvenirs Is Prohibited
It's common for people to bring back souvenirs from their vacation, and while people who travel to Hawaii can take back coconuts, pineapples, and anything else they desire - it's prohibited to take back volcanic souvenirs. This is an official law, and Hawaiians urge visitors to abide by this rule as it's believed that taking volcanic pumice stones or rocks from the many volcanic parks on the islands will bring them back luck.
Although some reckless visitors do break this rule, park officers often receive these stolen stones in the mail when people realize that the rumors of bad luck may be true.
Billboards Are Illegal in Hawaii
You can't drive down the street in the mainland U.S. without coming across a billboard or advertisement of some kind. These advertisements are part and parcel of everyday life - but not in Hawaii. Billboards are actually illegal in Hawaii and have been for many years. The people of Hawaii don't believe billboards to be in keeping with their beautiful and natural surroundings, so they've decided not to allow them.
Hawaii isn't the only state in the U.S. to do such a thing, though. What you might not know is that Maine, Alaska, and Vermont have also followed in the same footsteps and banned billboards.
Astronauts Travel to Hawaii for Important Training
Countless people travel to the Hawaiian islands each year for their vacations, but did you know that astronauts also use these islands as a training playground? To be more specific, they often head to the Big Island to take advantage of the island's moon-like terrain and the ever-changing climate. In fact, the west side of the island is like a desert, while the east side of the island is a tropical paradise.
This is a great way for astronauts to put their bodies through their paces - but we hope they also get a day off to enjoy the delights of this island, too!
Vog Is Common, but Smog Is Not
While many of the states in mainland U.S. suffer from pollution, the same can't be said for Hawaii. These islands are famed for their natural beauty and their clear skies. But that doesn't mean that they're always completely clear. Although these islands don't suffer from smog, they do suffer from vog on a regular basis - and that's all thanks to the many volcanoes that call these islands their home.
Kilauea volcano on the Big Island is particularly famous for its release of vog, and while it's not dangerous long-term, it can sometimes be difficult for people with breathing issues.
A Queen Is Crowned Every Lei Day
Every year, Hawaiian people celebrate Lei Day - and this is a celebration to honor their traditions, the love they have for their islands and the natural world, and their devotion to their friends and family. This is a hugely significant day in the Hawaiian calendar, which is why they decided to mark the occasion by crowning a Lei Queen. However, only the best of the best can take the crown.
The Lei Queen must demonstrate her impressive lei-making skills, but that's not all. She also needs to be fluent in the Hawaiian language and hold all of their values at her core.
There Are Many Rules Around the Lei
Leis are a huge part of Hawaiian culture. These leis are often made with carnations, Kika, ginger, or jasmine blossoms, and even orchids - and they're normally hung around the shoulders of visitors to show respect and to welcome them to the islands. But if you're planning on going to Hawaii soon, you should take note of the many rules surrounding this lei. After all, it is extremely insulting to turn one down.
Not only that, but it's also insulting to take one off while the person who gave it to you is still nearby. So, keep it on your shoulders for as long as you can.
It's Possible to Mail Hawaiian Coconuts Across the World
When you think of Hawaii, you probably think of Hawaiian coconuts. The islands are famous for their coconuts, and it seems as though some people want to share this slice of the islands with those elsewhere in the world. That's why it's possible to mail Hawaiian coconuts across the globe! You don't even have to shell out for a box, either. As long as the coconut is completely dry, you can stick a stamp on it and put it in the mail.
Of course, it needs to be inspected by an official before it can be put onto the cargo plane, but this is normally a very quick and easy process. And before too long, your friend or family member will have a coconut on their doorstep.
It's Home to the Only Palace in the United States
Countries like England and France are full of stunning palaces and royal buildings that light up any skyline, but the same can't be said for the United States. This country is home to just one royal palace - and guess what? It can be found in Hawaii! Iolani Palace is located on the island of Oahu and has been a beautiful addition to the island since its construction in 1845.
What's so amazing about this royal palace is the fact that - while it looks incredibly historic - it's always been ahead of its time. It even had electricity four years before they had electricity in the White House.
Molokai Island Is Home to a Tiny Population
From the windows of many Maui hotels, you'll be able to spot the island of Molokai. And while it's not the most common tourist destination, that doesn't stop people from exploring this tiny island for themselves. It's not hard to understand why, either. The island is stunning and stripped back, and the small population of 8,000 people who live on this island do everything they can to preserve its natural beauty.
There's not a single traffic light on this island and the native Hawaiian people live a basic life in tune with the natural world. Because of this, it's often considered to be the most peaceful island in the state.
Each Island Has Its Own Flower
Although all of the islands of Hawaii are part of the same state, they all have their own quirks and personalities. And one of the biggest things that makes these islands different is the fact that each island has its own flower. On the Big Island, the lehua ohia flower was chosen to represent its distinct place in the world - and the red colors of this stunning flower have become a huge part of the island's culture.
Elsewhere, Oahu's flower is the Iliama flower, Hawaii's is the yellow hibiscus, Maui's is the Lokelani, Kauai's color is the makhana, Niihau's is the pupu shell, and Molokai is the kukui blossom.
Hawaii Wasn't Always Called Hawaii
Today, everyone knows that the state of Hawaii is called Hawaii. But life in Hawaii wasn't always this way. When Captain Cook uncovered the islands in the 18th century, he decided to take it upon himself to name them. Taking inspiration from the Earl of Sandwich, he opted to call them the Sandwich Islands. This name was in place for around 40 years, until King Kamehameha I took charge of the islands.
When he took over the reins, he decided to unite the islands and call them the "Kingdom of Hawaii." He wanted the name to reflect the Hawaiian people and culture and to name it as the "place of the gods."
The State Is Technically Bigger Than Texas
Most people know that Alaska is the largest state in the United States, followed by Texas. But would you believe us if we told you that Hawaii was technically bigger than Texas? When you take into account all of the spread-out islands, the whole state is much wider than the Lone Star State. In fact, it's twice as wide! But, of course, Texas wins second place when you take into account the overall land mass.
The individual islands in the state of Hawaii are fairly small, which means it doesn't quite win the race. And when you do the calculations, Hawaii is actually 4000% smaller than Texas.
Hawaii Is a Rabies-Free State
The United States has a big problem with rabies, with 5,000 animal rabies cases reported every single year. But this is only a problem in mainland U.S. The state of Hawaii is completely rabies-free, and the local government does everything in its power to ensure that it stays that way. In fact, those who move from the mainland to a Hawaiian island find it extremely difficult to take their pets with them, because of such strict rules regarding importing.
If you want to move to Hawaii with your pet, they'll have to stay in a special quarantine facility for around five days to ensure that they're not carrying any unwanted diseases.
The Beaches in Hawaii Are Smoke-Free
Head to any beach in the United States, and you'll probably find someone smoking. Either that, or you'll accidentally sit on some cigarette ends while you're trying to top up your tan. But if you want a smoke-free beach experience, you might want to add Hawaii to your bucket list. Every beach in Hawaii is smoke-free and has been since a law was passed in 2015. This law also extends to its state parks, too!
The state of Hawaii is also trying to crack down on the number of people who smoke, which is why they've also raised the legal smoking limit to 21 to try and bring down the number of smokers in the state.
The Word "Aloha" Holds Many Different Meanings
You can't travel to Hawaii without hearing the word "aloha" come out of the mouths of the people you meet. But while most people know that this word is used to say hello and goodbye, many people don't understand that this traditional word also holds many other meanings. It's a huge part of Hawaiian culture and represents a native community and its values as a whole. So, it should be treated with respect.
In essence, "Aloha" is a way to show your connection to the natural world around you, and it explores the love you have for the people in your life. All in all, it's a beautiful word.
Oahu Is Famous for Its Pineapples
While Hawaii is known for its coconuts, it's also known for growing some of the most delicious pineapples in the world. Pineapples can be found on many of the islands, but Oahu is particularly famous for these fruits. In fact, the island even has a pineapple maze, which is made up of over 14,000 pineapples! It's become one of the top tourist attractions on the island, and it seems as though people love it.
Did you know that many pineapple farms in the state of Hawaii also provide you with fly-safe packaging that allows you to take a pineapple back home on the plane with you?
There's a New Island Coming Out of the Ocean
The islands of Hawaii emerged as a result of volcanic eruptions, and it seems as though this process isn't stopping. Over the years, scientists have been researching a new land mass emerging from the ocean as a result of volcanic eruption - and they've decided to call it Loihi. At the moment, it's still under the surface of the water, and it's estimated that the peak can be found around three miles beneath.
It's unlikely that we'll see this island emerge from the depths during our lifetimes, but our ancestors will eventually have another Hawaiian island to explore off the coast of the Big Island in a few millennia.
The Beaches in Hawaii Come in so Many Different Colors
When you imagine the beaches of Hawaii, there's a high chance that you imagine golden sandy beaches with beautiful white sand. And while there are so many beaches like that in the state, it seems as though these beaches also come in so many other different colors - like black, pink, yellow, and even green! This is all thanks to the volcanic activity that takes place across all of these islands.
Yes, everyone should see these amazing beaches at least once in their lives - especially Papakolea Beach on Big Island, as the green sand is truly a sight to behold.
Hawaii Holds Two Very Different Temperature Records
All of the islands in the state of Hawaii have their own climates and their own unique temperature systems, but there's no doubt about the fact that Big Island is the most diverse in terms of its temperatures. This island can go from one extreme to the other, and this is shown by the fact that it holds the state records for the hottest temperature and the coldest! In 1931, it reached a whopping 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the flip side, a record low of 12 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded over six decades later in 1979. However, it's these eclectic weather systems that create the lush landscape the island is known for.