Hawaii is a region located in the Pacific Ocean and is one of the 50 states of the United States of America.
Quick Facts
What Is Hawaii?
Hawaii is the most recent state to join the United States, admitted on August 21, 1959. It is an archipelago, or a group of islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, about 2,100 miles southwest of the North American continent. Hawaii is known for its unique and diverse natural environment, which includes active volcanoes, rainforests, and beautiful beaches. The state is also home to a distinct culture, which is a blend of Native Hawaiian, American, and Asian influences.
Geographically, Hawaii is situated in the Pacific Ocean, and its eight main islands are Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Island, Lanai, Molokai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. The state has a total area of approximately 10,931 square miles, making it the eighth smallest state in the United States. Hawaii's unique geography and climate have created a wide range of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and arid deserts.
Hawaii is also known for its strategic military importance, with several major military bases located on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii. The state's economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and the military, with major industries including sugarcane, pineapple, and macadamia nut production. Hawaii is also a popular destination for tourists, with over 10 million visitors per year, drawn to its natural beauty, rich culture, and active volcanoes.
Key History
- 1000 - The first Polynesian settlers arrive in Hawaii, likely from the Marquesas Islands.
- 1778 - British explorer Captain James Cook becomes the first European to visit Hawaii.
- 1810 - King Kamehameha I unites the islands of Hawaii under one rule, establishing the Kingdom of Hawaii.
- 1893 - American businessmen and sugar planters overthrow the Kingdom of Hawaii, establishing a provisional government.
- 1898 - The United States annexes Hawaii through a joint resolution of Congress.
- 1941 - The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, located on the island of Oahu, draws the United States into World War II.
- 1959 - Hawaii becomes the 50th state to join the United States of America.
What Makes Hawaii Unique
- Hawaii is the most geographically isolated population center in the world, located over 2,300 miles from the nearest continent.
- The state is home to Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the world when measured from its base on the ocean floor.
- Hawaii has its own unique language, with Hawaiian being one of the two official languages of the state, along with English.
- The state is home to a diverse range of endemic species, including the Hawaiian goose, the monk seal, and the humpback whale.
- Hawaii is also home to active volcanoes, including Kilauea, which has been erupting continuously since 1983.
Quick Summary
Hawaii is a unique and diverse region located in the Pacific Ocean, known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and strategic military importance, and is the 50th state to join the United States of America.