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Do You Know These 10 Awesome Facts About Hawaii?

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Everyone knows about the beautiful state of Hawaii. But, how much do they really know? Here are 10 facts about Hawaii you may not know.

1) Hawaii Was the 50th State to Join the U.S.

Flickr User Nan Palmero
Flickr User Nan Palmero

Hawaii officially became a state on August 21, 1959. It is, therefore, the youngest and most southern state in the U.S. More specifically, Ka Lae, located on the Big Island, is the absolute most southern point!

2) It’s the Only U.S. State That’s Made Up Entirely of Islands

fresher.ru
fresher.ru

Some people might think that Hawaii is just a handful of islands, but there are actually 132 islands in all, plus 124 islets. The eight main islands are Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe. The whole Hawaiian archipelago actually extends to create the longest island chain in the world.

3) The Hawaiian Islands are Actually the Tops of Mountains

Flickr User Peter Doucette
Flickr User Peter Doucette

And not just any mountains! They’re the tops of the biggest mountain range in the world. Millions of years ago, undersea volcanoes erupted to form the whole chain! The peak of Mauna Kea, the highest point in Hawaii, is actually the biggest and tallest mountain on earth. It measures 33,100 feet to Mount Everest’s 29, 029 feet. Since most of this height lies below the surface of the ocean, Mount Everest still takes the title for the highest mountain.

4) The 8 Main Islands From East to West, Cover 1,523 Miles

Flickr User Tom Reich
Flickr User Tom Reich

Hawaii is the 47th largest state in the U.S. It’s fourth on the list for the most miles of coastline with 750 miles! Only California, Alaska, and Florida beat it.

5) Speaking of the Big Island… It Gets Bigger Each Year!

Flickr User faun070
Flickr User faun070

All of Hawaii formed as a result of volcanic eruptions, and the Kilauea Volcano has been erupting for thirty years — and still is! As a result, the Big Island gains about forty-two acres every year. The Big Island is actually only about half a million years old, which is why its beaches aren’t the best… Check back in five million years for an updated list containing facts about Hawaii.

6) “Hawaii” Comes From the Proto-Polynesian Word “Hawaiki”

Flickr User PurpleHazeStudios
Flickr User PurpleHazeStudios

It can mean either “homeland” or “place of the gods.”

7) Hawaii Has Its Own Time Zone

Flickr User Kanaka Menehune
Flickr User Kanaka Menehune

On the islands, they go by Hawaiian Standard Time. Hawaii and Arizona are the only two states that don’t observe Daylight Saving Time.

8) Hawaii is the 8th Smallest State in the United States

Flickr User Remy Hiramoto 平本
Flickr User Remy Hiramoto 平本

It’s the 11th least populous, but the 13th most densely populated of all the states. That means there are about 214 people per square mile.

9) 38% of Hawaii’s Population is of Asian Descent

Flickr User Tbutterfield1
Flickr User Tbutterfield1

While you might expect the population to be Hawaiian, less than 10% of Hawaii’s residents are actually Hawaiian. With another 23% of the population being of mixed or other descent, Hawaii becomes the only U.S. state where Caucasian individuals are a minority at 23% of the population.

10) Hawaii’s Most Popular Nickname is the “Aloha State”

Flickr User Kim Bernbom
Flickr User Kim Bernbom

Many people don’t realize that Aloha has multiple meanings. It’s a very commonly used word. It can mean “hello,” “goodbye,” “welcome,” or even “best wishes” or “love.” Use the context to determine which one!

These are just a few fun facts about Hawaii, however, this beautiful state has a lot more interesting facts to offer.

Cheyenne Reed was born and raised in Ohio. She recently relocated to rural Wyoming to try out working at an exclusive guest ranch. She graduated from Kent State University with an English degree, and most enjoys writing about travel. If she has free time, you may run into her anywhere, because she is always itching to explore new places. Her personal motto is, "Any day can be an adventure if you make it one!"

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