Guide Note

Hawaii is the 50th state admitted to the U.S.. It is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean comprised of eight "main islands" and hundreds of smaller lesser-known ones.

The main eight, from southeast to northwest, are Hawai'i (or "Big Island), Maui, Kaho'olawe, Moloka'i, O'ahu, Kaua'i and Niʻihau.

Fast Facts

1. Capital: Honolulu
2. Governor: Linda Lingle (R)
3. Population: 1,285,498 (2006 est.)
4. Statehood: August 21, 1959
5. Time zone: HST
6. Major cities: Honolulu, Hilo, Lihue, Kihei
7. Nickname: The Aloha State
8. Motto: "Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono" ("The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness")
9. Official state items: Yellow Hibiscus (flower), Nene Goose (bird), Black Coral (gem), Humpback Whale (animal), Kukui (tree), Humu­humu­nuku­nuku­āpuaʻa (fish)

After being settled on by Polynesians in the 4th Century, Briton James Cook came upon what he called the "Sandwich Islands" in 1778. Following Cook, American missionaries visited the islands and converted many of the inhabitants to Protestant Christianity. During that time, the islands were ruled individually by chiefs, and they constantly fought for power and land.

In 1810, Kamehameha I unified the islands under his rule, starting a Kamehameha dynasty through 1872. The Hawaiian monarchy itself would be controversially overthrown in 1893, and on August 21, 1959, Hawaii became a U.S. state.

With its tropical climate and fantastic beaches, Hawaii is considered "Paradise" by millions of tourists who travel there every year. Each island has its own character and history, which is seen through their respective artifacts and natural attractions.

Islands like Kauai and Big Island are lush and perfect for lovers of the outdoors, while Oahu is more urban. Maui has a fair balance of both green and city, making it one of the most popular islands in the world among critics.

Because of its location in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is a "melting pot" of diverse cultures. This mix is most evident in the food and Pidgin English language many locals speak, as well as the basic population stats.

Hawaii is one of the few minority-majority states in the U.S. with a predominantly Asian population, Japanese being the largest ancestry group.