10 FUN FACTS ABOUT HAWAII YOU’LL ONLY HEAR FROM LOCALS
Hawaii, a group of islands, is the fourth-smallest US state. Its unique history and geography set it apart from the other US states and, in some instances, the rest of the world. Hawaii, for example, is the only state that is an archipelago, located in the tropics, and is not situated on the North American mainland.
Here are some fun facts about Hawaii you will only hear from the locals.
1. Mauna Kea Stands Higher Than Any Other Mountain on Earth
If asked what the tallest peak in the world is, you would probably say Mount Everest. While that is correct, here is the catch—it is the tallest only when measured from sea level.
When assessed from sea level to the peak, Mauna Kea is 4,207 meters tall, less than half of Mount Everest (8,848 meters). However, the mountain range is partially submerged under the Pacific Ocean. When measured from the sea floor upwards, Mauna Kea stands at 10,210 meters.
2. Honolulu Holds the Title of the World’s Most Remote Big City
Honolulu is situated on the island of O’ahu, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is over 3,700 km away from the closest major mainland city (Los Angeles). Other major cities near Honolulu include Tokyo and Sydney, which are 6,437 and 8,207 km away, respectively.
Given its population of around 1 million, Honolulu is the most isolated city of its size in the world. While various other, more remote settlements exist, they are much smaller and house fewer people.
3. ‘Iolani Palace: America’s Royal Home That Outshone the White House With Electricity
‘Iolani Palace, located in downtown Hawaii, is the only official royal residence in the US. Built in 1882, it was home to Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs, King Kalākaua and his sister, Queen Liliʻuokalani, before the kingdom was overthrown in 1893.
In terms of technological advancements, the palace was way ahead of its time and boasted of electricity, plumbing, and a telephone way before the White House. The exteriors of the building are an interesting blend of Hawaiian and European architecture, signifying how the state’s history is drastically different from the rest of the country.
Today, ‘Iolani Palace serves as a museum. If you are a history geek, add this to the must-see places on your trip.
4. Coffee Cultivation Thrives Only in Hawaii Among U.S. States
Coffee is the most consumed beverage in the US; around two-thirds of American adults drink it daily. Despite its popularity, coffee is not widely grown in the country.
Hawaii is the only coffee-producing state in the US. The island’s tropical climate, volcanic soil, year-round moderate temperature, and partial shade from cloud cover make it ideal for growing coffee. Plus, Hawaii has distinct wet and dry seasons that align with the cultivation and harvest periods.
If you are a coffee lover visiting Hawaii, do not forget to add ‘tasting Kona coffee’ to your to-do list. Hawaii is particularly famous for this variation of coffee arabica, which is one of the most expensive coffees in the world.
5. Mount Waialeale Receives Rainfall Like Few Other Places on the Globe
Mount Waiʻaleʻale (the name, quite apt, stands for ‘overflowing water’) is situated on the island of Kauaʻi. Receiving around 450 inches of rainfall annually, it is among the five wettest places in the world. Offering stunning views, complete with lush rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls, the mountain is a must-visit for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and birdwatchers.
In addition to being geographically important, Mount Waiʻaleʻale is a sacred site in Hawaiian culture. Guided tours delve deep into the legends surrounding the mountain.
6. Molokai and Lanai Remain Stoplight-Free Islands
Molokai and Lanai, two of Hawaii’s smallest islands, offer a glimpse into a slow, quiet way of life. Unlike the other island, they have only a handful of stop signs and not a single spotlight. A lack of traffic regulations reflects how small and laid-back the islands’ populations are.
If you want to wind down and disconnect from the busy world, Molokai and Lanai are perfect places to spend a few days. Who knows, perhaps witnessing a new way of life might also influence you to slow down your daily grind?
7. Parker Ranch Once Dominated as the Largest in the Nation
Situated on Hawaii’s Big Island, Parker Ranch is one of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the country. Founded in 1847, it is spread over 130,000 acres across the rolling hills near Waimea. Parker Ranch was highly influential in introducing the cowboy (paniolo) culture, which became almost synonymous with Hawaii over time.
Today, tourists can visit the ranch and explore parts of it, go on scenic trails, and experience a completely different side of Hawaii. Weddings are also held on Parker Ranch.
8. Kilauea Continues to Erupt as Earth’s Most Active Volcano
Kilauea, also located on the Big Island, is the most active volcano in the world. Known for its near-constant activity, the mountain has shaped the state’s landscape for centuries.
Created due to the Pacific tectonic plate shifting northwest over a volcanic spot, Kilauea erupted almost continuously from 1983 to 2018 and then again in 2023 and 2024. Since it is a shield volcano, the emissions were prolonged and produced large volumes of lava.
Despite its volatile nature, Kilauea is surprisingly accessible. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park regularly offers safe viewpoints, hiking trails, and exhibits for tourists.
9. Macadamia Nuts Were Introduced to Hawaii, Not Native to It
Here is another fun fact about Hawaii and its link to food items—despite being closely associated with the state, macadamia nuts do not originate in the island.
Native to Australia, the nuts were introduced to Hawaii by WH Purvis in the 1880s. Unaware of the fact that the island’s climate provided ideal growing conditions, Purvis planted the trees as ornamental windbreaks among sugarcane fields. In the 1900s, after the intervention of the US government, macadamia nuts started being cultivated commercially for the first time.
Production took off in 1922, when Ernest Van Tassel established the Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Company. Hawaii remained the world’s largest producer of macadamia nuts throughout the 20th century.
10. Hawaii Is the Sole U.S. State Where the Sun Sits Directly Overhead
In Hawaii, the sun passes directly overhead twice a year between late May and mid-July. This occurrence is known as Lāhainā Noon (which stands for ‘Cruel Sun’).
When the sun is overhead, it is positioned exactly at the zenith, because of which vertical objects do not cast shadows. Trees, signs, and even humans appear shadowless for a few people, and the sight is truly fascinating!
Several museums and science centers in Hawaii host special Lāhainā Noon events. If your visit does not coincide with the event, make sure to catch one of these events to learn more about this mesmerizing phenomenon.
Conclusion
Hawaii is a tourist’s delight. It houses a variety of landscapes that offer breathtaking views, is steeped in history and culture, and is a vibrant place to spend a few days. If it is on your bucket list, consider pushing it to the top, and if it is not, what are you waiting for? Add it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some fun facts about Hawaii I should know?
Here are some interesting facts about Hawaii you probably did not know:
- Hawaii has two official languages: English and Hawaiian (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi).
- Former President Barack Obama was born in Hawaii, where he spent most of his childhood years.
Why is Hawaii considered one of the most isolated places on Earth?
Hawaii is one of the most isolated places on earth due to its extreme distance from other major landmasses. It is located in the central Pacific Ocean and has no other land nearby for hundreds or even thousands of miles.
Which volcanoes make Hawaii geologically unique?
Hawaii is geographically unique because it was formed entirely by volcanoes! What’s more, owing to volcanic activity, the island is still growing.
Some of the standout volcanoes located in Hawaii include:
- Mauna Loa: The world’s largest volcano in terms of volume and area
- Kilauea: The most active volcano in the world
- Mauna Kea: A dormant volcano and the tallest peak in the world
- Hualālai: Active volcano, but has been quiet since its last eruption in 1801
- Lo‘ihi: Situated underwater off the southeast coast of the Big Island
- Haleakalā: A dormant volcano that last erupted in the 1600s
What cultural traditions make Hawaii special?
Hawaiian culture is a rich blend of native traditions and a range of external factors. Key cultural elements of the state include the Aloha spirit, hula, local cuisine with Polynesian, Asian, and Western influences, and the Ōlelo Hawaiʻi language, which was once nearly lost.
Are rainbows really that common in Hawaii?
Rainbows are easy to spot in Hawaii, earning it the tag of the ‘Rainbow State.’ Several natural factors have combined to make Hawaii a rainbow hotspot. These include ample sunshine, frequent rainfall, and diverse terrain. Together, these features bring in moisture from the ocean, cause daytime showers, and funnel rain and sun together to maximize the visibility of rainbows. Finally, Hawaii’s exceptionally clean air makes the rainbows appear incredibly clear and vivid.
Double rainbows and monobows are also common occurrences in Hawaii.