HISTORY

The islands of Hawaii were founded about 1,500 years ago by Polynesians navigating their way through the oceans solely relying on the stars as their guide. In 1795, King Kamehameha began his reign over Hawaii until 1874. The blood of the Kamehameha family ruling over the Hawaiian islands came to an end when David Kalakaua was elected. As the outside world grew founder of Hawaii’s location and resources, the islands became a valuable location everyone sought after. Rapidly, the overthrow of the monarchy began in 1893 when Liliuokalni was Queen. Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898 and became a territory in 1900. Hawaii was officially made the 50th state of the United States of America on August 21st, 1959. To this day, the Iolani Palace remains in its original location and vistors are welcome to visit. This is the only palace in the United States. Absorb knowledge about the history, tragedies and family that ruled over the islands for more than half a century!

CULTURE

MELTING POT

Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures. To this very day, it is rare to meet a full blood Native Hawaiian due to the mixing of cultures. In the 1850s, people migrated to work in the sugar cane plantations in Hawaii. These groups of people included: Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Koreans, Filipinos, Spaniards, Puerto Ricans, and more. With the different languages being spoken, it was difficult for people to communicate with one another. Those working on the plantations created their own slang/language which is referred to as “Pidgin” which is still heavily spoken on the islands today. If you would like to visit a historical plantation, you can visit Hawaii's Plantation Village located in Oahu.

HAWAIIAN REGGAE

Lower your car window and enjoy the music from Hawaii! Hawaiian Reggae is played all around the islands and it is definitely loved by locals. Reggae artists such as Bob Marely reached Hawaii in the 80s and was loved by many. Soon after in the 80s, local Hawaiian artists started experimenting and putting their own twist on reggae with Hawaiian instruments such as an ukelele in their music. There are so many artists, but two popular artists include Common Kings and Kolohe Kai. To the left is a well-known song named "No Other Love" that you will always hear playing in Hawaii which is from the group Common Kings.

NATIVE HAWAIIAN FOOD
Native Hawaiians would use their sources from the island for food and cooking. Wild hogs and fish provides a source of protein and the rich volcanic soil allows crops to grow such as taro, coconuts, and bananas. A few traditional dishes include: Poi which is a sour taro paste, Kalua Pig which is a roasted hog over a fire, Poke which is raw tuna with rice and vegetables, and Malasadas which is a sweet donut.

EAT LIKE A LOCAL
The blend of cultures created a blend of cuisine as well. Three popular local dishes in Hawaii include: Loco Moco, Saimin and Spam Musubi. Loco Moco is a spin on a hamburger which was created in Hilo, HI in 1949. The bun is replaced with steamed rice and includes gravy and a fried egg. Both Spam Musubi and Saimin is a mixture of Hawaiian and Japanese. Spam was popularized in the Pacific during WW2 which was paired with rice and seaweed. Saimin is similar to ramen, but saimin contains more egg in the noodles and is paired with pork.

WILDLIFE

The islands of Hawaii has such a wide variety of wildlife on both land and in water. Firstly, the state flower is the Yellow Hibiscus (Pua Aloalo), the state animal is the Hawaiian Monk Seal (ʻĪlioholoikauaua which translates to “dog that runs in rough water), and the state fish is the Reef Triggerfish (Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa). Some other aniamls you can see throught the islands include: Humpback Whales, Hawaiian Hoary Bats, Indian Mongoose, sea turtles (Green Sea Turle, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, & Olive Ridley) and more! You can see marine life by going scuba diving or snorkeling. The video above is recorded by Chris Biela where he captures some of the beautiful and diverse sea life surrounding the island of Oahu.

PLACES TO VISIT

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Luau - Oahu

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Makapuu Lighthouse - Oahu

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Stairway to Heaven Trail - Oahu

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Waianapanapa State Park - Maui

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Haleakala National Park - Maui

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Road to Hana - Maui

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Hawaii's Volcanoes - Big Island

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Rainbow Falls - Big Island

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Mauna Kea - Big Island

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OAHU
• When going to Hawaii, attending a luau is a must see! Two popular locations tourists and locals enjoy seeing a traditional luau are Paradise Cove at Ko‘olina and the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie.
• The Makapuu Lighthouse has a trail that is easy for anyone to enjoy! From the months of December to April, at the top of the trail, you are able to watch the humpback whales from a distance!
• Stairway to Heaven is another popular trail in Oahu, but this trail is for those who seek a challenging adventure. Due to the amount of people who would get hurt, it became illegal. However, this location remains a tourist attraction.

MAUI
• Waiʻānapanapa State Park is a 122-acre state park in Hana, on the island of Maui. At this state park, you can find beautiful beaches with black sand!
• Haleakala National Park is home to the dormant Haleakalā Volcano and endangered Hawaiian geese. The national park have overlooks on the steep Crater Road with views across the West Maui Mountains. Many vistors come to watch the sunrise!
• Road to Hana is a costal drive with various places that you have to see!

BIG ISLAND
• At Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park there are three active or recently active volcanoes across the island — Hualālai, Mauna Loa, and Kīlauea that you can visit!
• Rainbow Falls is a waterfall located in Hilo, Hawaii that is 80 ft tall and almost 100 ft in diameter. You can often witness a beautiful rainbow here!
• The Mauna Kea Observatories are a number of independent astronomical research facilities and large telescope observatories where vistors can stargaze!

HISTORY

CULTURE

CUISINE

WILDLIFE

PLACES TO VISIT