Fun Easy English - Travel the United States of America

CAPITAL CITY: Honolulu

BACKGROUND

The name Hawaii is believed to be an English adaptation of the native word for "homeland" (hawaiki or owhyhee). First settled by Polynesians sailing from other Pacific islands between A.D. 300 and 600, Hawaii was visited in 1778 by British Captain James Cook, who called the group the Sandwich Islands. Following its annexation in 1898, Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900. Hawaii is the youngest state, joining the Union in 1959 as the 50th state, just after Alaska. Hawaii is world famous for its pleasant climate and spectacular beauty.

It has deep-blue seas, brilliantly colored flowers, graceful palm trees, magnificent waterfalls and dramatic volcanoes. Hawaii consists of a chain of 132 islands; the eight main islands are at the southeastern end of the chain. Hawaii, the "Aloha State" has many customs originating from the original Polynesian settlers.

QUICK FACTS

Nickname: Aloha State / Paradise of the Pacific

Motto: Ua mau ke ea o ka aina I ka pono (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.)

Statehood: August 21, 1959 (50th)

Origin of State's Name: Possibly based on native Hawaiian word for homeland, "Owhyhee."

Largest Cities: Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, Kaneohe, Pearl City

Border States: None

Land Area: 6,423 sq. mi.; 47th largest

State Bird: Nene (Hawaiian goose)

State Flower: Pua Aloalo (hibiscus brackenridgei)

State Tree: Kukui - Candlenut (aleurites moluccana)

State Song: Hawaii Ponoi - Hawaii's Own

USEFUL LINKS

Miscellaneous

Travel and tourism site for Hawaii - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.