The Hawaiian Islands are a chain of islands located in the central Pacific Ocean, part of Polynesia, and were settled by humans around 400-500 AD. Hawaii has a unique geology, location, and wildlife that attracts visitors, and is the most recent state to be admitted to the United States. The islands sit above a volcanic […]
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a federally protected land with two of the world’s top volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The area is maintained due to its natural landscapes and distinct ecosystem. The park has numerous attractions for visitors, including the Volcano Art Center and the Thomas A. Jagger Museum. The area was worshiped as […]
The State Seal of Hawaii represents the island’s transition from a tribal monarchy to a democratic government. It retains the shield and motto from the Royal Coat of Arms, but with changes to symbolize the new state. The final design was completed in 1959 when Hawaii achieved statehood. The seal features a red phoenix and […]
Hawaii’s state motto, “Ua Mau ke Ea o Aina ai ka Pono,” was born out of conflict in the 19th century when a British sea captain seized Honolulu. King Kamehameha III’s impassioned speech upon the return of sovereignty to the islands included the phrase, which later became the state motto. It symbolizes Hawaii’s resistance to […]
The state fish of Hawaii is the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, a rectangular triggerfish found in the Pacific Ocean’s coral reefs. It was chosen by a poll in 2006, despite controversy over its non-native status. The fish is known for its unique appearance, behavior, and sound. The state fish of Hawaii is called Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, also known as the […]
The yellow hibiscus is the official state flower of Hawaii, representing power and respect in traditional Hawaiian culture. Each island also has its own flower, with some locals advocating for their island to be recognized as a separate state. The state flower of Hawaii is the native yellow hibiscus. In the early 1920s, all hibiscus […]
Hawaii has official state animals, including the monk seal, humpback whale, Kamehameha butterfly, Hawaiian goose, and rectangular triggerfish. The monk seal is endangered, while the humpback whale can weigh up to 79,000 pounds. The Kamehameha butterfly has multi-colored wings, the Hawaiian goose has large feet and a long neck, and the rectangular triggerfish has bold […]
The nene, a type of goose native to Hawaii, is the state bird. It has weak wings and prefers land to water due to adaptations made to its environment. The nene is endangered due to predation by introduced animals, but restoration efforts are underway. The state bird of Hawaii is the nene, a type of […]
Hawaii Ponoi is the state song of Hawaii, written by King David Kalakaua. It tells the story of King Kamehameha, the first monarch to unite the Hawaiian Islands. It was the national anthem of Hawaii when it was an independent republic and is still sung at events. The song is about loyalty to King Kamehameha […]
The kukui tree, also known as the candle tree, is the state tree of Hawaii. It originated in Polynesia and is the only non-native state tree in the US. The tree has many uses, including as a source of light and oil for soap and paint. Different parts of the tree are also used for […]
