Hawaii Fun Facts and Figures
Know Hawaiian History and Other Information before Traveling
Aug 27, 2007
In the 19th century Hawaii was known as the Sandwich Islands, named after the 18th-century English 4th Earl of Sandwich, who also gave his name to the sandwich that you eat. The Earl of Sandwich was a supporter of Captain Cook's expedition during which Europeans first visited these Pacific islands in 1778.
On his second visit to Hawaii Captain Cook met his death. He was killed at Kealakekua Bay in 1779 during a dispute with the local people. A Hawaiian chief had stolen a boat from one of Captain Cook's ships, and Cook and his crew attempted to kidnap another Hawaiian chief with a view to holding him ransom until the boat was returned. Unfortunately events got out of hand when the local people fought back to protect their chief, and Captain Cook was killed in the fighting.
Despite Captain Cook's demise, the islands became popular with the British and other Europeans. Although Hawaii has never been part of the British Empire, its affection for the British is shown by the fact that the state flag incorporates the British Union Jack in its design.
- Hawaii is one of only four states in the United States which was an independent nation before becoming a state. The others are California, Texas and Vermont.
- Hawaii became the 50th state of the USA on August 21, 1959.
- Hawaii is the southernmost state of the United States, but not the most westerly. Alaska lies further west than Hawaii.
- Hawaii and Alaska are the only two states of the United States which do not share a border with any other US state, and Hawaii is the only state completely surrounded by water.
- Hawaii is the only state in the United States which is completely within the tropics.
- Hawaii is the only state in the United States which is increasing in size, thanks to the lava flow from its volcanoes which is deposited on the coast, causing the land mass to grow.
- Hawaii’s highest mountain is Mauna Loa, which is 13,796 ft (4,205 m) high. If measured from its base at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean it would be taller than Mount Everest.
- Hawaii is one of the most remote islands in the world. It is further away from any major land mass than anywhere else except for Easter Island.
- The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Monument is bigger than all the USA's National Parks put together.
- The Hawaiian people live longer than any other Americans, their projected lifespan being greater than any other state in the United States.
To read more about Mauna Loa and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, click here.
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