 |
Eight islands make up the state of Hawaii: Hawaii, Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau. Over millions of years, lava from the ocean floor bubbled up and formed the island chain.
Besides its origin, Hawaii has other unique qualities: it is the only island state, it is the southernmost state, and it has four active volcanoes. But perhaps the state's most impressive feature is its diverse landscape.
On the island of Hawaii, also called the Big Island, snow can cover the tops of tall mountains. If you were to hike down on the east side of the peaks, you'd enter lush rain forests and maybe see a few waterfalls. If you kept walking to the bottom, you'd arrive at warm sandy beaches and sparkling blue-green waters. And if you traveled to the western side, you might be surprised to find a desert-like environment.
Kauai is the greenest island; after all, it is the wettest place on earth. Because of its exotic greenery, the island has appeared in many movies, like Jurassic Park.
Here are some other interesting facts about Hawaii:
- As many as 1,500 kinds of seashells can be found in Hawaii's waters.
- Hawaii is the only state where coffee beans can be grown.
- Hawaii has a different time zone from the rest of the nation: Hawaiian standard time. It is also one of two states that doesn't practice daylight saving.
- The island of Niihau has been privately owned by one family for generations.
- No one is allowed on Kahoolawe (unless given permission) until the U.S. Navy and Air Force clean up all the unexploded bombs. The island was used for target practice by the U.S. military between 1941 and 1990.
- The island of Hawaii produces more macadamia nuts than any other place in the world.
- Hawaii's two official languages are Hawaiian and English.
Find out more in CultureGrams, only from ProQuest.
|
|
|
