Hawaii is the only
state that:
- is without territory on the mainland of any continent.
- is completely surrounded by water.
- continues to grow in area because of active lava flows.
Except for Easter Island, Hawaii
is farther away from land than any other landmass on Earth.
Hawaii's tallest mountain,
Mauna Kea stands over 13000 feet (4000 meters) and
is taller than Mount Everest if measured from its base at the
floor of the Pacific Ocean.
The Hawaiian Archipelago comprises 8 islands
and atolls extending across a distance of 1500 mi 2400 km.
Of these, 8 high islands are
considered the "main islands" and
are located at the southeastern end of the archipelago.
These islands are,
in order from the northwest to southeast,
Niihau,
Kauai,
Oahu,
Molokai,
Lanai,
Kahoolawe,
Maui,
and Hawaii.
Hawaii may be an especially
healthy place to live.
The average lifespan of those born in
Hawaii is 79.8 years,
longer than the residents of any other state.
Hawaii was an independent kingdom
from 1810 until 1893, when the monarchy was overthrown.
sIt was an independent republic from 1894 until 1898.
The Islands were annexed by the USA in 1898,
became a territory in 1900,
and finally the
50th state of the
United States on
August 21, 1959.
Hawaiian culture and language differentiate
Hawaii
from any other place in the world.
It is a thriving culture that encompasses vast history,
extensive knowledge, spiritual depth, relevant values,
and natural treasures. It is a living culture filled
with practices that are useful today relative to health and
healing, land and ocean management, martial arts,
farming and agriculture, fishing, even business and science.
WEATHER
Anytime of year is a good time to visit Hawaii.
Summer, between April and November, is warmer and drier
(average temperature is 75 ° ~ 88 ° F).
Winter, between
December and March, is a bit cooler (68 ° ~ 80 ° F).
Trade winds keep things comfortable year~round.
ECONOMY
The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii
is an organization representing the
interest of all Hawaii’s
business community.
With over 1100 member companies
representing over 200 thousand employees,
the Chamber is the largest organization to serve
as the voice of business in Hawaii.
The Chamber’s mission is to improve the state’s
economy and business climate so that businesses
in Hawaii can thrive and expand.
The Chamber offers business networking opportunities, provides training and business building opportunities, lobbies government and advocates on behalf of business interests.
The history of Hawaii can be traced
through a succession of dominating industries: sandalwood, whaling,
sugarcane, fruit, cattle, military, tourism, and education.
The total gross output for the state in 2007
was US$47 billion;
per capita income for Hawaii
residents was US$30,441.
Industrial exports from Hawaii
include food processing and apparel.
Hawaii is known for its relatively high per capita state tax burden.
This is due partly by the fact that services such as education, health care and social services are all rendered at the state level — as opposed to the municipal level as in all other states.
Today, most of the economy is
based on tourism,
centered primarily in the North Kona and
South Kohala districts.
Tourism is the largest industry in
Hawaii, contributing 25% of the
Gross State Product.
Millions of tourists contribute to the state's tax burden
by paying the general excise tax and hotel room tax;
thus not all the taxes collected come directly from residents.
Business leaders, however, have often considered the collection
figure as being too high, contributing to both higher prices
and the perception of an unfriendly business climate.
Diversified agriculture is a growing sector of the
economy of the island. Macadamia nuts, papaya, flowers,
vegetables, pineapple,
livestock, sugar cane and coffee are all
important crops.
Because of Hawaii Island's
reputation for growing beautiful orchids, the island has
been nicknamed "The Orchid Isle."
SCHOOLS
The commitment to a quality education for all of Hawaii's
children began more than 160 years ago, when Hawaii's great
monarch, King Kamehameha III, established a statewide public
school system.
Since that time, the journey
in pursuit of excellence and equity in education has continued.
High standards set the course, while students, families,
and community fill the sails with the hope of bright,
young minds ready to
lead the way to the future.
For more details please contact the
Hawaii Department of Education.
HOSPITALITY
The fresh, floral air energizes you.
The warm, tranquil waters refresh you.
The breathtaking, natural beauty renews you.
Look around. There’s no place on earth like Hawaii.
Whether you’re a new visitor or returning,
our six unique islands offer distinct experiences that
will entice any traveler.
Explore these islands and discover the ideal travel experience.
Hawaii’s most unique feature is its Aloha Spirit.
The warmth of the people of Hawaii wonderfully complements
the perfect temperatures.
Many Native Hawaiians have made hospitality their career,
but struggle to balance the benefits and challenges,
considering the impact on Hawaii's culture, ecology, and economy.
To bridge these differences,
the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association
is dedicated to
bringing together the
tourism industry and the community, to show
respect for the culture and preserve this special place.
Getting accommodations is easy in Hawaii.
You'll find everything here from historic hotels and boutiques,
to bed & breakfasts, rental condos, and luxury resorts.
There are more than 30000 hotel rooms on Oahu alone.
For more details please contact the
Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau
has been marketing the islands for more than a century,
with an excellent track record, plays an important role in
Hawaii’s largest industry.
NEWS