Hawaii Facts

Posted on Thursday, July 30, 2009

Hawaiian Facts

• Hawaii lies 2,397 miles west - southwest of San Francisco
• South Point on the Island of Hawaii is the southern most point in the United States
• Hawaii is actually a 1,523 - mile chain of islets and eight main islands. Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau
• Hawaii has the world's most active Volcano, Kilauea crater on Mauna Loa
• Mt. Waialeale on Kauai is known to be the wettest place on earth
• Hawaii is the only state with an official native language
• Hawaii boasts the most diverse population mix of all the states
• Hawaii is the only state ever governed directly by monarchs who were recognized by international law. Iolani Palace on the Island of Oahu is the only royal palace in the United States.
• During WWI, many Hawaiians went into the service

Other Fun Facts:

Capital: Honolulu

Date of Statehood: August 21, 1959

Population: 1,224,398 ( 2001 estimation )

Primary Industry: Tourism

State Bird: Nene or Hawaiian Goose

State Mammal: Humpback Whale

State Tree: Kukui or Candlenut

State Flower: Yellow Hibiscus

State Motto: Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono ( The Life Of The Land Is Perpetuated In Righteousness )

State Song: Hawaii Pono'i

State Gem: Black Coral

Nickname: Aloha State

Whale Watching Season in Hawaii

Posted on Monday, July 06, 2009

Lahaina, in Maui, was the first capital of the kingdom of Hawai’i and remained so for for more than 40 years. During this time Lahaina prospered; the whaling industry was at its height, with as many as 500 whaling ships anchored in its port. Humpback whales still migrate to Maui from Alaska and the Arctic each year to give birth, and spend the winter months from December through March or April in its warmer waters.

Whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii every winter to mate and give birth in warmer waters, before turning back each spring and returning to the Arctic. The best times to see whales are early morning and late evenings, from about November to April or May. Calving season starts in late January, and occasionally some calves will come close to shore.

You will find good viewing along the east to north shores of Kauai. There are many on-the-water whale watching tours available, but bear in mind that it's illegal to come closer than 500 feet to a whale. However, boat tour operators often cut their engines and float in whale territory – whales will come right up to the boat to investigate.

On Maui, McGregor Point and the shallow warm waters off the west coast offer excellent vantage points for spotting humpback whales from land, so boats will not disturb the whales or pollute the water.

Hawaii Shopping Tips

Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009

Oahu has the most shopping choices of all the islands. Waikiki is well known for its world class shops – you’ll find everything from Gucci and Tiffany and Co. to unusual local stores and unique handicrafts. The Ala Moana Shopping Center, Hawaii's largest mall, has more than 200 restaurants and shops, including Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Sears and J.C.Penny. Right across the street from our hotel, the famous International Marketplace offers bargains on souvenirs and craft items, and down the street is the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, housing 160 shops, including Fendi, Chanel, Ferragamo and Hermes.

In downtown Honolulu is the largest Hilo Hattie in the islands. It’s a fun place to visit – they carry the largest selection of "Aloha wear" you’ll find anywhere. Aloha shirts, floral print dresses, t-shirts, souvenirs and all kinds of Hawaiian products, including macadamia nuts and other packaged food items. They even have seamstresses on hand, in case you need that special muu muu altered!

Honolulu's Chinatown District, historically the oldest Chinatown in the country, is filled with exotic Asian shops, and Maui Divers Jewelry carries beautiful, locally made jewelry. For excellent quality, this is a great place to buy Hawaiian jewelry, especially coral pieces. Down the block from Chinatown on Honolulu Harbor is the Aloha Tower Market Place, famous for the Aloha Tower and now for some fabulous stores and restaurants.

Kauai, on the other hand, is known more for its beauty and resistance to change than for shopping. Nevertheless, there are many fun and interesting places to browse and buy. The Poipu Shopping Village has about 30 great little shops and restaurants, and in downtown Lihue you can find anything that you might need.

Although Maui is more laid back than Oahu, there are plenty of shopping opportunities. The Whalers Village Shopping Center is Maui's only oceanfront shopping center. A number of shops and restaurants surround the Whalers Village Museum, too – and be sure to check out the museum!

Another must-see on Maui is the town of Lahaina, the first capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii as well as one of the most important whaling towns in the world. Front Street has many specialty shops, art galleries, restaurants and popular night spots.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, check out King's Shops, which has more than 35 specialty shops and restaurants.