Things to Know About Hawaiʻi

Set in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaiʻi blends deep Polynesian roots with dramatic volcanic landscapes, warm ocean waters, and a modern, multicultural community. Before you go, here are essential facts and context to enrich your trip.

Quick Facts & Origins

• First settlers: Polynesian navigators arrived long before written records; most estimates place early settlement well before 800 AD.
• European contact: Captain James Cook reached the islands in 1778.
• Geography: Hawaiʻi is the southernmost U.S. state; Alaska extends farther west in longitude.
• Coffee: Thanks to rich volcanic soils, Hawaiʻi is the only U.S. state that grows coffee commercially—tour farms on Hawaiʻi Island (Kona), Maui, and Oʻahu.
• Privately owned islands: Niʻihau and Lānaʻi are largely privately owned.
• People: A true cultural mosaic—no single majority ethnicity statewide.
• Alphabet: The Hawaiian alphabet uses 12 letters (A, E, I, O, U, H, K, L, M, N, P, W) plus the ʻokina (glottal stop) and macrons (kahakō) to mark long vowels.
• Highest point: Mauna Kea (on Hawaiʻi Island) at 13,803 ft above sea level; measured from its seafloor base, it’s taller than Everest.
• Wildlife protection: Snakes are illegal in Hawaiʻi to safeguard native ecosystems.

History Highlights

• Monarchy era: The Kingdom of Hawaiʻi (1795–1893) unified the islands under Kamehameha I; aliʻi (royalty) remain central to local history and identity.
• Iolani Palace: The only royal palace on U.S. soil. Visit ʻIolani Palace—the 1893 overthrow occurred here, and Queen Liliʻuokalani was later held under house arrest inside.

Nature & Weather

• Rain & waterfalls: Mt. Waiʻaleʻale on Kauaʻi ranks among Earth’s wettest places (hundreds of inches of rain annually), feeding countless streams and falls.
• Volcanoes: Hawaiʻi Island (the “Big Island”) is the youngest island, built by five shield volcanoes. Active volcanism can reshape landscapes and affect access—always check current conditions.
• Coastline: The archipelago spans 132 islands (main islands, islets, atolls), with miles of beaches and rugged sea cliffs.

Etiquette & Tips

• Language: Learn a few words—aloha (hello/love), mahalo (thank you), pau (finished), and place-name pronunciation with the ʻokina.
• Respect: Heed kapu (no-trespassing/sacred) signage, stay on marked trails, and respect marine life; use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Driving: Expect slower scenic roads; “drive with aloha.”

Plan Ahead

Popular experiences can sell out weeks or months in advance. To secure your dates, browse Hawaiʻi tours & activities and book early with our low price guarantee.