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| Hawai'i – General Information | |
| Described by Mark Twain as "the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean," Hawaii is a string of tropical islands at the center of the Pacific Rim. Formed by a long series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, the Hawaiian Islands chain is comprised of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui and Hawaii. They are now home to 1.2 million people, 80% of whom live on the island of Oahu. Seven million visitors from around the world come to Hawaii every year to enjoy the tropical beauty and diverse cultures of the islands known as the Aloha State. | |
| Hawaii Facts: | |
| Location: | Center of Pacific Rim, 20 ° 15' Latitude (North) by 156 ° 20' Longitude (West) |
| Flight Time to Japan: | 7 hours |
| Flight Time to California: | 5 hours |
| Main Islands: | Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Lanai, Niihau, Molokai, and Kahoolawe |
| Most Populated Island: | Oahu |
| State Capital: | Honolulu (Oahu) |
| Oahu's Land Area: | 950 square miles |
| Oahu's Length and Width: | 45 miles; 30 miles |
| The State's Population: | 1.2 million |
| Oahu's Population: | 890,000 |
| Popular Sports: | Surfing, Windsurfing, Golfing, Biking, Tennis and Scuba Diving |
| Average Temperature: | 78º - 85º F |
| Major Ethnic Backgrounds: | 58 % Asian and Pacific Islander; 30 % Caucasian |
| Industries: | Tourism, Diversified Agriculture, Research and Development (Oceanography, Astrophysics, Geophysics, and Biomedicine), Small Manufacturing, Retail, Wholesale and Service Trades |
| Famous Attractions: | Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, Polynesian Cultural Center, Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala National Park, Waimea Canyon, Iolani Palace |
| Oahu
The island of Oahu, known as "the gathering place," is home to 890,000 people, most of them living in Honolulu. As the center of government and commerce, cosmopolitan Honolulu abounds with fascinating places to go and exciting things to do. Oahu's sandy beaches and legendary surf spots such as Waikiki, Sandy Beach and the North Shore make it an outdoor paradise. |
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The
People of Hawaii  What
really makes Hawaii so special is its diverse population comprised
of Native Hawaiians, Asian Americans, Caucasians, Asians, Hispanics,
African Americans, Native Americans, and many others. Over the years,
the state has become a model for many different races peacefully existing
side by side. |
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| The
Climate Hawaii's weather is very consistent, with only slight temperature changes throughout the year. It is the perfect place for outdoor activities with an average daily temperature of 78°- 85° F year round. |
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Sports People enjoy outdoor activities during all seasons. Water sports such as surfing, body boarding and body surfing, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing and windsurfing are among the most popular activities. Other sports and activities such as volleyball, tennis, hiking, golfing, running, biking, hang-gliding, skydiving, gliding, sailing and boating, and horseback riding may be enjoyed year round. Hawaii hosts some of the world's greatest sporting events every year, including the Triple Crown of Surfing, Honolulu Marathon, Ironman Triathlon World Championship, Transpacific Yacht Club Race, NFL Pro Bowl, Hawaiian Open Golf Tournament and Pacific Rim Windsurfing Championship. |
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Nightlife Oahu is the perfect place for a great night out. The island has something for everybody's taste whether you want to experience the diverse cuisine, enjoy dancing the night away, or like moonlight strolls on the beach. |
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Cultural
Activities  Cultural
activities, events, museums, and organizations enrich the experience
of Hawai'i and reflect Honolulu's cosmopolitan environment. The
Hawaii International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and audiences
from around the world. The Honolulu Symphony, the Hawaii Opera Theater,
various dance companies, pop/rock shows and visiting and local stage
shows and theater productions perform throughout the year. World-recognized
museums such as the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, the Honolulu Academy
of Arts and the Contemporary Museum house unique collections. Ethnic
events and celebrations such as Chinese New Year Celebration, Japanese
Bon Dance Season, Hoolaulea, Festa Portugues, Heritage Cultural
Festival, Hawaii Dragon Boat Festival, King Kamehameha Day Celebration,
Aloha Week Festivals, Cherry Blossom Festival, Narcissus Festival,
and others provide opportunities to experience the unique multicultural
diversity of Hawaii. |
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| Public
Transportation Getting around on Oahu is easy and cheap. With one of one of the best bus networks in the U.S.A., the island's "The Bus" offers convenient, efficient service to all places of interest on Oahu. Passes cost $30.00 per month for unlimited travel. |
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| More Information | |
| Hawaii Visitors Bureau: http://www.gohawaii.com/ | |
| Facts and Figures from the Hawaii Government: http://www.state.hi.us/dbedt/facts/statefact.html | |
| General Hawaii Info: http://www.hawaii.com | |
| Hawaiian Language Website: http://www.geocities.com/~olelo/ | |
| Honolulu Advertiser – Hawaii’s Newspaper: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ | |
| Lonely Planet Guide to Hawaii: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/north_america/hawaii/ | |
| Study
Abroad Hawai'i, 25 New South Street, #102, Northampton, MA 01060 Phone: (413) 584-7639 Contact Study Abroad Hawai'i |
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