Hawaii

1. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Big Island): Famous for its two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, this park offers visitors the chance to see lava flows, volcanic craters, and hike through rainforests and deserts. It’s one of the most geologically fascinating places on Earth.
2. Waikiki Beach (Oahu): One of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki is known for its golden sands, clear waters, and views of Diamond Head. It’s a popular spot for surfing, swimming, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Honolulu.
3. Pearl Harbor National Memorial (Oahu): This historic site honors those who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The memorial includes the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, and museums dedicated to World War II history.
4. Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park (Kauai): Known for its dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and hidden beaches, the Nā Pali Coast is one of Hawaii’s most breathtaking landscapes. Visitors can hike the Kalalau Trail or explore the coastline by boat or helicopter.
5. Road to Hana (Maui): This scenic drive along Maui’s eastern coast is famous for its stunning waterfalls, coastal views, and lush rainforests. The winding road has over 600 curves and 50 bridges, leading to the quiet town of Hana.
6. Haleakalā National Park (Maui): Home to the world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakalā, this park offers incredible views of the sunrise from the summit. Visitors can also hike through volcanic craters and explore lush bamboo forests.
7. Lanikai Beach (Oahu): Known for its soft, powdery sand and calm turquoise waters, Lanikai Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the world. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, and enjoying peaceful ocean views.
8. Iolani Palace (Oahu): Located in downtown Honolulu, Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the U.S. It was the residence of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs and is now a museum showcasing the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
9. Polynesian Cultural Center (Oahu): This living museum offers visitors a chance to learn about Polynesian cultures from Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and other Pacific islands. It features interactive exhibits, cultural performances, and traditional luaus.
10. Waimea Canyon State Park (Kauai): Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is famous for its colorful, deep gorges and stunning vistas. Visitors can hike the numerous trails and enjoy panoramic views of the island’s rugged interior.

1. Hawaii is the only state that grows coffee commercially: Hawaii’s unique climate allows it to be the only U.S. state where coffee is grown. The most famous Hawaiian coffee is Kona coffee, which is produced on the Big Island.
2. Hawaii has its own time zone: Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST) is unique to Hawaii and some parts of Alaska. Hawaii doesn’t observe daylight saving time, so the state is always on the same schedule, making it one of only two U.S. states that do so.
3. Surfing was invented in Hawaii: Ancient Hawaiians are credited with inventing surfing. The sport was part of their culture for centuries, and today, Hawaii is still one of the best places in the world to catch waves.
4. The Hawaiian alphabet only has 13 letters: The Hawaiian language uses just 13 letters—five vowels (A, E, I, O, U) and eight consonants (H, K, L, M, N, P, W, and the ʻokina, a glottal stop). Despite its small alphabet, the language is rich and expressive.
5. There’s a royal palace in the U.S.: Hawaii’s Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the U.S. It was once the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchs before Hawaii became a U.S. state.
6. Hawaii has the world’s largest dormant volcano: Haleakalā on Maui is the world’s largest dormant volcano. Its massive crater spans 7 miles, and visitors can hike or drive to the summit to witness its unique landscape.
7. Hawaii is the most isolated population center on Earth: Located more than 2,000 miles from the U.S. mainland, Hawaii is the most remote inhabited place in the world. It takes several hours to fly to or from any other major landmass.
8. There are more than 100 islands in Hawaii: Hawaii is made up of 137 islands, though only 7 are inhabited. The largest islands—Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island—are the main tourist destinations.
9. Hawaii is home to the wettest place on Earth: Mount Waialeale on Kauai holds the record for one of the wettest places in the world, with an average rainfall of 450 inches per year. It’s often shrouded in mist and rain.
10. No billboards are allowed in Hawaii: Billboards are illegal in Hawaii to preserve the state’s natural beauty. This law helps maintain Hawaii’s stunning landscapes without the visual clutter of advertisements.

Famous Men

1. Barack Obama (1961–): Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States and the first African American to hold the office. He served two terms from 2009 to 2017 and is known for his efforts in healthcare reform and international diplomacy.
2. Duke Kahanamoku (1890–1968): Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Duke Kahanamoku was a legendary Olympic swimmer and is considered the father of modern surfing. He helped popularize the sport worldwide and remains a Hawaiian cultural icon.
3. Bruno Mars (1985–): Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Bruno Mars is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and record producer known for hits like Uptown Funk and Just the Way You Are. He is one of the best-selling music artists in the world.
4. Jason Momoa (1979–): Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jason Momoa is an actor best known for his roles in Game of Thrones and as the title character in Aquaman. He is recognized for his rugged action roles and Hawaiian heritage.
5. Don Ho (1930–2007): Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Don Ho was a famous Hawaiian musician and entertainer, best known for his song Tiny Bubbles. He was a major figure in the Hawaiian music scene and popularized island sounds to a global audience.

Famous Women

1. Queen Liliʻuokalani (1838–1917): Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Queen Liliʻuokalani was the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom before its overthrow in 1893. She is remembered for her efforts to preserve Hawaiian sovereignty and her cultural contributions, including writing the famous song Aloha ʻOe.
2. Bette Midler (1945–): Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Bette Midler is an actress, singer, and comedian known for her roles in films like Beaches and Hocus Pocus, as well as her hit songs like The Rose. She is an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner.
3. Nicole Kidman (1967–): Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Nicole Kidman is an Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in films like Moulin Rouge!, The Hours, and Big Little Lies. Though raised in Australia, her birthplace connects her to Hawaii.
4. Tulsi Gabbard (1981–): Born in Leloaloa, American Samoa, and raised in Hawaii, Tulsi Gabbard is a politician and U.S. Army veteran who represented Hawaii in the U.S. Congress. She became the first Hindu member of Congress and is known for her advocacy on military and veterans’ issues.
5. Maggie Q (1979–): Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Maggie Q is an actress and model known for her roles in Nikita, Designated Survivor, and the Divergent series. She is also an animal rights activist.