How well do you know Hawaii?
Hawaii is famous for beaches, but its language, volcanoes and history are just as remarkable. Six questions, from easy to hard, with explanations.
Did you know?
- Hawaii is the only US state that is entirely made up of islands and the only one located outside North America. It has its own time zone and does not observe daylight saving time.
- Mauna Loa on Hawaiʻi Island is the largest active volcano on Earth by volume. It erupted in 2022 for the first time in 38 years.
- Hawaiian 'pidgin', officially called Hawaiʻi Creole English, is spoken by many residents. It blends English with words from Hawaiian, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese and Filipino languages.
Islands of fire and aloha
Hawaii is a chain of volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, about 2,400 miles from the US mainland. Polynesian voyagers settled the islands more than a thousand years ago, navigating by stars, waves and birds. Today Hawaii blends Native Hawaiian culture with influences from Asia, the Americas and Europe.
Built by a hotspot
The Hawaiian Islands formed as the Pacific Plate moved over a volcanic hotspot. The oldest main islands, such as Kauaʻi, are in the northwest, while the youngest, Hawaiʻi Island, is in the southeast. A new underwater volcano, Kamaʻehu (formerly Lōʻihi), is growing off its coast.
Polynesian navigation
Early Polynesians sailed thousands of miles in double-hulled canoes without instruments. In 1976, the voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa sailed from Hawaii to Tahiti using traditional navigation, reviving interest in these skills and inspiring a cultural renaissance.
The Hawaiian language
Hawaiian nearly disappeared in the 20th century after being banned in schools. Revitalization efforts, including Hawaiian-language immersion schools, have helped it return. Hawaiian is now an official language of the state alongside English.
Unique wildlife
Because Hawaii is so isolated, many plants and animals evolved nowhere else on Earth. The nēnē, a goose that is Hawaii's state bird, and many colorful honeycreeper birds are found only in Hawaii. Unfortunately, the islands also have many endangered species.
Surfing culture
Surfing, or heʻe nalu, was part of Hawaiian life for centuries, practiced by chiefs and commoners alike. Oʻahu's North Shore hosts some of the world's most famous surf competitions, with winter waves that can reach enormous heights.
Food and island traditions
Hawaiian food reflects the islands' many cultures. Poi, made from pounded taro root, is a traditional staple, while poke — seasoned raw fish — has become popular worldwide. The luau, a feast with music and hula, grew from traditional Hawaiian celebrations. Shave ice, a Japanese-influenced treat, is a favorite on hot days.