Top 10 Fun Facts About Hawaii

Hawaii is known for spectacular beaches, luaus, and drinks served in coconuts, but it’s a state with a rich tapestry of history and natural wonder. Learn more about Hawaii with these ten fun facts.

Surfing Originated in Hawaii

Surf culture is abundant in Hawaii, as it is in many other coastal areas. Hawaii lays claim to the sport’s origin story, though.

Hawaii Houses the World’s Largest Dormant Volcano

Maui is a thriving tourism hotspot, but when you vacation on Maui, you might be vacationing on a volcano. Haleakalā, the world’s largest dormant volcano, stands an astounding 10,023 feet high and makes up around 75% of Maui.

There Are No Squirrels in Hawaii

Squirrels are among the most common animals you’ll see nearly anywhere in the US…except in Hawaii. In fact, Hawaii is the only US state where there are no squirrels.

Hawaii Has Two Official Languages

There are two official languages written into Hawaii’s state constitution: English and Olelo Hawai’i, a traditional Hawaiian language. This makes Hawaii the only US state to have two official languages.

There Is British Land in Hawaii

Captain James Cook is credited as the first European to reach Hawaii, and at first, his relationship with the locals was positive. He and his crew overstayed their welcome, though, and it eventually resulted in Captain Cook’s death in Kealakekua Bay. The area where he died was later sold to the British and they erected a monument to Cook on the site.

Hawaii Has State Holidays Honoring Historical Monarchs

Hawaii was previously ruled by a monarchy, and some of the monarchs are still revered and celebrated today with their own holidays. June 11th is King Kamehameha I Day and March 26th is Prince Kuhio Day.

All Forms of Gambling Are Illegal in Hawaii

Hawaii is one of only two states in the US where all forms of gambling are illegal - the other state is Utah. Vegas is a particularly popular vacation destination for Hawaii residents for that reason.

Hawaii’s State Flag Features a Union Jack

The Hawaiian flag was designed as a unique combination of British, American, and Hawaiian symbolism. It features a Union Jack (the British flag) along with stripes similar to the American flag’s stripes - the eight stripes represent the eight major Hawaiian islands.

You Can Mail a Coconut in Hawaii

Got a message to mail but no envelope or paper? No problem! In Hawaii, you’re able to mail a coconut (no box, no packaging, just the coconut), so you can write your message directly on the coconut.

Hawaii Has a Unique Problem: Vog

Many places in the US have occasional problems with smog as a result of pollution. While this isn’t an issue in Hawaii, the islands do have another issue: vog, a smog-like phenomenon caused by volcanic ash.

Share your favorites!
Hawaii Search
Best Things To Do Near You
Best Things To Do Near You
Best Places To Go Near You
Best Places To Go Near You
100 Maunalua Ave, Maunaloa, HI
Our History:High Chief Lot Kapuaiwa, who later became King Kamehameha V, gained the title to the land that later became Molokai Ranch in 1863. Kapu... Read More
1342 Maunaloa Highway, Kaunakakai, HI
"They're here," shouted little Malia. She was very excited. Nearly her whole halau was gathered together getting ready for tomorrow's West Coast In... Read More
Kalae Highway, Kualapuu, HI
Ironwood Hills is a historic 9-hole plantation-style course on the lush hillsides of cool and tranquil Kalae in central Molokai.Uneven fairways, sm... Read More
Kalaupapa National Historical Park was established on December 22, 1980. Now more than thirty years old, the park is dedicated to preserving the me... Read More
41-202 Kalanianaole Highway #7, Waimanalo, HI
Sea Life Park Hawaii is located on O’ahu – one of Hawaii’s most famous islands – known for its natural beauty, history, cul... Read More
7770 Hawaii Kai Dr., Honolulu, HI
If you are into speed lines and big airs, Kamiloiki is the park for you. The main section of the park consists of three separate 6 foot concrete bo... Read More
One Keomoku Highway, Lanai City, HI
The Experience at Koele Golf Course is a Public Resort golf course designed by Greg Norman in Lanai, HI. This is a  18 hole golf course. Read More
820 West Hind Drive Suite 1227, Honolulu, HI
About Us:My Gym Kids grow by leaps and bounds. Physical benefits include increased strength, balance, fitness, coordination, and motor skills. The ... Read More
5000 Kahala Avenue, Honolulu, HI
Dolphin Quest is committed to protecting our planet and inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards – those who respect, value and work t... Read More
4055 Papu Circle, Honolulu, HI
About Us:  Shangri La is a center for Islamic arts and cultures, offering guided tours, residencies for scholars and artists, and progra... Read More
2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
Mission Statement: At the Waikiki Aquarium, our mission is to inspire and promote understanding, appreciation and conservation of Pacific marine l... Read More
151 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI
About Honolulu ZooThe Honolulu Zoo is the only zoo within a radius of 2,392 miles. It is also the only zoo in the United States that originated in ... Read More
Po Box 159101, Honolulu, HI
KOS Tours have been providing Hummer Movie Location tours on the Island of Oahu since 2003.  We love the movies.  We love Lost.  We ... Read More
2454 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI
Vision: We aspire to co-create a society where a deeper knowledge of one’s heritage and a profound understanding of oneself will enable enli... Read More
Show More
Select a Hawaii town to find
the Best Things-To-Do and Places To Go around you