5 Fascinating Facts About Hawaii You Didn’t Know!
Hawai’i is a land full of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique traditions. Whether you’re planning a trip or just love learning new things, here are five interesting facts about Hawai’i that make the islands truly special!
1. English and Hawaiian Are the Official Languages
Did you know that Hawaiian was once an oral-only language? Before Christian missionaries arrived in 1820, Hawaiians passed down their stories, songs, and history through chants and poems. These missionaries helped develop the written Hawaiian language, which consists of only 12 letters (A, E, I, O, U, H, K, L, M, N, P, and W).
An important part of the language is the ʻokina symbol, which looks like a left single quotation mark (‘). The Hawaiian ʻokina symbol represents a glottal stop, separating syllables. It plays a crucial role in pronunciation, distinguishing words with different meanings!
2. Hawai’i Is the Birthplace of Modern Surfing
Surfing’s roots trace back to ancient Polynesia, but it was in Hawai’i where the sport truly flourished. The legendary Duke Kahanamoku, often called the “Father of Surfing,” brought the sport to the world stage in the early 20th century.
Born in Honolulu, Duke Kahanamoku was an Olympic gold medalist in swimming and a true ambassador of Hawaiian culture. His legacy lives on through the iconic Duke Kahanamoku statue at Waikiki Beach, a must-see when visiting Oahu. If you want to experience the magic of surfing, Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to try!
3. Hawai’i’s State Fish Has the Longest Name!
Meet the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa—Hawai’i’s official state fish. Its name means “triggerfish with a snout like a pig.” While that’s already a mouthful, another Hawaiian fish has an even longer name:
Lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi – which translates to “long-snouted fish shaped like a wiliwili leaf.” This incredible name is one of the longest words in the Hawaiian language!
4. It’s Impolite to Refuse a Lei
In Hawaiian culture, a lei is more than just a beautiful garland of flowers—it’s a symbol of love, respect, and aloha spirit. Leis are often given for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, or as a simple gesture of welcome.
Hawaiian etiquette tip: It’s considered impolite to decline a lei when offered. Once received, you should also avoid removing it in front of the person who gave it to you, as it could be seen as disrespectful.
5. The World’s Largest Pineapple Maze Is in Hawai’i
Located on Oahu, the Dole Plantation is home to the largest pineapple maze in the world! Spanning over 3 acres, the maze features 14,000 vibrant Hawaiian plants arranged in the shape of a giant pineapple. Visitors can challenge themselves to find eight hidden stations before reaching the mystery at the center.
Want to visit this amazing spot? Join our Nature and You: Waimea Falls Hiking and Swimming tour! We make a stop at the Dole Plantation on the way back to Waikiki, giving you the chance to explore this record-breaking attraction.
Discover More About Hawai’i!
There’s always something new to learn about Hawaiian culture, history, and nature. If you’re looking for unique experiences while visiting Oahu, check out our eco-friendly tours with And You Creations!
