Did You Know Facts About Hawaii – Part 2

Surfing is extremely popular on the Hawaiian Islands and has dated back centuries. In fact, it is so old that its actual beginning can’t be traced. It was the sport of kings and was a status symbol. Many view it as a way of life. As the sport grew, nearly every Hawaiian rich or poor, ended up owning a surfboard. The boards were used for travel and pleasure. After Captain Cook died on the island, Captain King took over his journals. He was one of the first people to actually document surfing prior to 1820. King Kamehameha was 6’ 6” and was a great surfer as well as a warrior. His Queen, standing at 6’ 4” would later join him as they loved to surf together. Water festivals and surf meets began. Over time, Waikiki has become a hub for surfing. The waves can vary in size and form so experts as well as beginners can learn or hone their skills here.   

Volcanoes are on each of the eight islands. The largest inactive volcano in the world is Mount Haleakala in Maui. It stands over 10,000 feet but if you add in the bottom part of the mountain that sits below sea level, you will need to tack on another 20,000 feet for a total of about 30,000 feet! The summit crater is 7.5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. It last erupted over 200 years ago, but scientists still monitor it for any activity. Currently there are 6 active volcanoes in Hawaii.

Here is a fun fact: The state fish of Hawaii has 20 letters in its name. It is a type of reef triggerfish and is called the humuhumunukunukuapua fish. What a mouthful! It’s a pretty fish about 10” long with a variety of multicolored stripes on it.

It is illegal to own snakes or bring them into Hawaii. But one sneaky snake has made it in. It’s called the Brahminy Blind Snake which was found in the soil of imported potted plants from the Middle East. They are harmless to humans and not venomous. They look more like worms since they are only about 2 ½” – 6 ½” long.

Did you know that Hawaii does not allow gambling at all in their state or surrounding waters? This includes sports betting, slot machines, lotteries, bingo and charity pots. And just a note, if you are on a Hawaiian cruise ship in the waters of Hawaii, the gambling is shut down while in those waters.

The Big Island is very unique in that it has two very different weather patterns on it. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are two volcanoes found on the island, one on the east side and one on the west. The west side is hot and dry. Kona City is located there. The east side has Hilo which has waterways and waterfalls. Astronauts are known to train here due to the varying weather conditions.

So, you’ve found your dream house in Hawaii. Now you have to fill your house with furniture and put food on your table. As one can imagine, everything has been imported at one time or another. Livestock, birds, trees, and food items have all been imported from the Continental United States or other countries. On the rise (pun intended) in 2024 are baked goods including bread, cakes, biscuits and pastries. Wood bedroom furniture, fixtures, products made from plastics or rubber, computers and electronic items are also popular items this year. The cost of living is very high. Groceries, like a gallon of milk, cost about $7.69. King’s Hawaiian Bread is $7.99. Eighteen count of eggs is $12.29. Restaurant costs are high too. Allow a small fortune to live in paradise.

Speaking of paradise, Hawaii has many different colored sand beaches. Black, green, orange, red, and your basic white. The white does include pink coral and shell fragments as well as organic material so the hue can change at different points.

Hawaii is a relaxing, stress-free state with a view like no other. It does cost some coin to visit or live there, but what is the cost of paradise?

Here’s a fun tidbit to finish up your visit to Hawaii. Mail a loose coconut to a friend or loved one as a novelty gift. It has to be addressed and stamped and dried out on the inside. You even can have it checked out to make sure it passes. This is better than a postcard!