Formed by volcanoes, Hawaii is known for its lush vegetation, exquisite beaches and picturesque scenery. It is the only state in the US that has two official languages recognized in its constitution (English and Hawaiian).
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Although Hawaii’s history dates back to approximately 500 AD, most historical accounts begin in the late 1770’s when British Captain James Cook twice explored the islands. On his second visit, he was thought to be a God reincarnate. On his last departure there was a skirmish with some native islanders and Cook was injured and bleeding. Seeing that he was mortal, the islanders quickly surrounded the landing party and stabbed Cook to death.
In 1782 King Kamehameha I rose to power on Hawaii and quickly set out to conquer the other islands. By adopting British weapons and sailing ships, all but Kauai had fallen to his control. By the time of his death in 1819, his people had enjoyed over thirty years of peace and prosperity.
Kamehameha’s legacy carried on as his descendants continued to rule until the death of Kamehameha V died in 1893. Sanford B. Dole then rose to power in a provisional government. Since the United States recognized Hawaii as an independent nation in 1842, Dole now strengthened these ties and by 1900 Hawaii became a territory of the U.S. A tidal wave of immigrants began pouring into the sugar plantations. They came from Japan, China, Spain, Korea and Portugal. Once the sugar plantations slowed down the pineapple industry erupted. These immigrants made Hawaii a melting pot and just 125 years after Captain Cook first landed here, the native Hawaiians became the minority.
Hawaii’s strategic position in the Pacific made it a perfect defense outpost. This led to the 1942 attack on Pearl Harbor when more than 3,400 people lost their lives when Japan attacked. After several unsuccessful attempts to secure statehood, Hawaii became the fiftieth state in 1959.
The three most important businesses in the state are tourism, defense activities and agriculture. More than six million visitors each year visit one of the islands, with more than one third being foreigners. Over twenty thousand civilians are employed in numerous military installations on the islands. Sugar cane and pineapples are the primary cash crops. Macadamia nuts and Kona coffee are also major endeavors. Food processing, motion picture production and fishing are also large economic contributors.
The statewide sales tax is 4 percent. There is also a 5 percent Transient Accommodations Tax on lodgings for stays of less than 180 consecutive days.
Swimming, beaches, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing and sailing make up the majority of water related activities. For those inclined to stay on dry land, there are numerous golf courses, tennis courts, places to hunt and fish and campgrounds. Almost any warm weather activity can be found somewhere in Hawaii.
