Higher Education
Hawaii has approximately five and colleges and eight community colleges. The University of Hawaii has campuses in Hilo, Manao, and West Oahu. Private institutions of higher learning in the state include Brigham Young University-Hawaii Campus; Chaminade University and Hawaii Pacific University, in Honolulu; and Hawaii Loa College, on Oahu.
Geography
Hawaii is an archipelago of 132 islands in the North Pacific Ocean located about 3,846 km southwest of California. The archipelago stretches 2,451 km from southeast to northwest. Hawaii's eight main islands are Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe, and Hawaii. Altogether, the area of these eight islands covers a total of 16,760 square kilometers. Most of the state's other 124 islands are small, uninhabited atolls. Formed by volcanic activity, the Hawaiian Islands are actually the top of a large, partially submerged mountain range. The interior areas of all the islands are mountainous, while the shoreline areas typically consist of rugged cliffs or sandy beaches. Major Hawaiian cities are Honolulu (capital), Hilo, Kailua, and Kaneohe. Hawaii's population is about
1.1 million.
Climate
Although the state lies in a tropical zone, Hawaii's climate is temperate. Ocean breezes from the northeast generally keep the temperature at a moderate level. Days and nights in Hawaii are of almost equal length throughout the year because of the islands' nearness to the equator. From one season to another, temperature variations are fairly constant. Temperatures in the lowlands range from 21° and 29° C year-round. Mountainous areas can become fairly cold, especially during the winter. On top of Mauna Kea, Hawaii's highest mountain, during most winters there is enough snow to allow skiing.
Cultural Profile
Alaska's performing arts encompass both Western and native music, theater, and dance. Several Alaskan cities support symphony orchestras that perform classic music. Local drama groups present the history, myth, and song of indigenous tribes. Native dances are a major attraction at the Festival of Native Arts in Fairbanks. Eskimos present traditional dances at the Living Museum of the Arctic, in Kotzebue. One of the state's major museums is the Alaska State Museum in Juneau, featuring exhibits on natural history, native Alaskan artifacts, mining history, and modern Alaskan art.
Recreation
Hawaii has numerous museums and cultural attractions. Among the state's museums are the Bishop Museum (specializing in Polynesian culture), on Oahu; the Mission Houses Museum, in Honolulu; the Lyman House Memorial Museum, in Hilo; and the Kamuela Museum, in Waimea. Cultural attractions include the Polynesian Cultural Center, in Laie, and the Honolulu Academy of the Arts (featuring European, Asian, and Hawaiian art).
Musical organizations in Hawaii include the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, the Hawaii Opera Theater, and the Royal Hawaiian Band. On the island of Oahu there are three major theater companies: Honolulu Community Theater, Honolulu Theater for Youth, and Windward Theater Guild.
Interesting Facts
The English explorer James Cook named the Hawaiian Islands the Sandwich Islands. Hawaii has several active volcanoes, including Mauna Loa and Kilauea. There are only twelve letters in the Hawaiian language. Famous Hawaiians include Daniel Inouye (US senator), Bette Midler (singer and actress), Don Ho (singer and entertainer), and Duke Kahanamoku (Olympic champion swimmer and famous surfer).
General
Information
State
Bird: NeneState
Flower: Hibiscus
State
Tree: KukuiState
Capitol: Honolulu
Area:
16,705 sq. kmPopulation:
1,108,000
Elevation:
4,205m-0mMajor
Cities: Honolulu / Hilo
Industry
Information
Agriculture
Industry: Sugar Cane, Pineapples, Milk and
BeefFishing
Industry: Tuna
Mining
Industry: StoneManufacturing
Industry: Food Products, Printed Materials,
Stone Products, Clothing, Furniture and Wood
Temperature
Range
Spring
Temperature (range): Summer
Temperature (range):
Fall Temperature
(range): Winter
Temperature (range):
