Higher Education  

Hawaii has around a dozen accredited private and public colleges and universities, as well as seven community colleges. The University of Hawaii has campuses in Hilo, Manao, and West Oahu. Private institutions of higher learning in the state include Argosy University; Brigham Young University-Hawaii Campus; Chaminade University; Hawaii Pacific University; Remington College; and Hawaii Theological Seminary.

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 1.3 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

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 Theatre, 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.

Recreation

The Hawaiian Islands offer dozens of recreational activities, both in or on the water, as well as on land. Water-related activities include fishing, swimming, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. Among the many recreational activities that can be enjoyed on land are biking, jogging, hiking, horseback riding, and golfing.

Hawaii boasts eight national parks, numerous state parks, state recreation areas, state monuments, and historic sites. Natural attractions include volcanoes, beautiful landscapes, and complex ecosystems.

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 (U.S. senator), Bette Midler (singer and actress), Don Ho (singer and entertainer), Duke Kahanamoku (Olympic champion swimmer and famous surfer), and Barack Obama (U.S. senator and president).

 

General Information State Bird: Nene State Flower: Hibiscus State Tree: Kukui State Capital: Honolulu Area: 16,705 sq. km Population: 1,288,198 (Year 2008) Elevation: 4,205m-0m Major Cities: Honolulu / Hilo Industry Information Agriculture Industry: Sugar Cane, Pineapples, Milk and Beef Fishing Industry: Tuna Mining Industry: Stone Manufacturing Industry: Food Products, Printed Materials, Stone Products, Clothing, Furniture and Wood Temperature Range Spring Temperature (range): 21C / 267C (Honolulu) Summer Temperature (range): 23C / 28C (Honolulu) Fall Temperature (range): 23C / 28C (Honolulu) Winter Temperature (range): 19C / 5C (Honolulu)