Destination Information
About Hawaii
Home to the world’s most active volcano, the world’s tallest sea mountain and birthplace of surfing and the hula. Hawaii is one of the youngest geological formations in the world and the youngest state of the union. But perhaps Hawaii’s most unique feature is its Aloha Spirit: the warmth of the people of Hawaii that wonderfully complements the Islands’ perfect temperatures.
There are primarily six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii’s Big island. Each island has its own distinct personality and offers its own adventures, activities, and sightseeing opportunities. Our program focuses on Honolulu (on Oahu) & Maui
Anytime of year is a good time to visit Hawaii. Summer, between April and November is warmer and drier. Trade winds keep things comfortable year-round.
English is spoken throughout the islands, but Hawaiian is also an official language of the state of Hawaii. Pidgin English, a form of local slang, is also spoken in casual conversation.
Why We Are There?
The People of Hawaii
Who are the people of Hawaii? When Captain James Cook arrived in Hawaii in 1778 that was a relatively easy question to answer. There were, depending on the various estimates available, between 300,000 and 400,000 kanaka maoli - native Hawaiians.
Over the last one hundred and twenty years, the numbers of pure Hawaiians, those with only Hawaiian blood, have continued to decline. The number of those who are at least part Hawaiian, and who consider themselves to be Hawaiian, has increased steadily since the turn of the century. Today, there are estimated to be between 255,000 and 275,000 native Hawaiians living in Hawaii.
What can be said about the native Hawaiian population of today is that it is growing at a rate of about 6000 people per year, and at a higher rate than any other ethnic group in Hawaii. The native Hawaiians, however, are only a part of the answer to the question, "Who are the people of Hawaii?". Depending on whether you accept the figures of the U.S. Census Bureau or those of the Health Surveillance Program of the Department of Health, the native Hawaiian population comprises between 12.5% and 18.8% of the total population of the State of Hawaii as of 1990. The native Hawaiians are a minority in their own land.
|
