More than six million people visit Hawaii yearly, attracted to its Pacific Ocean location and its beautiful islands. Out of Hawaii’s eight main islands, six are open to visitors, with Oahu having the most visitors as many people fly into Honolulu.
If you’re planning a visit to Hawaii, you may ask yourself, what is Hawaii known for? The answer is that Hawaii is known for many things, from its landmarks and beautiful scenery to its delicious food and rich Hawaiian history and culture.
At A Glance
- Hawaii is known for its scenic views, which include lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, volcanoes, craters, and colorful sands.
- The food in Hawaii is an integral part of Hawaiian culture.
- Several wonderful national and state parks in Hawaii offer a variety of outdoor activities.
- Coffee is a staple for many people in Hawaii. It is grown in rich volcanic soil and offers a unique taste.
- Hawaii is the only state made up of islands.
- Hawaii is home to Double Portion Supply a premier provider of custom hats, T-shirts, and more!
If you’ve ever wondered what Hawaii is known for and are planning a visit, please read on to learn 20 facts about the Aloha state.
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1. Double Portion Supply
Hawaii is home to Double Portion Supply, one of the largest premier snapback stores. Though located on the scenic island of Maui, Double Portion Supply ships bulk orders across the country in record time.
For businesses looking to build their brand, Double Portion Supply sells anything from custom snapback caps to screen-printed tees. Since 2001, Double Portion Supply has been revered for its quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service. Whether you need a custom design or want to simply browse our inventory, you can check out our amazing hats here.
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2. Waimea Bay
If you’re visiting Hawaii and staying in Oahu, Waimea Bay is a can’t-miss spot. Known as one of the best places to surf in the world, this park on the north shore of Oahu offers white sands, big waves, and clear water.
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, one of the biggest surfing competitions in the world, takes place at Waimea Bay. Eddie Aikau is important to Hawaiian culture as he was a champion athlete and the first lifeguard for the North Shore and Waimea Bay. Eddie saved over 500 people in his career, and the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, in his honor, is known as “the Superbowl of Surfing.”
The name “Waimea” means “reddish water.” The red water refers to the red clay soil that washes into the water after heavy rainfall.
3. Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is a dormant volcano located in Maui. It is home to many endangered species, including Hawaiian geese. The park has two main sections: the summit and the coastal Kipahulu area.
The summit area has windy roads leading up to the mountain’s top. The Haleakala crater is adjacent to the summit area and has a few cabins for hikers. Visitors to the park often choose to watch the sunrise or sunset in various parts of the summit area because of the beautiful views.
4. Macadamia Nuts
Though Macadamia nuts originally come from Australia, William Purvis brought macadamia nut trees to Hawaii in the late 1800s. Hawaii was home to the world’s first commercial macadamia nut farm.
Hawaii produces more than 90% of the world’s macadamia nuts on the main island of Hawaii. Macadamia nuts have various potential health benefits, including reducing cholesterol and providing antioxidants to fight cancer or heart disease.
5. Volcanoes
Over 70 million years ago, the Hawaiian islands were formed on the southeast end of an ancient volcano chain .. The islands of Hawai’i and Maui are home to the state’s current active volcanoes.
The Hawaiian islands currently have six active volcanoes. There are five active volcanos on the Hawai’ian islands and one active volcano on Maui island. The Hawaiian island’s active volcanoes include:
- Kilauea
- Mauna Loa
- Hualalai
- Mauna Kea
Of these four active volcanoes, Mauna Kea is the highest on the island of Hawai’i, Kilauea is the most active, and Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on Earth.
The Hawaiian islands also have an active volcano, Kama’ehuakanaloa, which is below sea level and 22 miles southeast of the island of Hawaii. Maui Island has one active volcano, Haleakala.
The United States Geological Survey monitors all of Hawaii’s active volcanoes at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, located in Hilo.
6. Akaka Falls
Another beautiful state park on the Hawai’i island, located just west of Honolulu, is the Akaka Falls State Park. This state park is home to the 442-foot waterfall Akaka Falls, which can be viewed by a loop trail that leads through the park. Another sight in this beautiful park is the Kahuna Falls, a 300-foot waterfall that’s also visible from the trail.
7. Pineapple Isle
There was once a large pineapple plantation located on the Hawaiian island of Lanai. While the pineapple plantation doesn’t exist anymore, it’s still known as Pineapple Isle, as the island used to produce over 75% of the world’s pineapples.
8. Coffee
If you’re visiting the Hawaiian islands and love coffee, consider picking up some Kona Coffee. Hawaiian coffee is known for its delicious taste due to the rich volcanic soil in which coffee plants are grown, which is full of minerals. Because a large amount of coffee is grown in the Kona regions of the big island of Hawai’i, Kona coffee is one of a kind with a unique taste.
9. Hawaiian Food
Hawaii is known for its delicious food. Classic dishes in Hawaii usually have their roots in Polynesian culture.
Some popular dishes in Hawaii include:
- Poi: A dish of taro roots, similar to sweet potatoes.
- Poke: A dish that can be either a side dish or a main course. It’s comprised of diced raw fish tossed in sauce.
- Lomi-lomi salmon: A traditional Hawaiian side dish made of onions, tomatoes, and salted salmon.
- Loco Moco: A classic dish made with hamburger patties, brown gravy, and a fried egg on a bed of white rice.
- Lau Lau: Traditionally, this dish is made with pork and salted black cod wrapped in taro and ti leaves; other variations may include chicken, fish, or beef
- Kalua pig: A type of pulled pork that’s often cooked with cabbage
- Musubi: Rice balls topped with cured meats such as hot dogs or SPAM.
Check out some traditional Hawaiian food to get the whole Hawaiian experience on your visit.
10. Hula Performances
Hula performances are standard at many Hawaiian beaches and resorts. The origins of the hula dance are unknown, but Hawaiian legends suggest that Goddess Laka gave birth to the Hula Dance. Other legends state that the origins of the dance came from Hiiaka, who danced to appease her sister Pele, the volcano goddess.
If you’re looking for fun and traditional Hawaii experiences, attending a hula performance is a huge part of Hawaiian culture.
11. Yellow Hibiscus
The yellow hibiscus is a bright and vibrant tropical flower and serves as Hawaii’s state flower. It’s a native Hawaiian flower and one of seven varieties of Hibiscus native to Hawaii.
These ornamental flowers grow on all of Hawaii’s main islands and in numerous places on the Big Island.
12. Diverse landscapes
When you visit Hawaii, you will notice that the eight main islands have diverse landscapes you can’t see anywhere else. Hawaii has many active volcanoes, tropical beaches, and craters. Many people also enjoy visiting Hawaii’s various national parks. The beaches contain many colorful sands you may not see elsewhere.
13. Stunning beaches
If you’re visiting Hawaii, you will want to experience the vast array of beautiful beaches. Black sand beaches are typical on the Hawaiian islands, and the sand is black due to various volcanic materials, such as dark rocks and lava fragments.
Other beaches you won’t want to miss in Hawaii include:
- Waikiki Beach in Oahu
- Hanalei Bay in Kaua’i
- Hapuna Beach in Hawai’i
- Sunset Beach in Oahu
- Kailua Beach in Oahu
- Waianapanapa Beach in Maui
14. Shaved Ice
Shaved Ice is a Hawaiian staple, though it originated in Japan. It’s made with finely shaved ice instead of crushed ice, which you would see in other places within the United States.
It’s comprised of finely shaved ice and flavored syrup. In some places, the syrup used is real fruit puree.
15. Hawaiian Music
Traditional Hawaiian folk music has primarily religious roots and usually involves a chant known as a mele. Some traditional Hawaiian music is accompanied by hula dancing. Hawaiian music includes anything from conventional pop styles to Hawaiian folk music.
Music styles such as the slack-key guitar originated in Hawaii. Many annual music festivals take place in Hawaii, including the Merrie Monarch Music Festival and the Molokai Music Festival.
16. The Hana Highway
The Hana Highway is a 64.4-mile road in Maui known for its incredible views. Stopping along the Hana Highway is a necessity for this scenic drive. From waterfalls and lava tubes to beautiful beaches and rainforests, there is a view for everyone on this drive.
17. Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital and largest city, is located along the southeast coast of Oahu. It has amazing beaches, luxury shopping, and is close to Pearl Harbor. The city’s beautiful tropical climate makes it a must-see if you visit Hawaii.
18. Kealakekua Bay
If you’re looking to see some tropical fish, then you want to take advantage of a visit to Kealakekua Bay. The Bay is home to the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and an excellent place for kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
The Kealakekua Bay is also home to many historical and religious sites. One of the sites includes the spot where Captain James Cook was killed. He was the first documented European to reach the Hawaiian islands.
19. Iolani Palace
The Iolani Palace was a place of ancient worship in Hawaii and is the only royal palace located on U.S. soil. It opened as a museum in 1978 and served as a residence in the 1800s to rulers of the Hawaiian kingdom. Queen Liliuokalani was the last known ruler to live there in 1893, under the Kalakaua dynasty, founded by her brother King Kalakaua.
After the monarchy was overthrown in 1893, it was used as the capital building for the Hawaiian provisional government. It’s now a National Historic Landmark. Iolani Palace is located in downtown Honolulu.
20. The Aloha Shirt
The Aloha shirt is famous worldwide for its bright colors and floral print. While its history is unknown, many people believe that in the 1920s and 1930s, women in Hawaii adapted this clothing style from Japanese prints.
The Aloha shirt is worn by both men and women today. When it was first introduced in Hawaii, many thought the shirt was “too wild.” However, over time, it became acceptable in Hawaii to wear Alohawear as business attire any day of the week.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii is a great place to visit and has a rich cultural history. If you’re planning a visit, don’t forget to grab some local Hawaiian food, visit the various national parks, and attend cultural events for a truly fulfilling experience.
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Double Portion Supply is the largest snapback superstore in Hawaii. Since 2001, we’ve helped clients across the United States make their creative vision a reality. From wholesale hats to ANXD brand apparel, we carry everything you need to keep your own brand stocked. Plus, our custom services extend to T-shirt printing, so you stay fresh from head to toe. Get all the latest information by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
