As one of the most beautiful places on earth, the 137 islands, islets and shoals that make up the Hawaiian Island chain sit at the northern tip of the Polynesian Triangle, an expanse of ocean roughly the size of Europe and North America combined. However, most people know Hawaii only by six of these islands: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the Big Island Honolulu. Every year, millions of people come to this beautiful resort to visit and enjoy their vacation. It is generally believed Hawaii’s first permanent inhabitants sailed in voyaging canoes from the southern hemisphere islands of the Marquesas, between 300 and 800 A.D. Later waves of settlers arrived by the 12th century, this time from Tahiti. Hawaii is a land of many contrasts. Urban Honolulu, the state capital, is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a population of more than 370,000; the entire island of Molokai, a scant 50 miles away, has only 7,400 residents.

　　State Flag
　　The state flag has eight stripes representing the Hawaiian archipelago’s major islands: Nihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island of Hawaii. The colors are red, white and blue. From top to bottom on the flag the stripes are, in order, white, red, blue, white, red, blue, white, red. The upper left corner closely resembles the Union Jack of Great Britain. Designed for King Kamehameha I in the early 1800’s, the flag’s resemblance to the Union Jack symbolizes King Kamehameha’s friendship with the British.

　　State Motto
　　Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘aina i ka pono (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness). King Kamehameha III is said to have uttered these words on July 31, 1843, when a British admiral once more raised the Hawaiian flag after a brief usurpation of authority.

　　Hawaii’s Attractions
　　The Big Island (Honolulu)
　　You can try dancing the hula and taking part in an authentic luau (feast). Head upcountry and discover the uniquely blended Hawaiian, Portuguese, and Mexican cultures — still alive and well among Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys) on the island’s giant ranches. Or perhaps you can visit historical Kealakekua Bay where Captain James Cook dramatically lost his life in 1779. Finally, don’t miss Puukohola Heiau. This sacred spot was built in 1790 by King Kamehameha as an offering to the gods, where he asked for success in his campaign to unite the Hawaiian Islands.

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