- Hawaii is the only state with an official language other than English and the only state that has a history of royalty.
- Hawaii has a complex Civil Defense system that warns residents of impending disasters. This is good, since there is always potential for something major like a tsunami or hurricane. It’s also used to warn about high surf, severe thunder storms, flash floods and traffic delays. Rarely a day goes by that there is not a Civil Defense announcement. Our favorite is the flash flood warning that drones on about the dangers and ends with the admonition, “Don’t drown.”
- Ladies do not sprinkle when they tinkle. In all the time I’ve been here, I think I’ve seen 2 toilet seats that I’ve decided to skip. In the same vein, porta-potties are incredibly clean.
- The streetlights on this island are yellow - similar in color to the amber in a stoplight. The reason for this? The astronomical observatories on Mauna Kea. Regular street lights would create too much glare and light, which would adversely affect the incredible views that they have of the skies.
- Cruise ships are allowed to dump refuse and waste into the ocean frighteningly close to the islands. (this happens all over, not just near Hawaii) Why are they allowed to do this at all?? Shouldn’t the cost of transporting waste to a proper facility be part of the operating expenses? Our oceans shouldn’t be environmentally damaged because of a big, giant joy ride.
- On the topic of garbage, disposing of household trash here is free.
- Coral at the most popular dive spots is being damaged by unknowing visitors, who stand on it while snorkeling.
- Humpback whales migrate annually from Alaska to the Hawaiian Islands to give birth and mate. They are here from January to March, then return to Alaska. That’s one heck of a commute.
- Because of the time difference, sporting events on TV start really early. I can have coffee along with a side of NASCAR or football. Or, I can leave that to the guys and read a book!
- Parker Ranch, a cattle ranch on the Big Island, is the largest private ranch under single ownership in the United States, boasting 175,000 acres!
10 Things About Hawaii
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