• Hawaii is the most geographically isolated population center on earth. The Hawaiian Islands are 2,000 miles from the Marshall Islands; 2,390 miles from California; 2,500 miles from Tahiti; 3,850 miles from Japan; 4,900 miles from China; and 5,280 miles from the Philippines.
• Hawaii has two official languages — English and Hawaiian. More >>
• Hawaii is home to the longest continuously erupting volcano in recorded history: Kilauea Caldera on the Big Island of Hawaii has been producing a lava flow since January 1983. More >>
• Hawaii is home to the tallest mountain on the planet: Mauna Kea on the Big Island — measured from the seafloor — tops out at 33,476 feet. From sea level it measures 13,796 feet high. More >>
• 'Iolani Palace in Honolulu's Capitol District featured electricity before even the White House in Washington, D.C. More about the Palace >>
• Hawaii has no snakes in the wild.
• Hawaiian monarch King David Kalakaua (reign 1874 to 1891), was the first reigning monarch to circumnavigate the globe and the first foreign head of state to speak before a joint session of the U.S. Congress.
Maui is the only island in Polynesia to be named after a god, and
rightfully so. It is a magical, powerful place: Visit east Maui's Haleakala Crater (the largest
dormant volcano in the world at 10,023 feet tall), and you'll find a
desolate landscape that is nonetheless home to the beautiful
silversword — a member of the daisy family that has, due to its
isolation, evolved into a plant like no other in the world.
The lush rainforests and bogs of the nearby West Maui
Mountains are home to a network of trails, cultural spots and
stunning points of interest. Then there are historic churches and arts culture of Kahului, Wailuku and
Pa'ia to the verdant pasturelands of Upcountry Maui on Haleakala's massive western flank (where you can take a side trip to the Tedeschi Winery to sample pineapple wine); from sleepy Hana's rich Hawaiian history to the cultural shows and art galleries of Lahaina. If you're island hopping...We recommend spending at least 2 full days exploring Maui's sights.
