About the Big Island
So long as you are going to Hawaii, you may be interested in learning a little bit more about this archipelago of volcanic islands. The following facts are good to know:
- Hawaii has its own language, and its alphabet consists of just 12 letters.
- The islands of Hawaii were united by King Kamehameha I in 1810. Therefore, Hawaii still celebrates a monarch day, being the only state in the USA to do so. This day is every year on the 11th of June and not to be missed if you have the chance to be there.
- Everybody knows the word “Aloha”, believing it to mean “hello” in the local language. Although there is truth to this, the word actually comes from Polynesian and means compassion, love and mercy. It is a wonderful way to greet someone, essentially wishing them all the best in life as soon as you see them.
- There are eight islands in Hawaii, being Hawaii (the Big Island), Kauai, Oahu, Kahoolawe, Maui, Lanai, Niihau and Molokai.
- Hawaiians have a longer life expectancy than in other states, with the average being 81.5 years. In the rest of the USA, life expectancy is 78.8 years.
- One of the longest words in the language of Hawaii is humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. It is the name given to the Hawaii state fish, known in English as the Reef Triggerfish.
- The Kilauea Volcano has erupted continuously for 32 years. No other volcano has beaten that record yet.
- If you are lucky, you will be able to spot the “Happy Face Spider”. Although it is a spider, even the biggest arachnophobia sufferer won’t be able to resist this cute, smiling little creature.
(Photo by dexxus via Flickr)
Article written by James D.