Hawaii is known as a land of unparalleled beauty. From the glistening sands of the islands’ beaches to the lush rainforests above sea level and the expansive coral jungles below, Hawaii’s natural marvels astound. Yet the state’s people are as remarkable as their stunning, natural backdrops. A rich, complicated history has created the diverse and unique inhabitants of the islands today. Though a part of the United States, Hawaii has a history, language, and culture all its own. Hawaii is one of the few places in the world where there is no ethnic or racial majority. This diversity creates a land with unique food, dress, etiquette, and art, making this remote archipelago as culturally rich as its continental counterparts. Moreover, the spirit of aloha (love) generated for both the people and the land on Hawaii isn’t a gimmick—it is a palpable sentiment. Though tourist traps abound on a trip to Hawaii, spending a bit more time with the Hawaiian people and learning about their rich history, travelers will learn to appreciate Hawaii for what it is—a beautiful place full of beautiful people.
The original inhabitants of the Hawaiian islands are believed to have been descendants of Asiatic peoples who migrated over land and water, eventually arriving in the Central Pacific, although accounts ...more
The people of Hawaii are world-famous for their spirit of aloha. This attitude of acceptance is characterized by warmth, generosity, humility, and patience. The secret to Hawaiian harmony may lie in ...more
English is spoken universally on all of the islands. Olelo Hawaii, the Hawaiian language, belongs to a family of Polynesian languages which also includes Tahitian, Maori, Tumotuan, and Rarotongan. Hawaiian ...more
Prior to contact with the West, the religion of Polynesian Hawaiians was polytheistic. Hawaiians believed that all natural phenomena were controlled by the gods, whose aid and protection they sought through ...more
Land. Kahoolawe is 7 mi. southwest of Maui and the smallest of Hawaii’s eight major islands. Low elevation on Kahoolawe prevents much precipitation and the entire island is relatively dry. Kahoolawe’s ...more
In many ways, the confluence of backgrounds and ethnicities that make up Hawaii’s unique population is most evident in local culinary offerings. Most popular dishes combine elements of several cultures ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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