WimgoOverview
The only U.S. state surrounded by water is Hawaii and is located in the Pacific Ocean. It was an independent state prior to joining the United States. Officially, it became a territory of the United States on August 21, 1959. The name Hawaii is derived from the name of its largest Island Hawai’I.
As a strategically valuable U.S. Territory, Hawaii’s Pearl Harbour was attacked by Japan on Dec 7, 1941 which brought its global and historical significance and contributed to America’s decisive entry into world war 2.
Two famous nicknames of Hawaii are The Aloha state and Paradise of the Pacific. Aloha is the Hawaiian word for love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy. It is used as a greeting but carries a deeper cultural and spiritual significance to the native Hawaiians.
The capital and largest city of Hawaii is Honolulu. Among the 50 US states, Hawaii is the eight smallest in area and the 11th least populous, but with 1.4 million residents is the 13th most densely populated. The state is one of the most diverse states of the country. Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches. Some of the top sights in Hawaii are Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala National Park, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Na Pali Coast state wilderness park, Waikiki beach and diamond head state monument, pearl harbour, USS Arizona memorial and Hana road.
Key Facts:
- Tourism is the largest economic sector in Hawaii. In 2017, 9.4 million visited the Hawaiian Islands with expenditures of over $16 billion.
- As of 2015, the stats unemployment rate was 3.2.
- Because Hawaii soil is fertile, it is a major agricultural exporter.
- Hawaii had the fourth largest number of millionaires Per Capita income in the United States with a ratio of 7.2%.
- The cost of living in Hawaii, specifically Honolulu is high compared to that of most major cities. It is 6.7% lower than New York city and 3.6% lower than in San Francisco.