Hawaii: The Land of Beaches

Written by: Natalie Yao

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean is the beautiful state of Hawaii, which is made up of a chain of islands filled with sunshine, beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanoes. Hawaii is the only U.S. state made entirely of islands, and it is also the state located farthest south. More than 1.4 million people live there, and visitors from all around the world travel to Hawaii each year to experience its natural beauty and rich culture.

Hawaii is made up of eight main islands. These islands include Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Niihau, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. The main island, Hawaii Island, is often called the Big Island because it is larger than all the other islands combined. The Big Island is also the most popular island to tourists, particularly the city of Honolulu. In Honolulu, one of the most popular beaches is Waikiki Beach, where people can shop, surf, and play on the beach. 

One of the most interesting things about Hawaii is how it was formed. The islands were created by volcanoes deep beneath the ocean. Over millions of years, lava rose from the Earth and built mountains that eventually reached above the sea. Some of Hawaii’s volcanoes are still active today, including Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. One of Hawaii’s most famous places is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where visitors can walk across ancient lava fields and see the steaming craters.

Hawaii is also home to incredible wildlife. Colorful tropical fish swim through coral reefs, green sea turtles rest on sandy beaches, and a rare Hawaiian monk seal can sometimes be seen along the shore. Some of the birds that live in the Hawaiian forests are unique to that area. 

Hawaiian culture is just as special as its nature. Long before Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state in 1959, Native Hawaiians developed a rich culture based on family, respect, music, dance, and caring for the land. The graceful hula dance is a way of storytelling, while the ukulele fills the islands with happy, relaxing music. Ancient Polynesian sailors first reached Hawaii by canoe, using stars, ocean waves, and wind to guide them across thousands of miles of open ocean.

Food

• Loco Moco: white rice with a burger patty and a fried on top, paired with gravy

• Spam Musubi: a piece grilled spam on top of rice that is then wrapped in seaweed

• Poke: raw fish that is marinated in soy sauce, on top of a bowl of white rice

• Shaved ice: topped with some fruit syrups or condensed milk and toppings, perfect for warm summer days