Hawaii -America's Connection to the East
by Grulett Eniland
http://www.huhawaii.com
The tropical paradise of Hawaii tends to evoke romantic
associations in the imagination of most people around
the world. Although it is the fiftieth state of America
it is the most distantly situated island chain on the
planet, being two thousand miles away from land.
The faraway situation of Hawaii is certainly one of its
special features. The landscape of the islands is
remarkably diverse supporting volcanoes, fantastic
beaches and rare fauna and flora - the latter
demonstrated in the Hawain state flower, the hibiscus.
There are 130 Hawaiin islands in total. They first
appeared out of the sea some 40,000,000 years ago which
in geological terms is fairly recent. They are not the
smallest of the states of America but the 4th smallest,
spanning only some 6450 square miles. However, they
cover a great area the chain being at least 1500 miles
long.
The 'Big Island' is what the rest of us know as Hawaii
and it is one of the 8 largest islands that make up the
chain. Oahu, Maui, Kauai etc are three of the better
known of the other larger islands.
The state of Hawaii entered the Union of United States
in '59. James Cook, the English explorer came upon the
islands when they were already inhabited, but claimed
them for his country in any case. From that date until
becoming a part of the US, 'ownership' of the islands
was held by several countries.
Jack London the writer once wrote "with Hawaii it seems
to be love at first sight". This seems to reflect how
most people feel when they visit Hawaii and are touched
by its beauty.
Hawaii has many traditions that are both intriguing,
interesting and distinctive such as a shell called a
conch and the well known dance 'the hula'. The conch
shells, called 'Pu', are huge - sometimes the size of
adult head. They use them as an instrument which they
blow. In the past they were played to open ceremonies
and events and even today a 'Pu' was played to open the
State Legislature.
One of the best opportunities to see Hawaiin traditional
food and dancing is at something called a 'luau'. The
Luau is a special party not to be missed as it is both
fun and interesting. The Hawaiins are keen that everyone
at the 'Luau' has a good time and serve food for every
taste. Examples of some of the food on offer is 'kalua'
pig, 'lomilomi' salmon and the more readily available
fried chicken. For pudding there is 'haupia' made from
coconut.
It's the people that most people seem to remember from
their trip to Hawaii. Famed as a friendly and welcoming
people, even their standard greeting, 'Aloha', has
meanings that include kindness, love, grace and charity.
These are the qualities that Hawaii extends to visitors.
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