Portal:Hawaii

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With a unique culture and language, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959. It is located in the North Pacific Ocean, 2,300 miles (3,700 km) from the mainland, at . The Hawaiian Archipelago comprises eight islands and atolls extending across a distance of 1,500 miles (2,400 km). Of these, eight are considered "main islands" and are located at the southeastern end of the archipelago. These islands are: from (northwest to southeast) Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi. The latter is by far the largest, called the "Big Island" or "Big Isle". In the 19th Century, they were known as the Sandwich Islands. Kauai Satellite image of Kauaʻi Kauaʻi is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. With an area of 552.3 square miles (1,430.5 km2), it is the fourth largest of the main islands in the Hawaiian archipelago and the 21st largest island in the United States. Known also as the "Garden Isle", Kauaʻi lies 105 miles (170 kilometers) across the Kauaʻi Channel, northwest of Oʻahu. Of volcanic origin, the highest peak on this mountainous island is Kawaikini at 5,243 feet (1,598 m). The second highest peak is Mount Waiʻaleʻale near the center of the island, 5,148 feet (1,569 m) above sea level. One of the wettest spots on Earth, with an annual average rainfall of 460 inches (11,700 mm), is located on the east side of Mount Waiʻaleʻale. The high annual rainfall has eroded deep valleys in the central mountains, carving out canyons with many scenic waterfalls. For the full article, click here. File:Chelonia mydas Hanauma Bay Oahu Hawaii.jpg A turtle, honu at Hanauma Bay. Duke Kahanamoku Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku (August 24, 1890 – January 22, 1968), "The Big Kahuna", is generally regarded as the inventor of the modern sport of surfing. He was also an Olympic champion in swimming. The name "Duke" is not a title, but a given name. He was named after his father, Halapu Kahanamoku, who was christened "Duke" by Bernice Pauahi Bishop in honor of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, who was visiting Hawaii at the time of the elder man's birth in 1869. The younger "Duke," as eldest son, inherited the name.For the full article, click here. Wikinews Hawaii portal October 16: Hurricane warning goes into effect in Bermuda as Gonzalo nears August 31: Hawaiian Airlines announces iPad mini in-flight service April 29: Australian Jesse Williams drafted in fifth round by the NFL's Seattle Seahawks January 13: Observing the 2012 Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the US, and wider world August 8: Wikinews interviews Andy Martin, U.S. Republican Party presidential candidate August 6: Sitcom star Roseanne Barr announces run for U.S. president June 4: Brazilian surfer wins world championship in Pichilemu, Chile April 27: U.S. President Barack Obama releases original birth certificate July 25: Brush fire starts in Hawaii's Makua Valley February 27: Pacific Rim braces for tsunami following major Chilean earthquake Template:/box-footer ...that Nāʻālehu, Hawaiʻi, located on the Big Island, is the southernmost town in the United States? ...that ʻIolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States? ...that the name of the state fish is humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa? ...that Kīlauea volcano is the world's most active volcano? ...that the Big Island is Hawaiʻi's largest at 4,038 square miles? It is twice the size of all other Hawaiian Islands combined. ...that Hawaiʻi is the only state that grows coffee? ...that Kawaiahaʻo Church (pictured) is known as the Westminster Abbey of Hawaii? ...that Hawaii Route 560 was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 because of its historical character of one lane bridges? This section is here to highlight some of the most common words of the Hawaiian Language, ʻŌlelo, that are used in everyday conversation amongst locals. ʻEwa Place name west of Honolulu, used as a direction term A common usage: "The ʻewa-bound lanes of the freeway are backed up due to an earlier accident." Note: The word ʻewa can also mean crooked, out of shape, imperfect, ill-fitting. The word ewa, (without the okina), means unstable, swaying, wandering; strayed. 70px "Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono." — King Kamehameha III     (Later became the Hawaiʻi State Motto.) Translation Template:/box-header There are no anniversaries listed for this day. Template:/box-footer The following Wikimedia sister projects provide more on this subject: What are portals? List of portals Featured portals