The state of Hawaii has tons of fun facts we’d love to tell you about, but that could go on forever, so we’ve rounded up some fun facts about Honolulu instead. The capital city is much more than just a bunch of palm trees, sand, and coconuts — it’s a major destination where tourists go to hit the beach, soak up the sun, and say “Aloha”.
Read on to educate yourself on some fun facts. You’ll say “Mahalo” to us once you’re done impressing Honolulu’s savviest residents with your knowledge!
Their Language Contains Only 12 Letters
The Hawaiian language contains just 12 letters, the five vowels, and seven consonants. Before traveling to Honolulu or any part of Hawaii, there are a few words you should know (just for fun). For starters, “Aloha” (hello or goodbye) and “Mahalo” (thank you), most importantly. But if you’re not great with languages don’t worry: nearly everyone here speaks the English language. Hawaii is the only state in the US that has its own language. In fact, Honolulu translates to “sheltered harbor” in Hawaiian.
Want to hit the beach and soak up the sun? Find a flight to Honolulu now!
Ranked a#1 Hot Spot
Honolulu holds its ranking for the #1 tourist destination in the state of Hawaii. The beautiful capital of Hawaii is the largest in the state and is located on the southeast side of Oahu. Tourists from around the globe continue to vacation here as it’s one of the only destinations in the world where you can find paradise along with a bustling American city.
Not Everyone is Hawaiian
Even though Honolulu is the most populated area in Hawaii, with a metro population of 993,000 people, it doesn’t mean that everyone who lives here is of Hawaiian descent. This city is a place where international businesses, expats, and military personnel also reside, making it a melting pot of cultures.
Surfing was Apart of Their Religion
Also referred to as he’enalu is wave sliding or shall we say surfing. In ancient surfing, this water sport played a part in the ancient Hawaiian religion as priests would pray for a good surf. To the Hawaiian culture, surfing gave a strong connection to deep spiritual links to the ocean. He’enalu was of great importance to ceremonial chief as this was a way to proclaim their dominance. There were two different types of surfboards used, the “olo” (only for the chiefs) and “alaia” for anyone else who wished to surf.
The 2nd Oldest Symphony in the U.S
Have a love for music? Great! The Honolulu Symphony, originally known as The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra was conceived in 1900, making it the second oldest in America. If you’re in Honolulu and interested in attending a show, you can visit the site to purchase tickets.
Their Agriculture is Bountiful
It’s the only state that grows coffee beans in the U.S. Dating back to the early 1900s is when the agriculture industry in Hawaii started to take off. From coffee beans to macadamia nuts, pineapple, and sugarcane crops, Honolulu was an agricultural heavyweight. It was such a success, that back in the 1960s, Hawaii was responsible for 80% of the world’s supply of pineapples! Although global competition came into play, Hawaii continues to grow crops across the state on thousands of farms.
Know of any other fun facts about Honolulu? Tell us in the comments!
