A Trip to Hawaii
Things the Three Little Pigs and the
Magic Shark didn’t tell you!
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The Hawaiian Islands, once known as the Sandwich Islands, form an
archipelago or chain of nineteen islands in the Pacific Ocean.
The Hawaiian Islands are the exposed peaks of a great undersea mountain
range that was formed by volcanic activity.
They are almost 2000 miles from the nearest continent and are the most
isolated (alone) group of islands on Earth.
Hawaiian Beaches
Maui Hawaii
Oahu, Hawaii
Big Island, Hawaii
Varied
Landscape
A favorite
way to see
the variety
of landscape
in Hawaii is
to take a
helicopter
ride.
Hawaii Surfing
Hawaii surfing has long been part of Polynesian culture. A sport reserved
for royalty, the ancients would move from their winter homes in the north
shore to their summer homes in the south of the islands to pick up the
best waves all year round. The sport was popularized by Olympic
swimmer Duke Kahanamoku in the 1920's.
Volcanic Eruption
Volcanic Islands
Many of the original volcanoes that formed the islands are now dormant or
sleeping and look like nothing more than a mountain, but some are still
active and they regularly spew out lava.
Hawaiian Rainforest
Animals of Hawaii
• Wild animals are found on six of the islands—Hawaii, Maui, Oahu,
Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai. They include deer, wild goats, and wild
pigs. No snakes (except for one very small species) are found on the
islands. The only land reptiles are small lizards and toads. More than
60 percent of the nearly 90 native bird species and more than half of
about 24 native land and marine mammals, reptiles, and amphibians
are threatened, endangered, or extinct.
The Hawaiian Goose or Nene
Hawaii's State Bird
Feral Pigs
• Feral pigs are causing harm to the Hawaiian rain forest and other
Hawaiian land. Although pigs were brought to the Hawaiian Islands by
Polynesians as early as the fourth century A.D., the current severe
environmental damage by pigs apparently began much more recently
and seems to be because non-Polynesian types of pigs were brought to
the area. Polynesian pigs were much smaller, more docile, and less
prone to taking up a wild existence
Sea Life
The warm waters surrounding Hawaii are home to an incredible
number fish, coral and mammal species. Due to the archipelago's
isolation, approximately 30% of the reef fish are endemic to Hawaii.
Polynesian Heritage
Hawaiian people are of Polynesian heritage. Today they share many of their
ancient customs, dress, and ceremonies at shows around the islands.
Hawaiian Luau
A Luau is a Hawaiian feast. Before the Polynesian people of Hawaii came in contact with
the rest of the world, they called these important feasts aha ‘ aina. They marked special
occasions such as launching a new canoe or finishing something important like becoming a
full warrior. Originally the foods all had symbolism (some might represent strength, others
patience, etc.) and everyone was supposed to contribute to making the feast.
About 150 years ago the feast started to be called Luau after a green leaf which is similar
to spinach and is often used in Hawaiian cooking.
Hawaiian Hula
Hula is the soul of Hawaii expressed in motion.
Hawaiians agree that the first hula was performed by
a god or goddess which makes the dance a sacred
ritual.
Hawaiian hula is unique and totally different from other Polynesian dances. Although it
began as a form of worship during religious ceremonies, it gradually evolved into a
form of entertainment.
Every movement in hula has a specific meaning, and every expression of the dancer's
hands has great significance. The movements of a dancer's body might represent
certain plants, animals, and even war. For example, in imitating a shark or waving palm
tree, the true hula dancer believes he or she becomes the shark or palm.
Chants accompany the movements and help
tell the dancer's story. Traditionally it was not
the dancer's hands but the words that counted
the most. Today, because so few understand
the language of the chants, increasing
emphasis has been placed on movements and
gestures.
The costumes of the ancient dancers consisted
of leis for the head and shoulders, pau or skirt
(made out of tapa), and kupea or anklets
fashioned out of dog-teeth or whale bone.
More Photos of Hawaii