Facts about Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands were originally settled by Polynesian immigrants more than 1000 years ago but remained unknown to Europeans until Captain James Cook landed there in 1778.
 

During the late 1800s, Hawaii developed an export economy based on sugar and pineapple cultivation, drawing thousands of Asian immigrant workers to the farms.
 

In 1893, Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani attempted to impose a new constitution claiming more authority for native Hawaiians, but white leaders occupied the government office in Honolulu and overthrew the monarchy.

Hawaii has the most advanced telecommunications system in the world.  The state is one of only five states in the U.S. with 100 percent digital switching for telephones and more fiber optic cable per mile, per capita than any other state.

Hawaii's `Iolani Palace is the only royal residence in the United States of America.

During the Hawaiian Monarchy, Hawaii's population was among the most literate in the world.

King Kalakaua was the first reigning monarch to circumnavigate the globe and the first foreign head of state to speak before a joint session of Congress.

Hawaii is considered the nation's (USA) endangered species capitol.

Hawaii is the most isolated population center on the face of the earth. Hawaii is 2,390 miles from California; 3,850 miles from Japan; 4,900 miles from China; and 5,280 miles from the Philippines. 

More than one-third of the world's commercial supply of pineapples comes from Hawaii.

Under-sea volcanoes that erupted thousands of years ago formed the islands of Hawaii.