Hawaii
Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States of America. Situated nearly at the center of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii marks the northeast corner of Polynesia. While it was once a major hub for the whaling and sugar industries, it is now economically dependent on tourism and the U.S. military. The natural beauty of the islands continues to be one of Hawaii's greatest assets.
These are some of the bigger cities in Hawaii.
- Lahaina on Maui
- Kihei on Maui
- Hilo on the Big Island
- Kona on the Big Island
- Weather
Depending on where you're located in Hawaii, the weather can be very different over even short distances. On the same day, you might find sun over the beaches in Waikiki and rain only miles away in Manoa Valley.
Although the islands receive abundant amounts of both sunshine and rain, rain is more likely on the north and east sides of the islands, which face the prevailing northeasterly tradewinds (the "windward" side of the island), as well as the mountain peaks and valleys. The moist tropical air carried by the tradewinds is forced upward by the mountains, resulting in clouds and rain. Rain is less likely on the coastal areas of the "leeward" sides (the south and west sides) of the islands.
Although there are no "seasons" in the islands in the same sense as the rest of the U.S., the climate does go through annual cycles based on rainfall. The "wet" season in Hawaii (cooler temperatures and more rainfall) runs roughly from October to March, and the "dry" season (warmer temperatures and less rainfall) from April to September. There is therefore a higher probability of rain if you visit during the peak of tourist season in late December or January.
Hurricane season in the islands runs from June to November. Although Hawaii is affected only rarely by tropical cyclones, occasionally a destructive storm will hit the Islands, as Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai in 1992.
Overall, Hawaii is warm and temperate -- when you step out of the plane you'll immediately notice that the air is soft and humid -- and during the summer months the tradewinds provide a pleasant breeze.
Languages
The state of Hawai'i has two official languages as prescribed by the Constitution of Hawai'i adopted at the 1978 constitutional convention: Hawaiian and English. Article XV, Section 4 requires the use of Hawaiian in official state business such as public acts, documents, laws and transactions. Standard Hawaiian English, a subset of American English, is also commonly used for other formal business. Hawaiian is legally acceptable in all legal documents, from depositions to legislative bills.
While soft trade winds whisper sweet nothings in your ear, sweet flowers are a constant reminder of intoxicating passion. Magnificent sunsets paint a picture of romance, setting the stage for an unforgettable wedding, honeymoon or romantic getaway. Even the lolling Pacific Ocean is brimming with an undeniable sensuality. With its unique beauty and grace, Hawaii offers the enamored an ideal place to declare their love. And professional services are at hand to assist in every way, from classic beach weddings to larger formal affairs.