Hawaii

Hawaii is the 50th state admitted to the United States of America.http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108204.html#axzz0wykr3pq5 It is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean comprised of eight main islands and hundreds of smaller lesser-known ones. The main eight, from southeast to northwest, are Hawai'i (or "Big Island), Maui, Kaho'olawe, Moloka'i, O'ahu, Kaua'i and Ni'ihau.

With its tropical climate and beautiful beaches, Hawaii is considered a paradise by millions of tourists who travel there every year.http://www.to-hawaii.com/climate.php Each island has its own character and history, which is seen through their respective artifacts and natural attractions.

Islands like Kauai and Big Island are lush and have many activities for those that like to be outdoors, while Oahu is more urban.http://www.to-hawaii.com/nature-tours.php Maui has a fair balance of both green and city, making it one of the most popular islands in the world among critics.

After being settled on by Polynesians in the 4th Century, Briton James Cook came upon what he called the Sandwich Islands in 1778.http://www.to-hawaii.com/history.php Following Cook, American missionaries visited the islands and converted many of the inhabitants to Protestant Christianity. During that time, the islands were ruled individually by chiefs, and they constantly fought for power and land.

In 1810, Kamehameha I unified the islands under his rule, starting a Kamehameha dynasty through 1872. The Hawaiian monarchy itself would be controversially overthrown in 1893, and on August 21, 1959, Hawaii became a U.S. state.

Because of its location in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is a melting pot of diverse cultures. This mix is most evident in the food and Pidgin English language many locals speak, as well as the basic population stats.

Hawaii is one of the few minority-majority states in the United States with a predominantly Asian population, Japanese being the largest ancestry group.http://www.imagine-hawaii.com/people.html

• Flower: Yellow Hibiscus
• Bird: Nene Goose
• Gem: Black Coral
• Animal: Humpback Whale
• Tree: Kukui
• Fish: Humu­humu­nuku­nuku­apua'a