Bucket List: Hawaii

The U.S. fiftieth state.  The Aloha State.  The filming location of the 1968 police drama Hawaii 5-0, the 1980 detective series Magnum P.I., and their remakes.  The Paradise of the Pacific.  However people describe it, it's a beautiful and unique place.

The volcanic archipelago consists of 137 islands spread over 2400 km (1500 miles), and the name Hawai'i is thought to be derived from the name of a mythical figure named Hawai'iloa.  The islands were first settled by Polynesians between approximately 300 CE and 800 CE, but the first Europeans arrived with British explorer Captain James Cook in 1778.  Hawaii was governed by a series of monarchs, often supplanting each other by violence, until it was annexed by the U.S. and given self-governance in 1900.  It eventually became a state in 1959.

The tropical and volcanic climate and diverse scenery are a magnets for scientists and tourism.  Large sections of the islands are protected by national parks, including a Marine National Monument whose area is larger than that of all the national parks in the continental U.S. combined.  Hawaiians are fiercely proud of their heritage and culture, and are known to be extremely creative and friendly.

Discover Hawaii web site: www.hawaii.com