The Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii, the 50th state of the United States, consists of a group of tropical islands in the central Pacific Ocean.

Formed by a long series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, the Hawaiian Islands chain is comprised of Niihau, Kaua'i, O'ahu, Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Kahoolawe, and the Big Island of Hawai'i.

They are currently home to about 1.2 million inhabitants, 80% of whom live on the island of O'ahu. Often called "Gateway to Asia", the Islands are five hours flight time from California and seven hours from Japan.

O'ahu

The island of O'ahu, known as "the gathering place," is home to 900,000 people, most of them living in Honolulu. Honolulu, is also the capital of the state as well as the center of government and commerce. This cosmopolitan city abounds with fascinating places to go and exciting things to do. O'ahu's sandy beaches and legendary surf spots such as Waikiki, Sandy Beach and the North Shore make it an outdoor-lover's paradise. O'ahu's length and width are 70 km and 48 km respectively covering an area of 607 square miles (1,574 square km). Honolulu has also been consistently ranked as one of the safest larger cities in the United States.

The People of Hawai'i

What really makes Hawai'i so special is its friendly and diverse population comprised of Native Hawaiians, Asian Americans, Caucasians, Asians, Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans, and many more.

Over the years, the state has become a model for many different races peacefully existing side by side. Major ethnic backgrounds are 58 % Asian and Pacific Islander and 30 % Caucasian. 

Festivities are usually accompanied by artful hula dances. Many Hawaiians consider Hula to be a reflection of life, a way of retelling history.

Business and Industries

Hawaii’s location at the hub of the Pacific Rim has made it a major international trading center and a gateway between East and West. While still relying heavily on tourism, Hawaii has been drawing new businesses and industries and is growing into a regional center for multinational operations serving the Pacific Rim. For that reason, students come from all over the world to study in Hawaii and take advantage of the Islands’ proximity to East Asian countries and its historic ties to the region.

Honolulu is the ideal meeting place for businesses from Asia or the U.S. many of them who have subsidiaries on Oahu. The city's state-of-the-art convention center boasts the latest technology and high-tech facilities to accommodate the demands of the conventions.

Other industry sectors focus on diversified Agriculture, research and development (Oceanography, Astrophysics, Geophysics, and Biomedicine), small Manufacturing, retail, wholesale, and service trades.

Education

The Islands boast a university student population of 50,000+ and some of the best universities in the western region. Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) is the largest private and second largest university in Hawaii with more than 8,000 students from all 50 US States and over 100 countries making it one of the most culturally diverse universities in the U.S.

Besides its unique cultural events and outdoor activities, Honolulu is ideal for a fun night out. With an array of fine restaurants presenting delicious foods from all over the world, everyone is guaranteed to find something to their liking. For those wanting to dance the night away, an abundance of danceclubs, bars, and cafes, are open all night long and make the perfect closing to a sizzling night in Honolulu.