Hawaii, the newest of the 50 states that comprise the United States of America, is the only state that is entirely made up of islands. Part of the Polynesian island group, it is the northernmost group, occupying most of an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Very, Very different from landlocked Chicago, Hawaii is an island paradise that has a tropical climate and abundant water. Hawaii has a significant population with many visitors and military presence.
Tourism is one of the most popular reasons people from all over the world come to Hawaii, to view it's scenic beaches, relax at their resorts and enjoy their hospitality.
U.S.S. Arizona Memorial
Because of it's physical separation from the entire continent, many people question whether it should be a part of the United States at all. Its relatively isolated from the country and it has a very distinct flora and fauna.
Hawaii is home to a series of massive volcanoes including Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. It is also home to sea cliffs, with the highest located on the northeast side of Molokai at 3600 feet.
Hawaii's precipitation has a stronger seasonal variation than temperature, with a drier summer and a moister Winter. The north and east sides of islands are rainier with a greater rainfall at low elevations.
Polynesians settled the islands about 1500 years ago with a second wave of immigrants coming in about 400 years later. When Europeans discovered the islands, the population was recorded to be around 300,000. The Hawaiian islands have a very distinct character, blending Asian, Polynesian, Pacific Island and Western culture altogether.
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