By John Lindell
Hawaii is a state comprised of a volcanic archipelago, a group of islands that were brought about by volcanic activity over the centuries. The 50th state, Hawaii was admitted to the U.S. on August 21, 1959. Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, famous for its volcanoes, its culture and for a devastating attack on U.S. forces that precipitated the U.S. entry into World War II.
Volcanoes
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the big island of Hawaii that if measured from where its base sits on the ocean floor would be the highest mountain in the world at 33,476 feet. As it is it still towers some 13,803 feet above sea level and is so high that in the span from November through March snow actually falls on the summit, allowing such activities as skiing. Mauna Loa is a massive volcano also on the big island which has erupted as many as 33 separate times since 1843. The Kilauea volcano, also on the island of Hawaii, is one of the most active on the entire planet, erupting 34 times since 1952 and constantly erupting and spewing hot lava into the air since January of 1983 according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Hawaii Volcanoes National park contains Kilauea and offers tourists the opportunity to go hiking, biking and view the eruptions from a safe distance.
USS Arizona
On December 7, 1941 Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. In the process the USS Arizona was sunk and nearly 1,200 sailors were killed. The wrecked ship was turned into a memorial to honor those that paid with their lives in the service of their country in 1962 and receives visits from over one million people each year. The USS Arizona Memorial is the final resting place of 1,102 sailors that perished that day and is an active military cemetery. The memorial is operated by the US Park Service and anyone visiting the site is subject to a number of strict security measures which do not allow anything to be brought into the memorial that can be used to conceal something. The tour of the memorial is free and there is a museum on the grounds as well as a pair of theaters that show a short film about the attack.
Luaus and hulas
The luau and the hula are important parts of Hawaiian culture that have been well known in the mainstream U.S. for decades. Visitors to the islands will undoubtedly want to experience both of these things. A luau is a party-like feast which features native Hawaiian foods such as poi, which is produced from the plant stem of the kalo plant. A staple of most luaus is a pig cooked in an underground oven. The hula is a Polynesian dance that utilizes extremely expressive movements to tell a story. Hula dancing is often performed at a luau and is accompanied by instruments such as ukuleles and guitars.
Resources
About the Author:
John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.
