Known as the "Aloha State" (in
Hawaiian, "aloha" means "hello"), Hawaii is a
group of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean that
together became the 50th state in 1959. The state's name is
possibly derived from a native Hawaiian word for homeland,
hawaiki or owhyhee. Today, Hawaii, whose capital is Honolulu, is
often called the "Crossroads of the Pacific" and is a
popular vacation spot. The colorful hibiscus is the state flower.
State Flower: Hibiscus (yellow)
State Motto: The life of the land is
perpetuated in righteousness
State Nickname: Aloha State
State Bird: Nene
Land area: 1,211,537 - Length: 1600 miles - 10 largest cities (1996 est.): Honolulu,
377,059; Hilo, 37,808; Kailua, 36,818; Kaneohe, 35,448; Waipahu,
31,435; Pearl City, 30,993; Waimalu, 29,967; Mililani Town,
29,359; Schofield Barracks, 19,597; Wahiawa, 17,386 - Persons per square mile (1999): 184.6