Hawaii – big wave paradise

With its warm climate, tropical landscape, stunning beaches and famous surf breaks Hawaii is one of the world’s most famous destinations, attracting over 9 million visitors per year. But how much do you know about Hawaii? If you’re thinking of making a trip, you don’t want to go there under-informed – so here’s our Hawaii fact file – everything you need to know and a few things you don’t.

• Hawaii is an archipelago of 137 volcanic islands, many of which are uninhabited. The largest four are Hawaii (also called The Big Island to avoid confusion), Maui, Oahu (the most populous and home to Honolulu, the capital), and Kauai.

• Hawaii has the fourth largest coastline in the US, at around 750 miles

• Because of volcanic activity, Hawaii gets a little bit bigger each year.

• The first European to visit Hawaii is thought to be the British explorer Captain Cook, in 1778, in his ship HMS Endeavour

• Hawaii’s flag actually has a Union Jack in its top left corner, reflecting its one-time status as a British protectorate. The eight red and white bars on the flag represent the eight main islands of Hawaii. It’s the only US state flag to incorporate a flag from a foreign country.

• Hawaii became a US state in 1959.

• Hawaii’s highest point is Mauna Kea, an inactive volcano on Hawaii Island, topping out at 13,803 feet / 4,207 metres

• Although famed for its holiday climate Mount Waialeale on Kauai has the second-highest average annual rainfall on Earth, about 460 inches (12,000 mm) per year.

• The famous ‘aloha’ greeting loosely translates as ‘breath of life’ and also carries with it warmer connotations of love, compassion, sympathy and kindness.

• Modern surfing originated in Hawaii, with Captain Cook documenting its presence in the 1770’s

• Hawaii is home to many surf beaches – some of the most famous – Waimea Bay, Rocky Point – reside on Oahu’s North Shore, seen by many as the Holy Land of surfing.

• And last but not least – get into the Hawaiian vibe with our distinctive Hawaii t-shirt – perfect for the beach and long sunny days. Distressed curves and circles come together to create a distinctive design showing lively surf rolling in – bright orange for the sun, faded blue for the surf. You can see it here