Added: 01/31/2006 |
Hawaii or "Aloha State"Mark Twain referred to Hawaii as the loveliest fleet of islands which has ever anchored in the sea. Indeed the 50th state of the USA is a chain of islands, atolls and sandbanks spreading over 1600 miles around the Tropic of Cancer in the northern Pacific Ocean, 1800 miles away from the nearest continent. Due to their geographical position at t the margin of the tropics, the islands have a very pleasant climate. It is warm the whole year round with tropical rain showers and occasional gales causing tidal waves. Hawaii (the ?Aloha State?) is among the smallest states of the USA, but as to its beauty and acclimate it is among the best.
What people now call the state of Hawaii (Hawai'i) has several names and nicknames. The origins of some of them are known, while others can only be speculated.
Origins of Hawaii's Names:
The 50th State - Hawaii was admitted as the 50th of the United States of America on August 21, 1959. Alaska was admitted in January of the same year, which sometimes causes confusion as to which was admitted first.
The Aloha State - this became Hawaii's official nickname upon passage of the first code of laws after statehood in 1959:
The name "The Aloha State" is adopted, established, and designated as the official "popular" name for the State, to be effective so long as the legislature of the State does not otherwise provide. There's no documentation to be found as to why the nickname - Aloha State was chosen, and it's unlikely there was much debate about it! Aloha is a way of life in the islands, though some say it is disappearing.
"Aloha Spirit" is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii's people. It was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii. "Aloha" is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation. "Aloha" means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. "Aloha" is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence. "Aloha" means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.
Sandwich Islands - On his third voyage of discovery, Captain James Cook of Great Britain visited the Hawaiian Islands and named them the Sandwich Islands in honor of his friend and supporter, John Montague, the 4th Earl of Sandwich and first lord of the Admiralty.
Owhyhee - in places this name is defined as a Hawaiian word meaning homeland. In reality, it is the spelling that Captain Cook and other mariners wrote in their logs based on how their ears heard what the natives of the islands called them. "Owyhee" is an early spelling for the word Hawaii.
Hawaii/Hawai'i - The word Hawaii belongs to the Polynesian language and means native land.
Absolutely the best kept secret on Oahu island, the Hawaiian Princess Resort is only 40 minutes away from the airport, and a world away from the crowds. The resort is located on the sunny leeward coast of the island where the weather is almost always perfect. The sixteen story condominium is situated on a long white sandy beach. Enjoy a quiet, peaceful morning walk along the shore where you may be the only one on the beach. Watch spectacular sunsets over the ocean as you dine on your private lanai. Fall to sleep each night listening to the rhythm of the waves right outside your door. Starting at only $95.00 (or less) per night, this is one of the best values on the Island.
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