Hawaii is the 50th
state of the United States
of America.
Situated nearly at the center of the Pacific Ocean,
Hawaii marks the northeast corner of Polynesia.
While it was once a major hub for the whaling and
sugar industries, it is now economically dependent
on tourism and the U.S.
military. The natural beauty of the islands continues
to be one of Hawaii's greatest assets.
These
are some of the bigger cities in Hawaii.
Honolulu on Oahu
Lahaina on Maui
Kihei on Maui
Hilo on the Big Island
Kona on the Big Island
Weather
Depending on where you're located in Hawaii, the
weather can be very different over even short distances.
On the same day, you might find sun over the beaches
in Waikiki and rain only miles away in Manoa Valley.
Although the islands receive abundant amounts of
both sunshine and rain, rain is more likely on the
north and east sides of the islands, which face
the prevailing northeasterly tradewinds (the "windward"
side of the island), as well as the mountain peaks
and valleys. The moist tropical air carried by the
tradewinds is forced upward by the mountains, resulting
in clouds and rain. Rain is less likely on the coastal
areas of the "leeward" sides (the south
and west sides) of the islands.
Although there are no "seasons" in the
islands in the same sense as the rest of the U.S.,
the climate does go through annual cycles based
on rainfall. The "wet" season in Hawaii
(cooler temperatures and more rainfall) runs roughly
from October to March, and the "dry" season
(warmer temperatures and less rainfall) from April
to September. There is therefore a higher probability
of rain if you visit during the peak of tourist
season in late December or January.
Hurricane season in the islands runs from June to
November. Although Hawaii is affected only rarely
by tropical cyclones, occasionally a destructive
storm will hit the Islands, as Hurricane Iniki hit
Kauai in 1992.
Overall, Hawaii is warm and temperate -- when you
step out of the plane you'll immediately notice
that the air is soft and humid -- and during the
summer months the tradewinds provide a pleasant
breeze.
Languages
The state of Hawai'i has two official languages
as prescribed by the Constitution of Hawai'i adopted
at the 1978 constitutional convention: Hawaiian
and English. Article XV, Section 4 requires the
use of Hawaiian in official state business such
as public acts, documents, laws and transactions.
Standard Hawaiian English, a subset of American
English, is also commonly used for other formal
business. Hawaiian is legally acceptable in all
legal documents, from depositions to legislative
bills.
While soft trade winds whisper sweet nothings in
your ear, sweet flowers are a constant reminder
of intoxicating passion. Magnificent sunsets paint
a picture of romance, setting the stage for an unforgettable
wedding, honeymoon or romantic getaway. Even the
lolling Pacific Ocean is brimming with an undeniable
sensuality. With its unique beauty and grace, Hawaii
offers the enamored an ideal place to declare their
love. And professional services are at hand to assist
in every way, from classic beach weddings to larger
formal affairs.
