There Used to Be Concerts in Diamond Head Crater
The first annual Diamond Head Crater Festival was held in 1969. Each year between 1969 and 1974, there was a “crater concert” on New Year’s Day inside Diamond Head. According to Secrets of Diamond Head, the “festivals had a hippie, Woodstock-like atmosphere. Women wore ethnic skirts and bikinis. Many men were shirtless, in jeans, their heads covered with bandanas or funky hats.” Performers included Carlos Santana and Buddy Miles.
Kalakaua Ave Used to Be a Two-Way Street
Waikiki's infamous strip wasn't always what it is today. Back in the day, Kalakaua Ave was a two-way street with private homes and street parking, with streetcars running in both directions until 1937-38. Slowly but surely, development pushed out street parking and private homes in favor of storefronts and high rises. Kalakaua didn't turn into a one-way street until 1971.
The First Airplanes That Came to Hawaii Landed in Pearl Harbor
In the mid-1930s, the first planes began flying to Hawaii (previously, all travel to Hawaii took place via ship). The 1936 Pan Am Clippers flew in from the west coast on an almost unimaginable 19-hour flight. But at that time, it was considered a romantic journey and a status symbol. The best part? The Pan Am Clippers were equipped to land on water and would set down in the middle of Pearl Harbor. Of course, back then, Pearl Harbor did not carry the history and significance that it does today.
Only One Cruise Ship Visits Molokai
Molokai as an island is typically against mass tourism and cruise ships visiting their island. But after several years of negotiation, UnCruise was permitted to visit thanks to its low footprint and low profile. The Safari Explorer from UnCruise is more akin to an expedition vessel than a modern-day cruise ship. It holds 36 passengers, promotes active travel and partners with local companies to provide guests cultural and educational-based adventure. Moloka‘i is either the first or last stop on the route, depending on the week, and the ship also visits Lanai, Maui and Big Island.
There's Only One Ferry Left in Hawaii
At one time, there were several ferries in Hawaii, including a "superferry" that ran from 2007-2009. The ferries provided an alternative to air travel (you could even bring your car on board, making interisland trips a breeze for locals). But unfortunately, due to political matters and environmental concerns over the years, most eventually shut down. Today, only one passenger ferry survives—an hour-long trip from Lahaina, Maui to Lanai.
The Burial Sites of Hawaiian Royalty Remain a Secret
Hawaiians believe that each person carries a certain amount of “mana,” or power, within themselves. Royalty—like kings and queens—were thought to have the most mana. Ancient beliefs said that this mana was contained in the bones after death and that one could absorb the mana by consuming them. For this reason, grave robbing was a legitimate concern, and the burial locations of important figures were kept secret, placed high in the mountains or in the side of cliffs.
Waikiki Was Once a Farming Region
It’s hard to imagine looking at it today, but Waikiki was once a green agricultural region filled with streams and taro farms. Development began modestly in the early 20th century, but the late 50s and 60s marked the early phase of Waikiki's explosive growth, which began with a handful of 10-story buildings in the mid-1950s. The pivotal year was 1959, when Hawai‘i became the 50th state and jet planes began traveling to the Hawaiian Islands. After that, in the 1960s, Waikiki was transformed dramatically as the concept of high-volume, commercialized tourism began to take flight.
Kilauea Has Been Erupting Continuously Since 1983
New fissures, spouts and flows on the Big Island made headlines this summer, and for good reason. But one thing lost in that news cycle is that Kilauea, the volcano responsible for this past summer’s fireworks, has been erupting continuously since 1983.
Hawaii Is the Only US State That Grows Coffee Commercially
Kona is the most famous producing area, but there are many others. Kau Coffee is grown in the southeast of the Big Island, and Molokai, Maui and Kauai all have their own branded coffee growers.
There Is No Majority Ethnic Group in Hawaii
Talk about diversity. Hawaii might be a small island in the middle of nowhere, but it boasts a population breakdown that rivals any major city on the mainland. At last count, 38.6 percent of Hawaii's population were Asian, 24.7 percent Caucasian, 10 percent Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders, 8.9 percent Hispanic, 1.6 percent Black or African American, 0.3 percent American Indian and Alaska Native and 23.6 percent of residents come from a multi-ethnic background (two or more races).
The Hula Is a Sacred Tradition, Not a Tourist Dance
People seem to understand that hula is a traditional dance of Hawaii, but what they often fail to understand is just how sacred it is. Hula was created as an intricate dance that's completely in-tune with nature. In fact, it's more than a dance, it's a ceremony based around the kuahu, or hula alter. Its themes relate an understanding of the natural cycles of water and the forest.
The Iolani Palace Had Electricity Before the White House
Hawaii may be a few steps behind in some industries, but when it comes to the light bulb, Hawaii was an early adapter. The Iolani Palace was lit by electricity as early as 1887. To put that into perspective, the White House did not have electricity until 1891.
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