Hawaii draws millions of visitors to its gorgeous beaches, epic volcanoes, and vibrant Polynesian culture. This colorful state is packed with surprising statistics, unique cultural traits, and incredible geography, making the Aloha State different from anywhere on earth. From impressive world records to facts about food culture, to unique attraction preferences, these facts paint a varied picture of Hawaii.
8 Hawaii Facts
1. Hawaii is America’s only island state. (Source)
Hawaii is the eighth smallest state in the U.S. and the only state comprised entirely of islands. This fact alone sets Hawaii apart from all other states. Hawaii consists of a series of volcanic islands strewn over the Pacific Ocean.
2. Hawaii is the only state where women are most attracted to abs. (Source)
In a survey of attraction across America, women in Hawaii were the only ones most drawn to defined abdominal muscles. Women in other places preferred facial features, smiles, and eyes. Hawaii’s year-round beachy lifestyle means more time in swimsuits and a more fitness-focused lifestyle that likely leads to Hawaiian women eyeing up abs.
3. The population of Hawaii is declining. (Source)
In 2025, Hawaii’s population was estimated to be 1.44 million, a .30% decline from 2022 population data. Hawaii might be a paradise, but there are some unique challenges to living there, including high costs of living and limited economic opportunities, which lead residents to give up island life for the mainland.
4. Hawaii has banned the placement of billboards. (Source)
Hawaiians value the beauty of their islands and have outlawed billboards so the beautiful vistas aren’t interrupted by large, garish signs. Hawaii is one of only four states to outlaw billboards. The others are Alaska, Vermont, and Maine.
5. The sport of surfing was invented in Hawaii. (Source)
Surfing was invented hundreds of years ago by native Hawaiians. Today’s modern surfboards are closely tied to Hawaiian traditions. Duke Kahanamoku, known as the “Father of Surfing,” helped popularize surfing and bring it to worldwide attention.
6. A fish found only in Hawaii has the longest name in the language. (Source)
You could keep things simple and call this fish a “reef triggerfish,” but the Hawaiian name is Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. At 21 letters long, this name is one of the longest Hawaiian words and translates to “trigger fish with a snout like a pig.”
7. Hawaii has one of only four green sand beaches in the world. (Source)
The green sands of Papakolea are created by the presence of olivine crystals that spouted out of an ancient volcano. These green sands are an incredibly rare phenomenon.
8. Hawaiians eat the most Spam in the U.S. (Source)
The U.S. military introduced Spam to the Hawaiian diet during World War II. This affordable protein source became a surprise hit as Hawaiians created exciting new dishes like the Japanese-influenced Spam musubi. Enjoy it with a Mai Tai!
Featured image photo credit: by Candace Thoth from Pixabay.
