Hawaiian Islands

Situated in the central of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is the only island state in the United States of America, with a total land area of 6,423 square miles (16,637 square kilometers). Hawaiian Islands became an America territory in 1898. When Statehood was declared in August 21, 1959, Hawaii became the fiftieth state of the  United States of America, the capitol is Honolulu.

The State of Hawaii

The state encompasses the entire volcanic Hawaiian archipelago, spreading over 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers), the total land area reaches 10,391 square miles (28,311 square kilometers), the eight main islands are: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui and the Island of Hawaii. The last is the largest island in the group, also known as “Big Island”.

Hawaii’s diverse natural scenery, warm tropical climate, abundance of beautiful beaches, oceanic surroundings and active volcanoes make it a popular destination for tourists. It attracts 8.6-9 million visitors from around the world.

Hawaii’s culture is strongly influenced by North American and Asian culture, in addition to its indigenous Hawaiian culture. It is the only state with an Asian majority. Today, Hawaii has over 1.4 million permanent residents, along with many visitors and U.S. military personnel. Its capital is Honolulu with 1.4 million populations on the island of Oahu.

American Samoa

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of five main islands and two coral atolls. The largest and most populous island is Tutuila, with the Manua Islands, Rose Atoll and Swains Island also included in the territory. The total land area is 199 square kilometers (76.8 square miles), slightly more than Washington, D.C. American Samoa is the southernmost territory of the U.S.

American Samoa has a total population of 46,366 people (2021). Most American Samoans are bilingual and can speak English and Samoan fluently. Upon economy, tuna products are main export. Tuna cannery industry is the single largest employment of private sector (Star-Kist cannery employs 2000 workers), the main trading partner is the United States.

Population

The population of Hawaii was about 1,441,553 in 2021.

Geography

Hawaii is a 1,523-mile long chain of islands and islets that sit in central Pacific Ocean, consisting of eight major islands, and 124 minor islands, shoals and reefs. The eight major islands are Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe (un-inhabited), and Niihau.

Language

Both English and Hawaiian are the official languages. Hawaiian language is one of the Polynesian dialects, spoken only by Hawaiian natives. This language consists of only 13 alphabets.

Time Zone

Hawaii is 2 hours behind the Pacific Standard Time (PST) zone for the Pacific US continental coast, or five hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone which is the Atlantic US continental coast. (Note: Hawaii does not have Daylight Saving Time for the summer months.)

Taiwan time is 18 hours ahead of Hawaii.

Climate

The Hawaiian Islands enjoy a moderate tropical climate with gentle northeasterly trade winds and warm Pacific waters almost year-round. During the summer season, the average daytime temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter season, the average temperature is 78 degrees.

Major holidays

New Year's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Chinese New Year
Presidents' Day
Prince Kuhio Day
Memorial Day
King Kamehameha Day
Independence Day
Statehood Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas

Drinking water

The quality of tap water from the faucet is superior and safe for drinking. Bottled mineral water is available at supermarkets.

Transportation on Oahu

The bus system provides punctual and reliable service, generally covering the metropolitan Honolulu area. Their routes and timetables are easily available at various designated points, you can simply go to http://www.thebus.org/ or dial 848-5555 for related information. The monthly pass ($ 70 dollars) offers unlimited rides, while a single journey costs $2.75 dollars. A free transfer ticket may be requested from the driver for a connecting ride, to be used within two hours. The front two-row seats are usually reserved for handicaps.

For those who need taxicabs, please refer to the yellow pages of the local telephone book. The passengers are recommended to pay tips in addition to the fare shown on the meter.

For those who wish to drive in Hawaii, please consult the relavent website of city DMV on licensing requirements. You are advised to have your international driver's license ready before traveling.

Air Transportation

Currently, China Airlines provides direct flights between Honolulu and Taipei three times a week, and five flights via Tokyo per week. In addition, passengers from Taipei can also fly with Japan Airlines, United Airlines or Northwest Airlines to Honolulu, with a stopover in Japan.

Local address and telephone number of China Airlines in Honolulu:
1600 Kapilani Blvd. Suite 1410
Honolulu, HI 96814
TEL:(808)951-0088

Hotels

There are over 71,000 hotel rooms in the entire State. On Oahu alone, the number reaches 36,000, mostly concentrated in Waikiki and adjacent areas.

Recreation

Known for beautiful white sandy beaches and pristine water quality, the islands not only attract swimming, surfing and scuba lovers from different parts of the world, but Hawaii is also noted as a "paradise of golfers" with about 80 golf courses to choose from. World class cuisines, particularly seafood, and shopping are always delightful experiences for all visitors.

Major general hospitals in Honolulu

Queen's Medical Center
1301 Punchbowl St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
TEL: (808)538-9011

St. Francis Medical Center
2230 Liliha St.
Honolulu, HI 96817
TEL: (808)547-6011

Kuakini Medical Center
347 N. Kuakini St.
Honolulu, HI 96817
TEL: (808)536-2236

Points of Interest
1. Waikiki
2. The King Kamehameha Statue
3. Iolani Palace
4. State Capitol Building
5. Bishop Museum
6. Honolulu Zoo
7. Waikiki Aquarium
8. Foster Botanical Garden
9. Polynesian Cultural Center
10. Hanauma Bay
11. Pear Harbour & Arizona Memorial

Local Chinese media

To keep informed of domestic news about Taiwan, local Chinese communities in Hawaii may subscribe to the Chinese language programs through Oceanic Time Warner Television, or install a satellite dish to receive video broadcasts offered by ET Television Co. or Phoenix Television Co. Chinese language newspapers, such as World Journal Daily, Sing Tao Daily or Hawaii Chinese News bi-weekly, also provide comprehensive news coverage about Taiwan as well as Taiwanese activities in Hawaii.
Chinese Community Broadcasting Inc.
Chinatown Cultural Plaza, Rm #206
100 N. Beretania St.
Honolulu, HI 96817
TEL: (808)523-7623
FAX: (808)521-0764
World Journal
Chinatown Cultural Plaza, #129-35
100 N. Beretania St.
Honolulu, HI 96817
TEL: (808)524-8886
FAX: (808)535-1585
Sing Tao Daily
Chinatown Cultural Plaza, #203A
100 N. Beretania St.
Honolulu, HI 96817
TEL: (808)531-8930
FAX: (808)533-3077
Hawaii Chinese News bi-weekly (Tam Bao)
90 N. King St. #202,
Honolulu, HI 96817
TEL: (808)952-6700
FAX: (808)952-6701

State of Hawaii office in Taipei

Executive Director: Mr. Alex Lei
Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall
5 Hsin-yi Road, Section 5 Room 7G-07
Taipei, Taiwan
TEL: 886-2-2723-0017
FAX: 886-2-2723-0229
E-mail: AlexLei_Taiwan@dbedt.hawaii.gov

Hawaii Tourism Authority in Taipei

Representative: Mr. Jemy See
http://www.gohawaii.org.tw
No. 51 Hsin-yi Road, Section 2, Suite 806
Taipei, Taiwan
TEL: 886-2-2377-4930 ext12
FAX: 886-2-2377-4375
E-mail: jemysee@ gohawaii.org.tw