Hawaje

Hawaje is a state of the United States located in the central Pacific Ocean. The state consists of a chain of islands—the Hawaiian Islands—with eight main volcanic islands: Hawaii (the Big Island), Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe, plus numerous smaller islets. The capital is Honolulu, situated on Oahu.

Geography and geology: The islands were formed by volcanic activity atop the Hawaii hotspot. Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the Big Island are among the largest volcanoes on Earth, and Kilauea has been eruptive in recent decades. Climate varies from tropical rain forests to deserts; rainfall is heavy on windward coasts and drier on leeward sides.

History: Polynesian navigators settled the islands around the first millennium CE. In 1810 the islands were unified under King Kamehameha I. In 1893 a group of planters and others overthrew the monarchy, leading to the Republic of Hawaii in 1894; it was annexed by the United States in 1898 and admitted as the 50th state in 1959.

Population and culture: Hawaii has a diverse population with Native Hawaiian, Asian, and other communities. English and Hawaiian are official languages. The islands have a distinctive culture expressed in music, dance (hula), and ceremonies. The economy relies on tourism, defense, and transportation, while agriculture historically centered on sugarcane and pineapples.

Environment and conservation: Protected areas include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park; ongoing efforts aim to protect native plants and birds and to manage invasive species.