With palm trees galore and more than 100 beaches (plus more than 100 volcanoes!), Hawaii’s islands are a playground in paradise. But there’s a lot more to love about the 50th state than its splash-worthy waters and lush hiking trails.
Settled by sea-faring Polynesians in the 4th century, the islands meld the cultures of native Hawaiians, American mainlanders, and Japanese, Filipino, Korean, and Chinese immigrants. All of which is shorthand for ‘fascinating people, delicious food, and irresistible music.’
A visit to Hawaii pretty much requires you to swim and paddle around in the Pacific. You can also trek on volcanoes, stroll through the rainforest, learn to surf, meet the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (honu) and the Hawaiian Monk Seal (llio holo I ka uaua), dance the hula, and pay tribute to the mighty Pele, goddess of fire.
In this episode, we marvel at the Polynesian settlers, learn about a forbidden island, sway to Hawaiian music, and enjoy a virtual luau on the beach. Then we recommend five books that transported us to Hawaii, including a snarky exploration of Hawaiian history, a stunning short story collection, a family saga tinged with magical realism, a white-knuckle report on the hunt for giant waves, and a techno-thriller that makes the most of Hawaii’s flora and fauna.
Read the full transcript of Hawaii: Bring a Bottle of Gin for Pele.
Each of the Hawaiian islands has a unique personality.
We briefly mentioned the Kon-Tiki expedition — and Mel misspoke a bit. Thank you to listener Jim who explained, ‘Early in your introduction you say that Thor Heyerdahl, sailing his raft Kon Tiki, demonstrated that it was possible for early native navigators to reach the Hawaiian islands… Heyerdahl’s voyage actually originated on the west coast of Peru. He sailed west and ended on Roraia in the Tuamoto islands. His route was south of the equator, and well south of the Hawaiian islands. His intent was to demonstrate that Polynesia could have been populated by natives sailing from South America.’ Now we know!
The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, Hawaiian Monk Seal, and Nene, among many other animals. US Fish & Wildlife has more info.
The Hawaiian creation chant:
These street view experiences are fantastic. It’s like strolling on the islands! The first one in the list has SO MANY BIRDS!
Here’s a map of the monument:
10 interesting facts about Hawaii. Did you know you can mail a coconut from there?!
Here’s an overview of Hawaiian history and Hawaiian culture.
Um, there are ancient petroglyphs that depict surfers — and there are 6 things you should know about the history of surfing.
Listen to our podcast episode New Zealand: Kiwis, Majestic Scenery, and Māori Mythology.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and what to do if you want to visit a volcano.
An overview of Hawaiian cuisine and the Hawaiian dishes that will make you want to visit the islands.
Perhaps you’d like to plan your own Hawaiian luau?
Statement 1: Hawaiian pizza was invented in a dorm room at the Honolulu Community College. Read about The Enduring Controversy of Hawaiian Pizza and the obituary for Sam Panopoulos, the Greek-Canadian restaurateur who invented it.
Statement 2: There is a weirdly gothic island in Hawaii. Some locals call it ‘the forbidden island.’ Listen to the story on This American Life, and read the 1982 story from The New York Times.
Statement 3: The guy who recorded that very popular version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow?’ His name was Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Locals called him Brother Iz or just Iz. When he died, he lay in state in the Hawaiian state capitol. Read about Israel Kamakawiwoʻole on Wikipedia — and here’s a news story about when he lay in state. NPR called him the voice of Hawaii.
Sarah Vowell is the author of Unfamiliar Fishes. She discusses her book at the National Book Festival in this video.
Michael Crichton is the author of Micro (along with Richard Preston). His website includes his thoughts on the book and his handwritten notes for the novel. NPR talks to Richard Preston about how he carried the torch of the book.
You probably need to know more about the 1970s show Dr. Shrinker. It was part of The Krofft Supershow, which was pretty bananas.
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