I believe everyone of us has a #BucketList of things we would like to do and places we would like to visit. Which is why I am excited to let you know July 5th is National Hawaii Day #NationalHawaiiDay. Hawaii was one place Suzzie and I wanted to visit. We was going to lay out on the #beach and have a Cabana boy bring us a drink or two or even three. Non-Alcoholic of course for her.
The funny part of our dream is I refuse to fly and a boat didn’t sound that much fun either and of course there is no, other way to get to #Hawaii which means even if Suzzie was here we wouldn’t have made it to Hawaii event. That doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate #NationalHawaiiDay in our home with decorations and food, We can watch Blue Hawaii with Elvis. Would you like to join us?
National Hawaii Day is observed annually every July 5th to celebrate becoming the 50th state of the U.S. However, Statehood was officially granted on August 21st, 1959. It’s not known why July 5 National Hawaii Day is held on July 5th.July 5 National Hawaii Day holds the distinction of being one of the four States that were once independent nations along with California, Texas, and Vermont.
Hawaii is located in Polynesia, 2,000 miles away from the mainland U.S. Hawaii is the only State outside North America and the only State that’s an archipelago. It’s a land of active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and abundant flora and fauna. The Polynesians were the first to arrive on the Islands using only the stars as their guide while navigating the Ocean.
In 1778, Captain James Cook landed on the Island of Kauai. Captain James Cool was the first European to make contact with the Islands, naming the archipelago the “Sandwich Islands” in honor of John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. Only much later on would it be collectively called Hawaii, after its biggest Island. Cook published several accounts of his voyages, which attracted other European and American visitors including traders, other explorers, and whalers.
In 1795, all inhabited Islands came under one ruler. King Kamehameha the Great established the House of Kamehameha, a dynasty that would rule for many years. The Kingdom of Hawaii was autonomous from 1810 to 1893 when The Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown by American and European landholders who had settled in the Islands. They lived as an independent republic until August 12th, 1898, when it was officially made a territory of the U.S.
Today, Hawaii boasts of being the most diverse State in the United States. Hawaii has the highest percentage of Asian Americans and the lowest number of White Americans of any State. Chinese, Filipinos, Puerto Ricans, and Japanese are just some of the races that call this lovely Island home. Wouldn’t it be fun to visit?
NATIONAL HAWAII DAY ACTIVITIES
- The flower garland called the Lei used as a token of greeting or farewell for visitors to the Island can make a mindful craft project. If you don’t have fresh flowers? You can make flowers out of colored felt or construction paper.
- Move to the hip-swaying beat of this traditional Hawaiian dance the Hula. Search online videos to follow at home. Better yet, sign up for a class with an instructor to show you the proper form.
- If you have the opportunity throw a Hawaiian-themed party and the dress code is Hawaiian shirts and flowers. Welcome guests with Leis, and serve tropical drinks along with grilled Seafood and Meat. Make a playlist of songs with a Hawaiian theme including “Blue Hawaii” by Elvis Presley and the theme from “Hawaii 5-O” to get into the Island spirit.
FACTS ABOUT HAWAII
- Dried out unhusked Coconuts some already decorated, some you can D.I.Y. are sold ready for you to surprise someone at the party.
- Did you know Utah and Hawaii are the only U.S. States that prohibit gambling?
- Hawaii is rabies-free and because of extremely strict quarantine laws are in place to keep Hawaii that way.
- Both residents and tourists can enjoy the beaches anytime, including those located by resorts and hotels.
- Hawaiian Standard Time runs two to three hours behind Pacific Standard Time and five to six hours behind Eastern Standard Time.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL HAWAII DAY
- Racial or ethnic majorities don’t exist in Hawaii. Everyone is a minority!
- Aside from seeing rainbows on car license plates and drivers’ licenses everywhere, chances are you’ll get to see a real-life rainbow if you visit Hawaii. If you’re really lucky, you may even see a rainbow once a day!
- Hawaiian Spirit Law or the Aloha Spirit is the balance between the heart and mind within a person. It’s the practice of spreading good feelings towards others. It extends warmth and caring to others without asking for anything in return.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
