Chapter 1
HAWAII
POWER RANKING - TIED #15
Kauai Coast
ABOUT HAWAII
Did you ever meet someone from Hawaii? They act like they’re on permanent vacation. Meanwhile, the rest of us? We’re sitting in traffic, late for work, and they’re over there like, “Oh, life’s tough , better catch a wave.” Give me a break! Picture this: you’re in Waikiki, and here comes a guy named Kona. Of course, his name’s Kona. He has board shorts, flip-flops, and a shirt that says, “Aloha, Beaches.” That’s clever, Kona. Setting the bar high for humor.
Now, this guy, he’s not just a beach bum, no, no. He’s got layers. He’s like a professional surfer, hula dancer, and poke expert rolled into one. Yeah, he’ll tell you about catching the perfect wave—like anyone cares—and then he’ll go on about how he’s a DJ at night. Yeah, that’s great, Kona. I’m over here trying to pay rent, and you’re sipping coconut water at sunrise like you’ve cracked the code of life.
Look, Hawaii—it’s out there in the middle of the Pacific, floating like your uncle’s toupee in a hot tub. You’d think they’d be cut off from the world, right? Nah! These folks have been a trade hub since before your ancestors figured out how to boil water. And get this—they gave us Obama! That’s right, from King Kamehameha to Barack Obama. I mean, talk about range! One 57
minute it’s lava and leis, the next it’s presidential speeches and Nobel Prizes. What’s in the water over there? You give ’em a volcano, they give you a president. The islands themselves were created by volcanoes, for crying out loud. This place is the youngest land on Earth, and the people there? They act like they’ve seen it all. They’ve got kingdoms, whaling ships, and sandalwood traders. It’s like “Game of Thrones” but with fewer leis and beheadings.
OK some history; King Kamehameha unites the islands and then boom! The sandalwood trade’s bringing in the bucks. But of course, the missionaries show up. You know how it goes—here come the folks from New England, and suddenly, everyone’s converting to Christianity and growing sugar. The missionaries were converting Hawaiians, but when they got bored with that, they started running sugar plantations. Yeah, you heard me. One day, they’re spreading the good word; next thing you know, they’re moguls in the sugar biz.
By the way, sugar? Huge deal back in the day. They had to import labor because the locals, well, they weren’t enough. So, you’ve got all these contract workers from China and Japan coming in. It’s like Hawaii’s little version of “The Apprentice.” And eventually, the Americans got tired of the royal family. Oh yeah, they were like, “You know what? Enough with the monarchy. Let’s bring in the Marines and call it a day.” And that’s how Hawaii became a republic. Don’t ask me how they did it with a straight face.
Fast forward, and Pearl Harbor happens. Do you think Hawaii’s just over there relaxing? No, they’re in the middle of everything. The military rolls in, and the next thing you know, the islands are packed with soldiers and sailors. And let me tell you, nothing builds tourism like a bunch of soldiers going home and telling everyone how lovely the beaches are. By the 1960s, tourism is the big moneymaker. Forget sugar and pineapples—it’s all about sunburned tourists now.
But, of course, things slow down after the Cold War. The military spending dropped, Japan’s economy grew, and suddenly, the rich folks stopped buying up Oahu. Who knew paradise had an expiration date? And then, the sugar industry? Gone! After 180 years, they close the last sugar company. That’s when you know the party’s over, folks. They tried to save it with artisanal chocolate—chocolate!—but it’s not the same.
Now Hawaii’s got papayas, macadamia nuts, and Kona coffee. Oh, and they’re proud of their honeybees. Yeah, bees! That’s what it’s come to. From sugar and pineapples to bees. So, with your board shorts and coconut water, Kona, good luck. You and your bees can keep living the dream while we pay the bills!
VITAL STATISTICS
Nickname: Unlike California, Hawaii has no widely recognized nickname like “The Golden State.” However, it’s informally called “The Aloha State” due to its famous greeting and welcoming spirit. Additionally, it’s sometimes called the “Pineapple State” and the “Rainbow State.”
Joined Union: Hawaii became the 50th state in the United States on August 21, 1959. 58
Asian: 37.3%Two or More Races: 24.6%White: 25.5%Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 10.3%Hispanic or Latino: 10.1%Other Race: 1.6%
Size: Hawaii is the only U.S. state composed entirely of islands. These volcanic islands emerged due to intense volcanic activity, with molten magma cooling and forming new land. The state has eight main islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and the Big Island of Hawaii. The Big Island is the largest, covering approximately 10,432 square kilometers
Ethnicity:
College Grads: Compared to other states, a smaller percentage of Hawaiians aged 25 and older hold bachelor’s degrees (around 25-30%). Approximately 8-10% of the same age group have earned master’s degrees.
GROWTH OF THE STATE
Population: Hawaii, with a population of approximately 1.46 million people, has a diverse population mix with no majority group. Residents claim multi-ethnic backgrounds, making it unique among U.S. states.
*no data for 2024 * ABOVE PER MOVEBUDDHA
In contrast to the Movebuddha data shown above, Other sources state that Hawaii’s net migration has been negative in recent years, with more people leaving the state than moving in. This is per sources The Center Square and the Civil Beat (* see Bibliography for URLs)
HIGH CRIME AREAS:
Cities with crime rate over the National Average: According to the FBI UCR data, in 2022, among Hawaiian towns with a population of at least 10K,
Honolulu had the highest Total Crime Rate per 100K residents (2,857.86).National Average (2500)
IN PRAISE OF
Stunning Natural Beauty: You got these jaw-dropping landscapes, right? We’re talking about pristine beaches, lush rainforests, volcanic mountains, and sunsets that look like some artists painted them on a good day. It’s a buffet of beauty out there, and you can’t swing a cat without finding a place to explore or do something outdoors.Pleasant Climate: And the weather? Forget about it! It’s like summer all year round. Warm temperatures every single day. Do you want to hit the beach? Go for a hike? You can do it all whenever you feel like it. It’s basically a paradise for sun worshippers and anyone who loves the great outdoors.Rich Culture and History: Now, Hawaii has a vibe all its own. You’ve got this unique cultural mix—Native Hawaiian traditions, Asian influences, and a bit of Western culture. You can soak in traditional Hawaiian music, catch a hula show, or chow down on local grub. It’s like a history lesson with fun, you know?Outdoor Activities: If you’re into being active, Hawaii’s your playground. You’ve got the ocean for surfing and snorkeling, mountains for hiking, and all kinds of water sports like scuba diving and paddleboarding. There’s no shortage of ways to get out there and enjoy life.Strong Sense of Community: And let me tell you about the people. The community here is tight-knit. They’re all about ‘ohana’—that means family, folks. You feel that sense of belonging, like everyone’s looking out for each other. It’s a real draw for many people, making living here unique.
DO NOT MISS!
Hana, a charming town on Maui’s eastern coast, is a must-visit despite the adventurous drive along the winding Road to Hana, filled with waterfalls and breathtaking scenery. Upon arrival, you’ll find beautiful beaches like Hana Beach Park, perfect for relaxation. Nearby, Ohe’o Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, offers stunning views and hiking opportunities, though some might argue that the name is a bit exaggerated. Overall, Hana captures the essence of Hawaii, making the challenging drive worth it.
POWER STRUCTURE
You got the tourism industry running the show like it’s the boss of the family. Hawaiian Airlines, Outrigger Hotels, and Hilton Hawaiian Village are pulling strings like they’re running a side hustle. They’re not just bringing in tourists but shaping economic policies and ensuring the infrastructure is up to snuff for all those beach bums. Then there’s the military—a significant presence out there, with bases for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. They got land, they got influence… Honolulu? That’s the capital, the heartbeat of the islands, where all the big decisions go down. And don’t forget Hawaiian Electric Industries, the big shot utility provider, focused on renewable energy that is good for the environment. Still, you know they’re not doing it out of the kindness of their hearts. Now, the hotel industry? They’re spending big bucks on lobbying, ensuring they get what they want from the lawmakers. And speaking of lawmakers, you got Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz in the Senate, keeping it all in check and making sure the liberal agenda rolls on smoothly. So, in Hawaii, it’s all about tourism, military clout, and a little political maneuvering—just the way they like it, nice and cozy.
POWERFUL ENTITIES
Tourism Industry: Hawaii’s economy relies heavily on tourism, with major hotel chains, airlines, and tourism companies playing a significant role. Entities like Hawaiian Airlines, Outrigger Hotels, and Hilton Hawaiian Village considerably influence Hawaii’s economic policy, infrastructure development, and employment initiatives.
2. Military Presence: Hawaii hosts a significant U.S. military presence, including the Pacific Command and various Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps bases. The military’s substantial land holdings, economic contributions, and strategic importance provide it with considerable influence over local and state policies, infrastructure projects, and financial activities.
3. Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA): The OHA is a semi-autonomous state agency dedicated to improving the well-being of Native Hawaiians. It manages land, financial resources, and cultural programs that benefit Native Hawaiians. The OHA’s decisions and advocacy efforts significantly impact social policies, cultural preservation, and economic opportunities for Native Hawaiian communities.
4. Agricultural Sector: Hawaii’s agricultural sector, including major players like Dole Food Company and Maui Land & Pineapple Company, substantially impacts the state’s economy. These entities influence agrarian policy, land use regulations, and sustainability practices, contributing to Hawaii’s food security and export revenues.
POWER CENTERS
Honolulu: Honolulu is the capital and largest city in Hawaii. It is located on the island of Oahu and serves as Hawaii’s economic, cultural, and political hub. Honolulu is known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant urban atmosphere. It has numerous government offices, cultural institutions, and military installations. Honolulu is also a major tourist destination, with attractions like Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head State Monument, and Pearl Harbor.Hilo: Hilo is the largest city on Hawaii’s island, commonly called the Big Island. It is located on the island’s eastern side and serves as the region’s commercial, cultural, and educational center. Hilo is known for its lush rainforests, scenic waterfalls, and botanical gardens. It is also home to the University of Hawaii at Hilo and several museums, parks, and historic sites.Kahului: Kahului is the largest town in Maui and is the leading commercial and transportation hub. It is located on the northern coast of Maui and is home to Kahului Airport, the primary airport serving Maui County. Kahului is known for its shopping centers, industrial areas, and proximity to popular tourist destinations like Haleakala National Park and the Hana Highway.Kailua-Kona: Kailua-Kona is a town on the western coast of Hawaii, known as the Kona Coast. It is a popular tourist destination for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Kailua-Kona is also known for its historic sites, including Hulihee Palace and the Mokuaikaua Church. The town is a gateway to attractions like the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and the Kona Coffee farms.Wailea: Wailea is a resort community located on the southern coast of Maui. It is known for its luxury hotels, world-class golf courses, and beautiful beaches. Wailea is a popular destination for upscale travelers seeking relaxation and recreation. The area also has upscale shopping centers, fine-dining restaurants, and scenic oceanfront views.
