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As a CPA in Hawaii, the team here at Michael J. Yuda, CPC, LLC, wants to extend our knowledge and love for this beautiful state to each of you! Whether you are looking to visit The Rainbow State, or just looking to learn more, here are some quick facts about Hawaii that set us apart from the other 49 states!
From east to west, Hawaii is the widest state in the United States.
Hawaii is the only state to grow vanilla beans.
The state capital, Honolulu, is the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country.
Honolulu is also the second most expensive city in the United States. (The first being Anchorage, Alaska.)
Hawaii is home to the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa.
Hawaii has the highest life expectancy in the United States. For males, the life expectancy is 75, and for females it is 80 years.
Hawaii is a worldwide leader in harvesting macadamia nuts and orchids.
Park rangers at Hawaii National Park receive packages every year from tourists who took volcanic rocks from Kilauea. The tourists send them back claiming the rocks were bad luck from Pele, the goddess of fire, lightening, dance, volcanoes, and violence.
These are just a few of the unique reasons why we love the state we get to call home! Most of all, they are what makes everyday a great day to be a CPA in Hawaii!
Knowing the perfect time of year to visit Hawaii that will offer the best weather for all of the sights you wish to see, along with navigating when is the most affordable time to visit, can be a bit overwhelming. As a CPA in Hawaii, we’ve got the experience and some inside tips that can aid in your travel plans.
#1 When’s the best time of year to visit? There are many things to consider – the weather, which island(s) you plan to visit, the cost of airfare, where you plan to stay and what you want to do when you arrive.
The weather in Hawaii is consistently good most of the year, but the prices are much higher during the “high” travel season. Deciding what you want to do while in Hawaii and when the best time to do and see those things will help narrow down when you should visit.
#2 Weather in Hawaii Visiting Hawaii during the winter season for mainland America is actually not the ideal time to find the best weather and bargains. The best weather is often found in April, May, September and October. These are also the months when you can find some good travel bargains. Hawaii has a dry season (April to October) and a rainy season (November to March.) The summer months can be hot and humid, especially in Honolulu and Waikiki.
#3 Which island to visit?
There are eight islands in Hawaii, six of which you can visit. The time of year you choose for your trip is a consideration for which island(s) you visit. For example, if you want to see the high waves that make Hawaii a world famous surfing destination, you’ll want to plan your trip for November – January. However, during summer, this same surf is mostly calm and a great place to bring the whole family.
#4 Cost of airfare Airfare tends to be more expensive during the “high” season of mid-December to mid-April. The cost of a round-trip airline ticket to Hawaii has increased substantially over the past 10 years. However, there are a large number of airlines that fly to Hawaii, and the costs due vary from day to day and airline to airline, so the key is to plan ahead and compare prices.
#5 Where to stay?
Like airfare, lodging tends to be more expensive during the “high” season of mid-December to mid-April. There are resorts, standard hotels, condominium hotels, bed & breakfasts and vacation rentals. Cost will vary, often greatly, depending on where you decide to stay. Larger resorts tend to be more expensive than a standard hotel, but they often offer nicer rooms and pools, on-site restaurants and shopping, and more activities. Condominium hotels and vacation rentals are a great alternative for families since most come with a kitchen and you can save significant money on food.
Being a CPA in Hawaii, we are well acquainted with the history and custom of the lei. But seeing how many of you aren’t lucky enough to call one of our islands home, we thought we’d share some history and etiquette with you! It will come in handy on your next visit!
History of the Hawaiian Lei
The lei custom was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers, who took a journey from Tahiti. With these early settlers, the lei tradition in Hawaii was born. The original leis were constructed of flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, feathers, and even bone and teeth of various animals. In Hawaiian tradition, these garlands were worn to beautify themselves. Among other sacred uses, it was used to signify a peace agreement between opposing chiefs.
An Island Hello! Today, the lei is the symbol of Hawaii for the millions of visitors worldwide. During the “Boat Days” of the early 1900s, travelers were greeted at the pier at Aloha Tower to welcome malihini (visitors) to the islands and kama’aina (locals) back home.
Lei Etiquette There are very few “rules” when it comes to wearing a Hawaiian lei. Anyone can wear one, anytime – no special occasion is necessary.
Unspoken Rules While there aren’t any “formal rules”, there are a couple of “unspoken rules” that should be respected. * A lei should be a welcomed celebration, therefore, always accept a lei, never refuse.
*The proper way to wear a lei is gently draped over the shoulders, hanging down both in front and in back.
*It is considered rude to remove a lei from your neck in the presence of the person who gave it to you, so if you must, be discreet.
Did you know Hawaii is home to over 19 state forests, 52 state parks, and features some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world? What other facts do you know about Hawaii? Did you know the state motto of Hawaii is “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness” (Ua mau ke ea o ka aina I ka pono)? Being a CPA in Hawaii allows us to learn more and more about this beautiful state, and at Michael J. Yuda, CPC, LLC., we like to share these wonderful facts with you. Below are some more fun facts about Hawaii:
The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are home to over 7,000 marine species, most of which are found nowhere else in the world.
The island of Kauai is home to the wettest spot on Earth. With an average yearly rainfall on Mt. Waialeale of 397 inches.
Hawaii has the highest life expectancy for residents than anywhere else in the U.S.
The ocean temperature in Hawaii varies from 72 degrees in the winter to a bathtub-esque 82 degrees in the summer.
Hawaii is known as the “Aloha State” and also the “Paradise of the Pacific”.
Famous Hawaiians include Bette Midler, Don Stroud, Don Ho, Jack Johnson, and Barack Obama.
Hawaii is a fascinating state with an interesting history, and wide array of colorful people and culture. Being a CPA in Hawaii is a joy every day, and learning the rich history of this beautiful island is an absolute pleasure. Every now and then, we like to have a little fun over at Yuda.com! The following are a few interesting facts about Hawaii:
The Hawaiian Islands were originally settled by Polynesian immigrants, but was unknown to the Europeans until James Cook landed here in 1778.
Hawaii officially became known as the “Aloha State” in 1959.
Hawaii is home to the only royal residence in the United States, the Iolani Palace.
Hawaii is home to the largest number of endangered species in the USA.
The Kilauea Volcano, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the largest and most active volcanos on Earth.
The Big Island is home to one of the world’s biggest telescopes, and has more observatories in one location than anywhere else in the world.
Hawaii is the only state that grows and harvests coffee!
Hawaii is the only U.S. state whose land area is increasing (from volcanic eruptions.)
Being a Honolulu CPA firm, Michael J.Yuda CPA, LLC gets to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii on a daily basis. If you’ve never been to Hawaii, you more than likely envision it as it’s portrayed in movies and television shows. It really is just as magical as you’ve imagined. When we’re not busy doing tax return preparation in Hawaii, we’re enjoying the beautiful sun and beaches of the most magical place on Earth. Here are some amazing facts about Hawaii!
Hawaii is so unique that it actually has its own time zone, Hawaiian Standard Time. Hawaiian Standard Time is two hours behind Pacific Standard Time, and five hours behind Eastern Standard Time.
Almost one-third of the world’s pineapples come from Hawaii.
Hawaii has eight main islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and the Big Island of Hawaii.
Hawaii has two official languages.
Hawaii is America’s youngest state, entering the nation on August 21, 1959.
Hawaii is the only state in the United States that grows coffee.
There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet.
The islands of Hawaii were formed from erupted under-sea volcanoes.
Lolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States.
As a CPA in Hawaii, the team here at Michael J. Yuda, CPC, LLC, wants to extend our knowledge and love for this beautiful state to each of you! Whether you are looking to visit The Rainbow State, or just looking to learn more, here are some quick facts about Hawaii that set us apart from the other 49 states!
Being a