After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. government was worried Japan would invade Hawaii and seize all the U.S. currency there. As a precaution, the U.S. burned $200 million in cash circulating on the islands, and replaced them with freshly printed bills with “Hawaii” stamped on them.
Hawaii
In ancient Hawaii it was forbidden…
In ancient Hawaii it was forbidden for men to eat with women and women were not allowed to eat certain food. The taboo was broken in 1819 when King Kamehameha II had a dinner party with women. They named this festive dinner a Luau.
During WWII, Hawaii had its own…
During WWII, Hawaii had its own unique US banknotes. In case of Japanese invasion, the US government would have declared the notes worthless to prevent their use by Japanese troops.
Niihau, the seventh largest Hawaiian Island, is privately…
Niihau, the seventh largest Hawaiian Island, is privately owned by two brothers who inherited it, their great great grandmother bought it from the Kingdom of Hawai’i for $10,000 in gold in 1864. Reportedly, the US government offered the brothers $1 Billion for the Island and they turned it down.
Niihau, the 7th largest island of Hawaii is completely privately…
Niihau, the 7th largest island of Hawaii is completely privately owned by one family who seeks to maintain it as it was purchased in 1864 for $10,000 in gold, including the native population.
Passengers leaving Hawaii on Alaska Airlines…
Passengers leaving Hawaii on Alaska Airlines can travel with one “properly packaged” box of pineapples as checked baggage for free.
Hawaii once attempted to combat homelessness by providing…
Hawaii once attempted to combat homelessness by providing one way tickets back to the mainland for any homeless person who wanted one.
Hawaii experiences a phenomenon known as Lahaina Noon…
Hawaii experiences a phenomenon known as Lahaina Noon twice a year. The sun is directly overhead and objects that stand straight up cast no shadow.
When musician Israel Kamakawiwo’ole passed in 1997, he was the first…
When musician Israel Kamakawiwo’ole passed in 1997, he was the first and only citizen to receive the honor of having the Hawaii state flag flown at half-staff. His coffin was allowed to “lay in state” in the capitol building. Since then, in 2003 a bronze bust of Brother Iz was erected on O’ahu.
The Kingdom of Hawaii declared itself neutral during…
The Kingdom of Hawaii declared itself neutral during the American Civil War. Despite that decree, many native Hawaiians enlisted anyway.