Introduction: Hawaii Download PDF
During the 18th century Hawaii had a basic self-sustainable society with an economy that relied on fishing and farming. In the latter part of the 19th century, Hawaii developed a plantation-based economy that focused on cultivating products such as sugar and pineapples for export. In the 1930s, the U.S. government developed a military instillation there, and federal expenditures quickly became a major source of employment and income. Today Hawaii’s economy has shifted gears, with tourism constituting the largest portion of GDP. Visitors from around the world are drawn by the state’s paradise-like beaches, subtropical climate and bountiful natural attractions such as waterfalls and volcanoes. Agriculture is another critical industry, led by the production of coffee, macadamia nuts, cattle, pineapple and sugarcane.
Government
Symbols
State Seal: |
State Quarter: |
Time Zones:
| Standard Time | GMT-10 | |
| Daylight-Saving Time | GMT-10 | |
Statistics
- Per Capita Real GDP :
- $38,850
- Population:
- 1,288,200
- Percent of People Under Poverty Level:
- 9.8%
- Per Capita Personal Income:
- $36,299
- Percent of Population with a Bachelor's Degree:
- 19.1%
- Total Exports:
- $560,426,000
Top 5 Export Partner Countries
Singapore
Japan
Guatemala
China
El Salvador
Top 5 Export Merchandise
Food Sales
Printing Sales
Major Cities
Major Airports
| Airport Name | City | |
| HNL | Honolulu International | Honolulu |
| ITO | Hilo International | Hilo |
| KOA | Kona International at Keahole | Kailua/Kona |
Main Ports:
Barbers Point, Oahu, Hilo, Honolulu, Kahului, Maui, Kawaihae Harbor, Nawiliwili, Kauai
Corporations
| Company | Fortune 1000 Rank: | Revenues ($millions) | Headquarter City |
| Hawaiian Electric Inds. | 753 | 2,461 | Honolulu |
| Alexander & Baldwin | 946 | 1,701 | Honolulu |