Home to the filming of Lost and to Lilo and Stitch, Hawaii is famous for its incredible setting and friendly people. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a lei, which represents love and friendship—a great way to start your semester abroad! Although still technically in the United States, you will still feel like you have left your home for a new, exotic paradise on the other side of the world.
Hawaii possesses a number of climates varying from tropical rainforests to desolate desert-like land, and has mild temperatures all year round. This means that on the average weekend, you’ll find yourself snorkeling in a beautiful bay, exploring a jungle teeming with wildlife, touring active volcanoes, watching whales breach from the crystal-blue water, discovering one of Hawaii’s 100-plus islands, or surfing where the sport was invented. Available forms of transportation include buses, taxis, mopeds and motorcycles, bicycles, car rentals, and the Hawaii Pacific Shuttle to provide you with easy traveling around the island.
Hawaii is one of the most diverse places in the United States. Its 1.2 million residents are the descendants of Asians, Europeans, and Native Americans. This fascinating melting pot of cultures has created delicious cuisine, unique temples, and a laid-back, open-minded society. You can find much of this diversity in the capital, Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. More than 80 percent of the population lives here. You can experience such local celebrations as Whale Day, Taste of Honolulu, the Polynesian Festival, a hula competition at the Merrie Monarch festival, the Hawaiian International Film Festival, Statehood Day, or the aromatic Coffee Festival. Whether you’re listening to the music of Oahu’s famous son Jack Johnson in Waikiki or checking out nearby volcanoes, there is no dull moment in the paradise that is Hawaii!