Did you know? · Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi fun facts
Things you might not know about Hawaiʻi. Every fact comes from an official or primary source, named alongside it.
Updated November 2026
America’s only royal palace
ʻIolani Palace was built in 1882 by King Kalākaua and was home to Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarchs; it is the only official royal residence in the United States and a National Historic Landmark since 1962 (ʻIolani Palace).
The Pink Palace of the Pacific
The Royal Hawaiian was built in 1927 and ushered in a new era of luxurious resort travel to Hawaiʻi, in its own words.
A wave more than a mile long
In 1929 Duke Kahanamoku rode a wave for one and an eighth miles at Waikīkī, likely the longest ride in modern times, Duke’s Waikiki notes.
A national park nearly three miles high
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park extends from sea level to 13,680 feet and takes in the summits of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes (National Park Service).
More than 200 films in one valley
Kualoa Ranch’s valley on the windward coast, known as Hollywood’s “Hawaii backlot”, has been the setting of more than 200 films and television shows since the 1950s (Kualoa Ranch).
The whales come in winter
From November through April, humpback whales can be seen from shore and at sea in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (NOAA).
Questions and answers
Is there a royal palace in the United States?
Yes: ʻIolani Palace in Honolulu, built in 1882, is the only official royal residence in the United States.
When was the Royal Hawaiian built?
In 1927.