Hawaii Island History

Hawaii is made up 8 islands that span across the Pacific Ocean. The islands are Kauai, Maui, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Niihau. Out of all the 50 states in america, Hawaii is the only state that grows coffee beans("Hawaii State Facts”). Hawaii has many key features to why people are drawn to the state. The history that holds the roots of Hawaii can create a story. The settlement of people and the changing climate of people can create a stir of wonder to many. “The Hawaiian Islands were formed by such a hot spot occurring in the middle of the Pacific Plate”(US Department of Commerce, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Hawaii did not just form in one day. It took many years for the islands to become what they are now. Under

“In the early 1960s, the related concepts of "seafloor spreading" and "plate tectonics" emerged as powerful new hypotheses that geologists used to interpret the features and movements of the Earth's surface layer”( Geology). Seafloor spreading and plate tectonics worked together, in act with the hotspot to make the Hawaiian islands. Before recent studies, the Hawaiian islands were known as the emperor chain. “Over a span of about 70 million years, the combined processes of magma formation, eruption, and continuous movement of the Pacific Plate over the stationary hot spot have left the trail of volcanoes across the ocean floor that we now call the Hawaiian-Emperor Chain”(Geology). The Island of Hawai'i was known as a huge change of motion due to the direction of plate movement. It is suggested by the bracketing the bend. “However, recent studies suggest that the northern segment (Emperor Chain) formed as the hot spot moved southward until about 45 Ma, when it became fixed”( Geology). Studies have shown that a by downstream motion of the hotspot, the northwesterly plate prevailed leading

Not only does it draw people into the island, It is home to many species of animals and vegetation. Many tropical commercial fruits are grown in Hawaii. Fruits like pineapple, bananas, guavas, mangoes, and limes are grown and harvest. An assortment of nuts are also grown in the rich soils of hawaii. There are many native wildlife on the islands. Species of rats, frogs and even sheep are happy to call the Hawaiian islands home, but many invasive species are taking over. “Hawai'i also struggles with the many invasive species which have been brought to the islands over the years. This primarily involves plant life, but is most noticeable in the animal populations” (Derrick, John C). Many residents are being driven out of their homes due to the invasive coqui. The coqui was brought over from Puerto Rico. Besides wildlife and vegetation, Hawaii has climate issues on its hands. Wind patterns in Hawaii has taken a turn for the worst. “A decrease in the frequency of northeast trade winds and an increase in eastern trade winds over the past nearly four decades. Northeast trade wind days, which occurred 291 days per year 37 years ago at the Honolulu International Airport, now only occur 210 days per year”( "Wind changes could affect Hawaii climate."). This problem can offset the natural occurrences in Hawaii. Climate change in Hawaii plays hand in hand. When one thing is not happening right, the rest of the chain gets messed up. When the wind