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Quizzes > Geography

Hawaii trivia questions and answers: test your island knowledge

Quick, free Hawaii quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Lucas LeungUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Hawaii trivia quiz on a teal background

This Hawaii trivia quiz helps you test what you know about the islands: culture, landmarks, language, and nature. After you finish, keep the island vibe going with beach trivia, try a Puerto Rico quiz for another tropical challenge, or expand your map smarts with geography trivia questions.

Hawaii is the ___ state of the United States of America.
51st
48th
50th
49th
Hawaii was admitted to the Union on August 21, 1959, becoming the 50th state. It was the first state added after the contiguous United States. Its statehood completed the current lineup of 50 states. .
What is the capital city of Hawaii?
Maui
Kailua
Hilo
Honolulu
Honolulu is the capital and largest city of Hawaii, located on the island of O?ahu. It serves as the state's economic and political center. The port of Honolulu is one of the busiest in the Pacific. .
Which two languages are official in the state of Hawaii?
English and Hawaiian
Hawaiian and Spanish
English and French
English and Spanish
In 1978, Hawaii adopted a constitutional amendment making both English and the Hawaiian language official. This recognizes the cultural importance of ??lelo Hawai?i. Schools and official documents may include both languages. .
What is the official state flower of Hawaii?
Orchid
Bird of paradise
Yellow hibiscus
Plumeria
The yellow hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei) was designated Hawaii's official state flower in 1988. It is endemic to the islands but now endangered. Its bright yellow blooms symbolize the islands' tropical beauty. .
Which bird is the official state bird of Hawaii?
Pueo (owl)
Laysan albatross
?Apapane
N?n? (Hawaiian goose)
The N?n?, or Hawaiian goose, was named the state bird in 1957. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and once near extinction. Conservation efforts have helped its population recover. .
Which of these is the largest active volcano on the Island of Hawaii?
Hual?lai
Mauna Loa
K?lauea
Mauna Kea
Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano in the world by volume and area. It last erupted in 1984. While K?lauea is more active, Mauna Loa covers more land. .
What is the name of the traditional Hawaiian feast featuring food, music, and dance?
Hula
Aina
Luau
Kahiko
A luau is a traditional Hawaiian party or feast that often includes poi, kalua pig, and haupia. It features music, hula performance, and dancing. Luaus celebrate social events and cultural heritage. .
Which word is commonly used as a Hawaiian greeting meaning hello and love?
Imua
Aloha
Mahalo
Ohana
Aloha is a Hawaiian word used both for greeting and farewell, embodying love, peace, and compassion. It represents a way of life and respect for all. It is one of the state's most recognized words. .
What is the official state fish of Hawaii, known for its long name?
Opakapaka
Mahimahi
Humuhumunukunuku?pua?a
Moi
The reef triggerfish, known locally as Humuhumunukunuku?pua?a, is Hawaii's official state fish. Its name means "triggerfish with a pig's snout." It was designated in 1985. .
What is the name of the modern replica Polynesian voyaging canoe that completed ancient navigation routes?
Nalehu
Wa?a
Mo?okini
H?k?le?a
H?k?le?a is a double-hulled voyaging canoe launched in 1975 to revive traditional Polynesian navigation. It completed a global circumnavigation by dead reckoning. It demonstrates ancient wayfinding techniques. .
The famous statue of King Kamehameha I stands in front of which building in Honolulu?
Ali?i?lani Hale
Bishop Museum
Kawaiaha?o Church
?Iolani Palace
The bronze statue of King Kamehameha I was erected in 1883 and stands prominently in front of Ali?i?lani Hale in downtown Honolulu. It honors the monarch who unified the Hawaiian Islands. A replica also stands in Washington, D.C. .
What does a traditional Hawaiian lei symbolize?
All of the above
Farewell
Love
Welcome
A lei is a garland or wreath worn around the head or neck in Hawaiian culture. It is presented as a symbol of welcome, farewell, affection, honor, or celebration. Different flowers and materials carry distinct meanings. .
The Na Pali Coast State Park is located on which Hawaiian island?
Maui
Hawaii (Big Island)
Kauai
Oahu
The Na Pali Coast is a rugged shoreline on the north shore of Kauai, famous for its sea cliffs and valleys. It is accessible by hiking, boat, or helicopter. It is part of Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. .
In what year was the Republic of Hawaii annexed by the United States?
1898
1900
1875
1893
The United States annexed Hawaii with the Newlands Resolution on July 7, 1898. Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900. The annexation followed the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. .
Which island is the second largest in the Hawaiian archipelago?
Maui
Kauai
Oahu
Molokai
Maui, known as the "Valley Isle," is the second largest of the main Hawaiian Islands by land area. It is famous for Haleakal? National Park and the scenic Hana Highway. It's a major tourist destination. .
Originally, hula dances served primarily to preserve what aspect of Hawaiian culture?
Competitive sport
Fashion trends
History and oral traditions
Physical fitness
Hula was traditionally a means of preserving stories, genealogies, and mythology through chant and movement. Dancers honored deities and recounted events from Hawaiian history. It was banned by missionaries but revived as a cultural art form. .
What is the official motto of the state of Hawaii?
He Hawai?i K??ono?a
E ?Onipa?a
Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ??ina i ka Pono
Aloha ??ina
Hawaii's motto, "Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ??ina i ka Pono," translates to "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." It was adopted in 1959 upon statehood. It reflects King Kamehameha III's 1843 declaration. .
Ni?ihau, the 'Forbidden Island,' is restricted primarily because of what?
Unstable volcanic terrain
Sacred burial grounds
Private ownership and restricted access
Active military base
Ni?ihau has been privately owned since 1864 and access is limited to invited guests or residents. The owners preserve native Hawaiian culture and language. It remains off-limits to most tourists. .
Hawaii Pidgin, also known as Hawaiian Creole English, developed primarily from which language?
Hawaiian
Japanese
Portuguese
English
Hawaii Pidgin emerged on sugar plantations in the 19th century as a lingua franca among workers of diverse backgrounds. It is an English-based creole with influences from Hawaiian, Portuguese, Japanese, and others. It remains widely spoken today. .
In what year did the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom occur?
1893
1875
1898
1900
The monarchy of Queen Lili?uokalani was overthrown on January 17, 1893, by a group of American and European businessmen. This led to the establishment of the Republic of Hawaii. It paved the way for U.S. annexation in 1898. .
Which goddess is revered in Hawaiian tradition as the deity of volcanoes and fire?
Laka
Pele
K?ne
Hina
Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, fire, and lightning, central to many legends about the creation of the islands. She is both revered and feared for her power to create and destroy. Many volcano features are linked to her myths. .
?Iolani Palace in Honolulu is unique because it is the only what in the United States?
Largest building in Hawaii
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Active palace museum
Official royal residence of a sovereign monarch
?Iolani Palace was the royal residence of the Hawaiian monarchy from 1882 until the overthrow in 1893. It is the only official royal palace on U.S. soil. Today it is a museum showcasing Hawaii's royal history. .
The Kalaupapa peninsula on Moloka?i was historically used as a settlement for individuals with which disease?
Cholera
Tuberculosis
Smallpox
Leprosy (Hansen's disease)
From 1866 until 1969, Kalaupapa served as a leprosy settlement for individuals diagnosed with Hansen's disease. Patients were forcibly isolated there under territorial law. Father Damien is notable for his work caring for residents. .
Which royal dynasty was founded by King Kamehameha I after unifying the Hawaiian Islands?
House of Kaw?nanakoa
House of Kamehameha
House of Kal?kaua
House of Lunalilo
After uniting the Hawaiian Islands in 1810, Kamehameha I founded the House of Kamehameha, which ruled until 1872. The dynasty included five monarchs who oversaw significant cultural and political change. It ended with the death of Kamehameha V. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Iconic Hawaiian Landmarks -

    Recognize and name major geographical features and tourist attractions across the Hawaiian Islands, enhancing your spatial awareness of the archipelago.

  2. Recall Native Hawaiian Cultural Traditions -

    Describe key elements of Hawaiian dances, ceremonies, and customs to appreciate the island's rich cultural heritage.

  3. Analyze Tropical Flora and Fauna -

    Examine common Hawaiian plant and animal species, understanding their ecological roles and unique traits in the island environment.

  4. Apply Hawaiian Language Basics -

    Interpret simple Hawaiian words and phrases found throughout the quiz to build foundational linguistic knowledge.

  5. Evaluate Historical and Mythical Insights -

    Assess important historical events and local legends to gain a deeper perspective on Hawaii's past and its storytelling traditions.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Volcanic Origins of the Islands -

    Hawaii trivia often explores how the islands were formed by a stationary hotspot beneath the Pacific Plate, as described by the US Geological Survey (USGS). Remember the mnemonic "Hot Spot Stationary" to recall that new land emerges as the plate drifts over a fixed heat source. These volcanic processes span millions of years and create features used in many hawaii trivia questions.

  2. Hawaiian Language Basics -

    When tackling hawaii trivia questions, knowing ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is key: kahakŝ (macrons) and the ʻokina (glottal stop) change word meanings significantly, as outlined by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mĝnoa. A helpful memory trick is "macron stretches vowels, okina ends them," which can guide correct pronunciation. Mastering these diacritics boosts scores on any hawaii quiz and deepens cultural understanding.

  3. Distinct Hula Traditions -

    Hawaiian trivia often highlights two main hula styles: ancient hula kahiko and modern hula ʻauana, as detailed by the Bishop Museum and UH Mĝnoa. Kahiko features traditional chants and percussion, while ʻauana includes melodic lyrics and Western instruments. Associating "Kahiko=Chant, ʻAuana=Acoustic" helps you ace cultural rounds in a hawaiian trivia challenge.

  4. Iconic Native Flora -

    Easy Hawaiian trivia questions and answers frequently mention the ʻŝhiʻa lehua flower, a pioneer species in new lava flows studied by the University of Hawaiʻi's College of Tropical Agriculture. Pair it with the fragrant plumeria to remember "Oh Plume," a catchy phrase to recall two of the most emblematic blooms. Understanding these plants' ecological roles aids in environmental science segments of a hawaii trivia quiz.

  5. State Symbols and Fauna -

    A classic hawaii quiz question asks about the state fish, the reef triggerfish (humuhumunukunukuĝpuaʻa), and the state bird, the nēnē goose, as recognized by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature. Break the triggerfish's long name into syllable groups "humu-humu-nuku-nuku-ĝ-puaʻa" to make it manageable. These symbols reflect Hawaii's unique biodiversity and cultural identity in easy trivia rounds.

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