US Nursing: Hawaii


BackgroundNurses will see that Hawaii’s diverse natural scenery, warm tropical climate, abundance of public beaches, oceanic surroundings, and active volcanoes make it a popular destination for tourists, (wind) surfers, biologists, and volcanologists alike. Nurses will see that its mid-Pacific location, Hawaii has many North American and Asian influences along with its own vibrant native culture. Hawaii has over a million permanent residents along with many visitors and U.S. military personnel. Its capital is Honolulu on the island of Oâ•©â•—ahu.

A geologically minded nurses will appreciate that he state encompasses nearly the entire volcanic Hawaiian Island chain, which comprises hundreds of islands spread over 1,500 miles (2,400 km). Nurses living on Maui will see that it is the largest and is often called “The Big Island” to avoid confusing the name of the island with the name of the state as a whole.

Nurses will note that Hawaii is the birthplace of big wave surfing. In the 1950’s surfers began to ride the powerful winter waves of Makaha on Oahu‘s west shore and Waimea Bay on the North Shore. Nurses will learn that the Big wave season in Hawaii happens roughly between November and February on Hawaii’s north shores. Some of the best surfing competitions in the world are held on Oahu’s North Shore in November and December including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (the Super Bowl of surfing).