The Hawaii Traveler

For those of you playing along at home, we’ll get to the answers of yesterday’s (May 27th) Tuesday Test after we jump ahead to a more detailed answer to question #5: How many varieties of snake are there in Hawaii?A bit of a trick question, the official answer is: One. It’s the island blind snake, or Ramphotyphlops braminus (shown).

While there may be other snakes on the islands that were introduced illegally or accidentally, federal and state governments invest high stakes in keeping snakes from entering the state. For example, commercial and private jets from other snake-infested Pacific islands–like Guam–are carefully inspected inside and out to make sure that none of these sneaky creatures, particularly the brown tree snake, have stowed away. Such an introduction would threaten the bird population, and cause all kinds of ecological devastation.

Other non-native snake species have been unable to gain a leg-up on the islands, leaving them relatively snake-free. If you do, however, spy a snake anywhere in Hawai’i, call 911 or the pest hotline at 586-7378 (PEST). If you own a snake as a pet or live specimen, you can surrender it without penalty under the state’s amnesty program.

Now, on to the rest of our answers:

Question 1: What Hawaiian island will someday be two islands?

Answer: Maui, although the departure of the two lobes of the island at the thin part probably won’t occur in your lifetime.

Question 2: What Hawaiian island is getting bigger?

Answer: Right now, the Big Island, thanks to its very active volcano. There are lots of other non-extinct volcanoes in the islands that could begin adding to the islands’ area, however. (I wouldn’t hold my breath.)

Question 3: What is the state fish?

Answer: After a time of being fishless, the state of Hawai’i reinstated the humuhumunukunukuapua’a as its state fish in 2006. That’s a relief.

Question 4: What is the highest mountain in the world, measured from its base to its peak?

Answer: Mauna Kea on Hawai’i, of course.

Question 5: How many varieties of snake are there in Hawaii?

Asked and answered.

Question 6: Which island boasts 10 of the 13 climate zones?

Answer: The Big Island wins again.

Question 7: What industry dominated the island of Lana’i until recently?

Answer: Pineapples used to be Lanai’s most common inhabitant. Now, golfers are making their way to this small, quiet spot. Fore!

Question 8: True or false: More people are killed by falling coconuts than lightening strikes.

Answer: I have to admit, I have no idea. The truth is, there is little factual data about deaths resulting from falling coconuts, therefore, the common belief that this is true is based largely upon urban myth. I do know, however, that the day a coconut fell on top of my car, I’m glad the sunroof was closed. The noise it made on the metal and glass was deafening. (Note to self: wear a hard hat on windy days.)

Question 9: True or false: Geckos make great house guests.

Answer: Take this one as a freebie, because really, the answer depends on you. I say that geckos are welcome in my home. They’re quiet, they’re small, they don’t use up all the towels, and they eat the bugs. My cousin says she has a thing about gecko poop. (Personally, I’ve never noticed it.)

Question 10: True or false: The state of Hawai’i hosts the largest working cattle ranch in the United States.

Answer: Although the Parker Ranch in Kamuela, Hawai’i hosts over 18,000 cows (2000), the Deseret Ranch in central Florida boasts 40,000 of them (2000). Parker Ranch is still an impressive operation, and worth visiting, too, especially if the thought of Hawaiian cowboys (ka’ aina o ka paniolo) intrigue you.

Question 11: Bonus question: True or false: All “Kona coffee” is the same.

Answer: A big False! State law requires that a bag containing “Kona coffee” must contain only 10% of the authentic Kona bean, an amount so low that quality varies wildly. The next time you buy Kona coffee, pay attention to the label. This coffee drinker says, “One hundred percent is where it’s at!”

Play along next week, and if you have questions or answers to submit to Test Tuesday, please comment away!

Photo: US Geological Survey

1 Comment