The large American military presence is a major contributor to the economy of Hawaii. Tourism is the most important sector in the economy. When direct flights to Hawaii from the American mainland became possible in 1936 the popularity of the Islands as a holiday destination increased dramatically. Today over 6 million tourists visit the Hawaiian Islands every year. The early ones, thought to have been carved about five hundred years ago show simple stick figures.
Later variations become more naturalistic.
Hawaiians were skilled wood carvers and boat builders. Woven baskets, cloth made from beaten tree bark, bowls and surf boards were among their traditional crafts. The hula was largely suppressed by the first missionaries but came back in favour at the end of the nineteenth century. The guitar was introduced to the Islands by Spanish and Mexican immigrants and the ukelele was developed from an instrument played by Portuguese workers. The other characteristic instrument of modern Hawaiian music is the steel guitar whose distinctive sound is produced by slack key tuning and by sliding a metal bar across the guitar frets.