When you live in Hawaii, you know that it’s a very special place. Take it from me, our beautiful state is much more than epic scenery, outstanding beaches, and friendly people. We have a lot of talent here too. You might not know this, but there are many famous people from Hawaii. From musicians and authors to actors, surfers, and even a U.S. President, many individuals born in Hawaii have gone on to accomplish great things. I am so proud that Hawaii is the birthplace of so many fascinating and interesting individuals! If you are just about ready to pack your bags for Hawaii but need a little more inspiration, here are 13 famous celebrities from Hawaii that you need to know more about:

1. Barack Obama

The first American president to be born in Hawaii, Barack Obama graduated from the prestigious Punahou School. He is probably the biggest of all the Hawaiian celebrities.

2. Bruno Mars

Born into a musical family in the heart of Waikiki, Bruno performed with his family’s band and became known for his Elvis impersonation. Keep this fact for some Hawaii trivia to spout!

3. Jack Johnson

Born and raised on Oahu’s North Shore, musician Jack Johnson still lives there with his wife and two children – and somehow finds time to give back to the community. He’s one of the most beloved, famous people from Hawaii!

4. Bethany Hamilton

A professional surfer who lost her arm in a 2003 shark attack, Bethany was born on the beautiful island of Kauai, and still lives there now. She’s an absolute legend in the surfing world.

5. Lauren Graham

Of Gilmore Girls and Parenthood fame, actress Lauren Graham was born on March 16, 1967, in Honolulu, and moved to Virginia when she was five. Definitely one of the fun facts about Hawaii!

6. Nicole Kidman

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii while her Australian parents were in the United States on educational visas, Nicole has become a wildly popular actress. Many people don’t know that she's one of the most famous people born in Hawaii.

7. Jason Momoa

This star won the 1999 Hawaii Model of the Year Award before becoming famous for his role as Khal Drogo in the HBO hit, Game of Thrones. We’re not surprised he won Model of the Year first!

8. Marcus Mariota

Of Samoan descent, Mariota was born in Honolulu and was the first University of Oregon football player and Hawaii native to win the Heisman Trophy. He has played for several NFL teams and is now on the Philadelphia Eagles. We’re proud to have him as Hawaii-born!

9. Tahj Mowry

Of Disney Channel fame, Tahj was born in Hawaii during his father’s Army tour. His twin sisters, Tia and Tamara Mowry, were not.

10. Bette Midler

Born in Honolulu, Bette began her career in a series of off-off-Broadway plays. She has since sold more than 30 million records worldwide and won three Grammys, four Golden Globes, three Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award. She’s one of the most famous people from Hawaii!

11. Maggie Q

Best known for her title role in The CW spinoff series Nikita, Maggie grew up in Mililani, and moved off-island when she graduated from high school. She’s one of the famous people who lived in Hawaii for a long time before leaving.

12. Manti Te'o

This football star pops up again and again on lists of famous people born in Hawaii, but it's hard to justify adding him to my list. I’ve met him several times as a friend of a friend, not a football star. A great down-to-earth guy that we’re lucky to have from Hawaii!

So, please share, which of these famous people from Hawaii would you most like to meet? Do you know any other Hawaiian celebrities? Let us know in the comments!

Looking for more famous things from Hawaii besides these Hawaiian celebrities? Check out 13 famous restaurants in Hawaii that are so worth waiting in line for! Or take a tour of some of the most famous filming locations in Hawaii.

Want to show off your Hawaii love everywhere you go? Check out this great Explore Hawaii pocket tee from The Landmark Project!