Hawaii is a unique U.S. state consisting of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean, known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and tropical climate.
Geography
Hawaii consists of eight main islands — Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the Big Island (Hawaiʻi) — along with over 100 smaller islets and rocks
. The islands stretch across approximately 1,500 miles from Kure Island in the northwest to the Big Island in the southeast
. The tallest peak, Mauna Kea, reaches 13,796 feet above sea level, making it the tallest mountain in the world if measured from its base on the ocean floor
. The terrain varies from lush rainforests and dramatic cliffs to volcanic landscapes and sandy beaches
.
Hawaii’s geological formation is due to the Hawaiian hotspot, where magma erupts from beneath the Pacific Plate, creating volcanic islands
. Active volcanoes include Mauna Loa and Kilauea on the Big Island, the latter having frequent lava flows visible in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
.
Climate
Hawaii has a tropical climate with daily temperatures ranging 67–88°F year-round, moderated by oceanic winds
. Rainfall varies, with Mount Waialeale on Kauaʻi being one of the wettest spots on Earth, averaging about 460 inches per year
.
History
Hawaii was first settled by Polynesians around 1000–1200 CE from the Marquesas and Tahiti
. It became a unified kingdom in 1810 under King Kamehameha I. European contact began with Captain James Cook in 1778
. Hawaii was overthrown in 1893, annexed by the U.S. in 1898, and became the 50th state on August 21, 1959
. The islands were significant in World War II, including the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, which prompted U.S. entry into the war
.
Demographics and Culture
Hawaii has a population of approximately 1.45 million (2024 estimate)
, with a highly diverse demographic, including the largest proportion of multiracial people and an Asian American plurality in the U.S.
. While English and Hawaiian are official languages, the islands maintain rich Polynesian traditions, including hula, chants, and luaus
.
Popular cultural symbols include:
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State bird: Nene (Hawaiian goose)
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State flower: Yellow hibiscus
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Traditional dance: Hula
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Economy and Infrastructure
Tourism is Hawaii’s leading industry, complemented by agriculture (sugar cane, pineapples, coffee, and macadamia nuts) and military defense
. Hawaii is home to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and various research facilities including the Mauna Kea observatories
. The cost of living is among the highest in the U.S., but residents have one of the longest life expectancies (~80.7 years)
.
Tourism and Attractions
Hawaii is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor activities:
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Beaches: Waikiki (Oʻahu), Kaanapali (Maui), Napali Coast (Kauaʻi)
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Volcanoes: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island), Haleakalā (Maui)
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Hiking and Rainforests: Wailua River (Kauaʻi), Iao Valley (Maui)
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Historical sites: Iolani Palace (Oʻahu)
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Fun Facts
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