Hawaii

The Aloha State

Official flag of Hawaii
TimeLive Clock
HonoluluAvg 77°F

Quick Stats

Quick Statistics
Population1.4M
Rank#40
Joined1959
Area (mi²)10.9k
1.4MPopulation
#40Rank
1959Joined
10.9kArea (mi²)

Map

Map of Hawaii

Seal & Motto

State seal of Hawaii

"Ua Mau ke Ea o ka Aina i ka Pono"

Hawaiian for "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." Spoken by King Kamehameha III in 1843 when Hawaiian sovereignty was restored. Adopted as the state motto in 1959.

Flag Meaning

Hawaii flag

Hawaii's flag is the only U.S. state flag to feature the Union Jack of the United Kingdom, reflecting the islands' historical ties to Britain. It has eight horizontal stripes representing the eight major islands.

  • Union Jack — honors the historical relationship between the Kingdom of Hawaii and Great Britain.
  • Eight Stripes — represent the eight major islands: Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Niʻihau, and Kahoʻolawe.
  • White, Red & Blue Stripes — alternate colors reflecting both British and American heritage.

State Symbols

🐦BirdNēnē (Hawaiian Goose)
🌺FlowerYellow Hibiscus
🌴TreeKukui (Candlenut)
🐟FishHumuhumunukunukuapuaʻa
🧊GemBlack Coral
🐋Marine MammalHumpback Whale
🎵Song"Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī"

Overview

Hawaii, the 'Aloha State,' is a mesmerizing tropical archipelago in the central Pacific, famed for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes and vibrant indigenous culture. As the only island state in the U.S., it serves as a critical strategic crossroads and a world-leader in tourism, marine research, and sustainable energy.

Geographically, it is uniquely isolated and does not share land borders with any other U.S. state.

Historical Significance

Hawaii officially joined the Union on August 21, 1959, as the 50th and final state. Its unique history includes being a sovereign kingdom, the site of the pivotal Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, and its transformation into a cornerstone of the American Pacific presence.

Famous Natives

Barack Obama44th PresidentBorn Honolulu, 1961
Jason MomoaActorBorn Honolulu, 1979
Bruno MarsMusic IconBorn Honolulu, 1985
Nicole KidmanActressBorn Honolulu, 1967
Bette MidlerSinger / ActressBorn Honolulu, 1945
Duke KahanamokuSurfing LegendBorn Honolulu, 1890

Top Cities & Hubs

1

Honolulu

Population: ~350,000

The state capital and global Pacific crossroads, famed for Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and as the gateway between the mainland and Asia.

2

East Honolulu

Population: ~50,500

Prestigious residential area with stunning views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean.

3

Pearl City

Population: ~45,000

Naval community on Oahu with sweeping views of Pearl Harbor.

4

Hilo

Population: ~44,000

Gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, surrounded by lush rainforests and waterfalls.

5

Kailua-Kona

Population: ~23,000

Famous for Kona coffee and the Ironman World Championship triathlon.

How Hawaii Ranks

Compared to all 50 states — bar shows relative standing

Population#40 of 50
1.4 million residents
Land Area#43 of 50
10,931 mi²
Cost of Living#1 of 50
Highest cost of living in the nation
Life Expectancy#1 of 50
~82 years — longest life expectancy

Location

Hawaii is an isolated archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean — 2,400 miles from the U.S. mainland. It has no bordering states.

CapitalHonolulu

Additional Information

AbbreviationHI
Postal Codes

96701 (Aiea)96898 (Wake Island)

~95 ZIP codes statewide

Official WebsiteHawaii.gov

Key Landmarks & Economy

Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri — commemorating the 1941 attack that propelled the U.S. into WWII.
Hawaii Volcanoes NP: Two of the world's most active volcanoes — Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Tropical Agriculture: Only U.S. state to commercially grow coffee, macadamia nuts, and vanilla.

Did You Know?

  • Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee commercially (Kona district).
  • Kīlauea has been erupting almost continuously since 1983.
  • Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Demographics

Population Growth

Avg. Monthly Temperature

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🧠 Hawaii Trivia

5 questions — how well do you know the Aloha State?

Question 1

Which U.S. President was born in Hawaii?

Question 2

What is the Hawaiian state fish called?

Question 3

How many major islands make up the Hawaiian archipelago?

Question 4

In what year did Hawaii become a U.S. state?

Question 5

Which volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has erupted almost continuously since 1983?