Hawaii

The Aloha State

Official flag of Hawaii
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Quick Stats

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"

Additional Information

AbbreviationHI
Motto Origin

Hawaiian for "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."

Adopted 1843/1959.

Official WebsiteHawaii.gov

Population Growth

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.

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 eventual transformation from a territorial resource of sugar and pineapples into a cornerstone of the American Pacific presence.

Top Cities & Hubs

1

Honolulu

Population: ~350,000

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

2

East Honolulu

Population: ~50,500

A prestigious residential area along the southeastern coast of Oahu, offering stunning views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean.

3

Pearl City

Population: ~45,000

A thriving naval community on Oahu offering sweeping views of Pearl Harbor and easy access to military installations and major highways.

4

Hilo

Population: ~44,000

The largest city on the Big Island, a gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and surrounded by lush rainforests and dramatic waterfalls.

5

Kailua-Kona

Population: ~23,000

Famous for its Kona coffee grown in volcanic soil and as the home of the iconic Ironman World Championship triathlon on the Big Island.

Neighbors

Pacific Ocean (Surrounding)

Region: West

Capital: Honolulu

Key Landmarks & Economy

Pearl Harbor: Home to the USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri, this historic site commemorates the 1941 attack that propelled the U.S. into World War II.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Features two of the world's most active volcanoes — Kilauea and Mauna Loa — offering ongoing geological research and dramatic lava landscapes.
Tropical Agriculture: Hawaii is the only U.S. state to commercially grow coffee, macadamia nuts, and vanilla, largely in the fertile volcanic soils of the Big Island.

Did You Know?

  • Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee commercially, with the Kona district on the Big Island producing world-renowned beans in rich volcanic soil.
  • Kilauea volcano has been erupting almost continuously since 1983, making it one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.
  • Hawaii is the only U.S. state that observes Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time and does not participate in Daylight Saving Time.

Demographics