Hawaii is an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific, the only US state outside North America, with active volcanoes, Pearl Harbor, and a unique blend of Polynesian, Asian, and American cultures.
Geography & climate
Hawaii lies in the West of the United States, set at approximately 21.3°N, 157.8°W and falling within a sub-tropical to tropical climate band. The state covers around 28,311 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Hawaii all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Hawaii is Honolulu, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Honolulu, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 1.4M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Hawaii was admitted to the Union in 1959 as the 50th state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
Hawaii is nicknamed “The Aloha State”, with the state motto Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness). The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Hawaii is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Hawaii.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Hawaii offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Hawaii can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | HI | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Honolulu | — |
| Largest city | Honolulu | — |
| US region | West | — |
| Population | 1.4M | people |
| Area | 28,311 | km² |
| Statehood | 1959 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 50 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Aloha State | — |
| Motto | Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness) | — |
| Latitude | 21.3 | degrees |
| Longitude | -157.8 | degrees |
Did you know?
Hawaii is the only US state where coffee is grown commercially, with the famed Kona coffee from the Big Island sold worldwide.
