100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist)
Hawaii (HI) is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands, known for Waikiki Beach, tropical nature, and several volcanoes. A dark day in the islands’ history was Sunday, December 7, 1941, when Japan launched a surprise attack with approximately 353 aircraft. Top attractions in Hawaii include Pearl Harbor, the Mauna Kea volcano, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The capital and largest city in Hawaii is Honolulu.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name Hawaii Abbreviation HI Capital Honolulu Largest city Honolulu (Population: 350 964) Current time 6:47 Time zone HAST (UTC-10), the state does not observe daylight saving time Population 1,455,274 (#40 most populous US state) Area 28,311 km² (#43 largest US state) Admitted to the Union August 21, 1959 (#50 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Hawaii
The capital of the State of Hawaii is Honolulu, which officially gained city status on April 30, 1907. The name Honolulu comes from the Hawaiian language and means “sheltered harbor” or “protected harbor.” It became the state capital on August 21, 1959, when Hawaii joined the Union. Even before that, Honolulu served as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the Republic of Hawaii, and the Territory of Hawaii.
🏙️ Largest City in Hawaii
The largest city in Hawaii is Honolulu with a population of 350,964. Second is the district of East Honolulu with 50,922 people, and the third largest city in the island state is Pearl City with 45,295 residents.
🕒 Time in Hawaii
The current time in Honolulu, Hawaii is 6:47. All islands observe Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST, UTC-10), and unlike most U.S. states, Hawaii does not switch to daylight saving time.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Hawaii
According to 2023 data, Hawaii had 1,455,274 residents, making the archipelago the 40th most populous U.S. state.
📍 Area of Hawaii
The total area of the State of Hawaii is 28,311 km², of which 16,638 km² is land and 11,672 km² is water. Hawaii ranks as the 43rd largest state in the U.S.
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Fun Facts About the State of Hawaii
🧩 Which States Border Hawaii
Hawaii is the only U.S. state with no land neighbors. The state recognizes 137 volcanic islands and uninhabited reefs, all completely surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.
📅 Date of Hawaii Statehood
Hawaii joined the Union on August 21, 1959, as the 50th and most recent state, transitioning from the former Territory of Hawaii.
📛 Hawaii State Nickname
Hawaii’s official nickname is “The Aloha State.” The word “Aloha” is used as a greeting in Hawaiian, yet its meaning runs deeper. In Hawaiian, aloha expresses love, affection, peace, mercy, or compassion.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in Hawaii
Hawaii’s highest mountain is the volcano Mauna Kea, with a summit elevation of 4,207.15 m, located on Hawaiʻi Island.
🏞️ Rivers in Hawaii
The longest river in Hawaii is the Wailuku River with a total length of 45 km. It is followed by the South Fork Kaukonahua Stream (29 km), North Fork Kaukonahua Stream (26 km), Hanalei River (25 km), and Kolekole Stream (20 km).
🎓 Universities in Hawaii
The largest university in Hawaii is the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, founded in 1907 in the capital city of Honolulu. It enrolls approximately 18,000 students.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Hawaii
Hawaii uses the 967xx and 968xx ranges. You can find a map of the areas in the article ZIP Codes in the USA. To look up a ZIP Code for a specific address, visit the USPS website.
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Weather in Hawaii
The best time to visit Hawaii is late spring and early fall, when there is less rain and temperatures stay pleasantly warm. Unlike the peak season in the winter months, tourist attractions and beaches are less crowded and lodging prices tend to be lower.
The rainy season in Hawaii runs from March to May, and temperatures in Honolulu usually range from 24 °C to 28 °C. Showers are very common, especially on the windward sides of the islands. Spring is a good time to enjoy beaches and blooming landscapes.
Summer in Hawaii brings higher humidity and temperatures between 23 °C and 32 °C. From June through early September, rainfall is lower than in spring, and the ocean is warm, which is great for swimming. Thunderstorms or hurricanes are relatively rare.
Fall in Hawaii means a very mild cooldown to 23 °C to 29 °C, though the number of rainy days increases from October onward. November is the wettest fall month.
Winter in Hawaii is very warm, with Honolulu temperatures usually between 19 °C and 27 °C. Total rainfall is the highest of the year, with the most rain on the northern and eastern sides of the islands. Between December and March, the north shore of Hawaii sees the biggest waves, creating prime surf conditions.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Hawaii
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What to See in Hawaii
1️⃣ USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
The USS Arizona Memorial commemorates the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the United States into World War II. It is located on the island of Oahu near the capital, Honolulu. The memorial is one of the biggest attractions in all of Hawaii, built directly above the sunken USS Arizona.
You can also visit the museum and visitor center, where you will learn detailed information about one of the most harrowing days in American history.
2️⃣ Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā National Park is located on the island of Maui, and its main attraction is the Haleakalā volcano with a summit elevation of 3,055 m. One of the most memorable experiences is watching sunrise from the summit. Several hiking trails run through the park, offering views of volcanic craters and sweeping landscapes.
🗺️ Maui, Hawaii
3️⃣ Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu on the island of Oahu is one of the most famous beaches in the world. The most popular water sport here is surfing, with great conditions suitable even for beginners. The white-sand shoreline is lined with luxury hotels and restaurants, and the view of the extinct Diamond Head volcano completes the panorama.
4️⃣ Mauna Kea
With a summit elevation of 4,207.15 m, Mauna Kea is the highest mountain in Hawaii. At the summit sits the renowned Mauna Kea Observatories, where stars are observed through professional telescopes. Conditions for astronomy on Mauna Kea are considered among the best in the world. The road to the summit is fairly demanding, yet you are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
5️⃣ Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916 to help protect Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most active volcanoes in the world. Visitors can witness volcanic activity and walk across lava fields. Multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty crisscross the park.
6️⃣ Scenic Hana Highway
The Hana Highway on Maui is one of the most beautiful roads in the world, also known as the Road to Hana. The drive spans 103.6 km along the island’s east coast and offers near-continuous views of waterfalls, coastline, and jungle. Prepare for a challenging drive, with around 600 curves and 50 bridges along the way.
🗺️ Maui, Hawaii
7️⃣ Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu gives visitors a unique chance to learn about Polynesian cultures and the history not only of Hawaii but also Tahiti, Fiji, and New Zealand. The park includes a village with demonstrations of traditional crafts and dances, and you can attend an evening show with a fire performance.
🗺️ Oahu, Hawaii
8️⃣ Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail on Kauai is one of Hawaii’s best-known hiking routes. The trail is 17.7 km long and follows the coast with beautiful views of cliffs, the ocean, and rainforest. The full route is strenuous, yet you can hike a shorter section and still enjoy outstanding scenery. You can reach the trailhead by car.
9️⃣ Iolani Palace
ʻIolani is the only royal palace on U.S. soil, located in downtown Honolulu, and it vividly illustrates Hawaii’s rich history. The palace was the residence of the last reigning monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawaii, including King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani.
During a tour, visitors can see the royal apartments with lavish interiors and learn more about the fall of the monarchy. Anyone interested in Hawaiian history should keep ʻIolani Palace on their itinerary.
🔟 Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is a private nature reserve on Oahu, best known as a filming location for movies like Jurassic Park and Godzilla. The ranch offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors, including horseback riding, ATV tours, and an adrenaline zipline. If you prefer something calmer, you can simply enjoy the views of Kaʻaʻawa Valley and Hawaii’s lush nature.
🗺️ Oahu, Hawaii
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Largest Cities in Hawaii
The table shows the ten largest cities in the State of Hawaii in 2023. The data source is the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose main task is population counting.
City County Population 1 Honolulu Honolulu 350,964 Map of Honolulu 2 East Honolulu Honolulu 50,922 Map of East Honolulu 3 Pearl City Honolulu 45,295 Map of Pearl City 4 Hilo Hawaii 44,186 Map of Hilo 5 Waipahu Honolulu 43,485 Map of Waipahu 6 Kailua Honolulu 40,514 Map of Kailua 7 Kaneohe Honolulu 37,430 Map of Kaneohe 8 Kahului Maui 28,219 Map of Kahului 9 Mililani Town Honolulu 28,121 Map of Mililani Town 10 Ewa Gentry Honolulu 25,707 Map of Ewa Gentry -
Sports Teams in Hawaii
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
There is no NHL team from Hawaii.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
Hawaii has no representation in the NFL.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
There is no NBA team from Hawaii.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
Hawaii has no team playing in MLB.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
No team from Hawaii plays in MLS.
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Hawaii State Symbols
Hawaii has adopted a number of official symbols, and this article lists just a selection of them.
Flag of Hawaii
The flag was first adopted by the Kingdom of Hawaii in the early 19th century, and it continued to be used after the kingdom was overthrown in 1893. Hawaii is the only U.S. state that features the symbol of another country on its flag. The Union Jack in the upper left quarter reflects Hawaii’s historical ties with Britain. The eight stripes represent the eight main Hawaiian Islands, and the colors have no deeper meaning.
Seal of Hawaii
The design of the state seal was adopted in 1959 when Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state. It is based on the original seal of the Republic of Hawaii, designed by Honolulu resident Viggo Jacobsen. The motif derives from the royal coat of arms of the Kingdom of Hawaii, used during the reign of King Kamehameha III.
State Bird
The official state bird is the endangered nēnē, or Hawaiian goose (Branta sandvicensis). The species survives on four Hawaiian islands, and its typical habitats are lava fields, pastures, and shrublands.
State Fish
Hawaiian law also recognizes an official state fish, the reef triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus). The fish is notable for producing grunting sounds in stressful situations. For example, when fleeing predators, it may use these sounds to warn other fish.
State Flower
Hawaii’s symbol is the yellow hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei), which commonly grows on the islands of Hawaii, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui at elevations of 120 m–790 m.
State Mammal
Among the state symbols is the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi), found mainly in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
State Plant
The official state plant is taro (Colocasia esculenta), known in Hawaiian as kalo. In Hawaiian cuisine, it plays a role similar to potatoes, and the leaves are also used.
State Tree
The state tree is the kukui, or candlenut tree (Aleurites moluccanus), which in ancient times provided light in Hawaii. Its nuts were strung on palm fronds and ignited one by one.
State Dance
Hula is one of Hawaii’s legally recognized symbols. Through hula, stories are told, traditionally accompanied by song. The exact form of hula varies across the islands.
State Musical Instrument
Local legislation recognizes the ukulele as a state symbol. Portuguese immigrants from Madeira and the Azores brought the instrument to Hawaii in the late 19th century.
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