How Many Islands in Hawaii?
Hawaii is an Island State in the US. It is one of the 50 states that make up the US. It is also known as the Hawaiian Islands. In this article, we will explore how many islands are in Hawaii, its biggest and smallest island, and more.
How Many Islands Are in Hawaii?
Hawaii is made up of 137 islands, including small ones and rocky areas. But usually, when people talk about Hawaii, they mean the eight main islands. These main islands are:
- Hawaiʻi (Big Island)
- Maui
- Oʻahu
- Kauaʻi
- Molokaʻi
- Lānaʻi
- Niʻihau
- Kahoʻolawe
Biggest Island In Hawaii
Hawai’i, nicknamed as ‘Big Island’, is the largest island among all the Hawaiian Islands. It is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. It covers an area of 4,028 square miles (10,432 square kilometers) and is continuously growing because of the active volcanic activities on the Island.
The Big Island has some of the world’s most active volcanoes, like Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Mauna Kea, another volcano, is the tallest mountain in the world if you measure from its base under the ocean. The island has many different types of landscapes, including lush rainforests, black sand beaches, volcanic deserts, and snowy peaks. The Big Island has 10 out of the world’s 14 climate zones, meaning it has many different types of ecosystems and weather.
Hilo is the largest city on the Big Island and is on the wetter eastern side. Kona, on the western side, is known for its sunny weather, beaches, and coffee farms. The island has many attractions, like Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, historic sites, and cultural festivals that celebrate Hawaiian traditions.
Smallest Island In Hawaii
Kahoʻolawe is the smallest of the eight main Hawaiian Islands, about 44.6 square miles (115.5 square kilometers). The island has no permanent residents and very few buildings. Kahoʻolawe has a rich history. Native Hawaiians used it for fishing and religious ceremonies. During World War II, the U.S. military used it for training and bombing practice.
In 1993, the state of Hawaii regained control of Kahoʻolawe. Since then, efforts have been underway to restore its natural environment. The Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) is in charge of these efforts. You need permission from the KIRC to visit Kahoʻolawe. People mainly use the island for cultural, spiritual, and environmental restoration activities.
The military’s past use damaged many of the island’s plants. Restoration projects are helping native plants and animals come back. The island is also important for traditional Hawaiian cultural practices.
Interesting Facts About Hawaiian Islands
- Due to its isolation, Hawaii hosts many unique species that are found nowhere else. Examples are the nēnē (Hawaiian goose) and the silversword plant.
- Hawaiian is one of the official languages of the state, along with English. There are efforts to revive the language, including schools and programs that teach Hawaiian.
- In 1893, Hawaii’s kingdom was overthrown. It became a U.S. state in 1959. The Iolani Palace in Honolulu is the only royal palace in the United States.
- Hawaii follows Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST) and doesn’t observe daylight saving time. This means the time difference with the mainland U.S. changes during the year.
- Hawaii hosts many cultural festivals that celebrate Hawaiian traditions, like the Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long event with hula competitions and other Hawaiian cultural activities.
- Pearl Harbor, located on Oʻahu, was the site of the 1941 attack that led the U.S. to enter World War II. Today, it’s a national historic site with memorials and museums.
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