Which US State is Closest to the State of Hawaii?

How Far is Hawaii?

Hawaii is an archipelago of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean. On August 21, 1959, Hawaii became the 50th and newest state to join the US. Being a group of islands, Hawaii does not share land boundaries with any other state. While it is commonly (but mistakenly) believed that the state of California is closest to Hawaii, it is in fact the state of Alaska that is closest to Hawaii.

The reason there are inaccurate estimates of the distance between Hawaii and the mainland US is that people often calculate the distance from the same Hawaiian island. Hawaii consists of hundreds of islands spread across an area of 10,931 square miles. The distance between the Hawaiian island of Kure Atoll and Amatignak Island (Nitrof Point) in Alaska is only about 1,573 miles. Nitrof Point is the southernmost point of Alaska and Kure Atoll is the northernmost point in Hawaii State.

Though there are hundreds of small islands in Hawaii, there are only 8 major islands – Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and the Island of Hawaiʻi (Big Island). The shortest distance between Hawaii and California is between the island of Maui and Point Arena near San Francisco. This distance is estimated at about 2,286 miles. The total distance between one of the main islands in Hawaii, Kaua’I, and Samalga Islands in Alaska is estimated to be about 2,172 miles. The capital of Hawaii is Honolulu, which is located on the island of O’ahu.

Going by area, Hawaii is the 8th smallest state in the US. With a population of about 1.432 million, it is also the 11th least populous state of the country. Known for its verdant greenery and long beaches, Hawaii is a major tourist attraction. About a third of the world’s supply of pineapples is grown and supplied by Hawaii.

Hawaii Facts –

• State Capital – Honolulu
• Date of Admission – August 21, 1959
• State Nickname – The Islands of Aloha
• Abbreviation – HI
• Population – 1.432 million (2015)
• State Motto – “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono” (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness)
• State Song – Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī
• State Bird – Nene
• State Fish – Reef triggerfish
• State flower – Yellow Hibiscus
• Governor – David Ige (Democrat)

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