The Largest Hawaiian Islands
| Rank | Island | Area (in square miles) |
| 1 | Hawaii/Big Island | 4,028 |
| 2 | Maui | 727 |
| 3 | Oahu | 597 |
| 4 | Kauai | 562 |
Full Answer
What Hawaiian island is know as the Big One?
Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian pronunciation: [həˈvɐjʔi], anglicized Hawaii / h ə ˈ w aɪ. i / hə-WY-ee) is the largest island located in the U.S. state of Hawaii.It is the largest and the southeasternmost of the Hawaiian Islands, a chain of volcanic islands in the North Pacific Ocean.
Which is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands?
The Biggest Islands
- Hawai’i Island. The largest island of the archipelago is Hawai’i. ...
- Maui Island. Following Hawai’i in size, though significantly smaller, is the island of Maui. ...
- Oahu Island. The next island in area size is Oahu at 597 square miles. ...
- Kauai Island. ...
- Molokai Island. ...
- Lanai Island. ...
- Niihau Island. ...
- Kahoolawe Island. ...
Which of Hawaii's islands is known as the Big Island?
The island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, is the largest of Hawaii's main islands with a total area of 4,028 square miles (10,432 sq km).
What are the best Islands to visit in Hawaii?
The Best Hawaiian Island to Visit
- Oahu. If Oahu garnered the most points on your scorecard then you're probably someone who enjoys the big city, fine accommodations and dining, and the general atmosphere that comes with ...
- Maui. ...
- Hawaii's Big Island. ...
- Kauai. ...
How big is each island of Hawaiʻi?
Major islandsIslandNicknameAreaHawaiʻiThe Big Island4,028.0 sq mi (10,432.5 km2)MauiThe Valley Isle727.2 sq mi (1,883.4 km2)OʻahuThe Gathering Place596.7 sq mi (1,545.4 km2)KauaʻiThe Garden Isle552.3 sq mi (1,430.5 km2)4 more rows
What is the length of the Hawaiian Islands?
1,500 milesThe Hawaiian Island archipelago extends some 1,500 miles (2,400 km) from the southernmost island of Hawaiʻi to the northernmost Kure Atoll.
How many miles long and wide is the island of Hawaiʻi?
The Big Island encompasses 4,028.0 square miles (10,432.5 km²). It measures 93 miles (150 km) across and comprises 62% of the Hawaiian Islands' land area.
How big is Hawaii island compared to other states?
The total area of the islands is 28,313 km² (10,932 sq mi), compared it is slightly smaller than Belgium (30,528 km²) or twice the size of the Bahamas. Compared with other US states, Hawaii is somewhat larger than New Jersey, but it would fit into Texas 25 times.
How far is it from one side of Hawaii to the other?
How many miles is it around the Big Island of Hawaii? It's about 300 miles to drive around the Big Island, and that's just staying on the edge of it. You can easily add miles as you stop at random places or cut across the island.
Is Hawaii the most remote island in the world?
Did you know that Hawaii is the most remote island chain in the world? In fact, the Hawaiian archipelago is located in the Central Pacific Ocean, 2,390 miles (3,850 km) from California and 3,850 miles (6,195 km) from Japan. Hawaii is the furthest from any landmass in the world.
How long does it take to drive around the Big Island of Hawaii?
around eight hoursThe Big Island makes up for more than half of the entire size of the state of Hawaii at just over 4,000 square miles—about half the size of New Jersey. Because of its size, navigating around the Big Island can be daunting, and driving around the entire island will take around eight hours.
How long does it take to get from one side of Maui to the other?
Time Estimate: As a straight drive, it's 2.5 to 3.5 hours. But, as noted, you're likely not making it a straight drive. Directions: Take Highway 31 to Highway 311 and turn right.
Which island has the most to do in Hawaii?
OahuWhich Island in Hawaii Has the Best Things to Do? Oahu has the most tourist activities, perfect for group tours and checking things off the bucket list. Big Island for water activities and volcanoes. Kauai for hikes, waterfalls, and all the outdoor activities you can ever dream of.
Is Hawaii bigger than England?
United Kingdom is about 15 times bigger than Hawaii. Hawaii is approximately 16,635 sq km, while United Kingdom is approximately 243,610 sq km, making United Kingdom 1,364% larger than Hawaii. Meanwhile, the population of Hawaii is ~1.4 million people (64.4 million more people live in United Kingdom).
Is Hawaii bigger than Texas?
Texas is about 41 times bigger than Hawaii. Hawaii is approximately 16,635 sq km, while Texas is approximately 678,052 sq km, making Texas 3,976% larger than Hawaii. Meanwhile, the population of Hawaii is ~1.4 million people (23.8 million more people live in Texas).
Is there a part of Hawaii that is not the United States?
The Independent & Sovereign Nation State of Hawai'i (Nation of Hawai'i) is based out of Waimānalo, on the island of Oahu, in the “State” of Hawai'i.
How far are the Hawaiian Islands from each other?
With just eight miles separating some of the closest major Hawaiian Islands (such as Lanai and Maui), this Pacific archipelago is a tempting destination for island hopping. And it can be quick and easy to explore multiple Hawaiian islands — but you have to be strategic.
How long does it take to drive around Maui?
about 9 hoursDriving Time Around the Entire Island If you wanted to drive all day, you can — the driving time around Maui will take about 9 hours around the periphery of the island, including a trip down Maui Veterans Highway 311, to South Maui's beaches.
How long does it take to drive around Oahu?
An eight to 12-hour drive around Oahu can (and should) include ample beach relaxation, light hiking, historical and cultural “research,” a wee bit of adventure, and perhaps after-dark entertainment, such as a luau. Some travelers simply prefer to hop into a rental car and drive.
Why is Niihau forbidden?
During a 1952 polio epidemic in the Hawaiian Islands, Niihau became known as the “Forbidden Island” since you had to have a doctor's note to visit in order to prevent the spread of polio.
How many islands are there in Hawaii?
Also referred to as the Hawaiian Windward Islands, the eight principal islands of Hawaii are Hawai'i, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. Of these 8 main islands, only 7 islands have permanent settlements. These 8 islands are:
What is the smallest island in Hawaii?
Nicknamed as the “Target Isle”, the island of Kahoolawe which covers an area of only 115.5 sq. km is the smallest of the eight principal islands in the Hawaiian archipelago. The island lacks permanent residents due to the scarcity of fresh water. During the Second World War, the island of Kahoolawe served as a training ground and bombing range by the US Armed Forces. Currently, the island is used only by the native Hawaiian people for cultural and spiritual purposes.
What is the island of Kauai?
Nicknamed as the “Garden Isle”, the island of Kauai which covers an area of 1,456.4 sq. km, is the fourth largest and the second oldest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. The island is located to the northwest of Oahu Island about 117km across the Kauai Channel. The Kauai Island consists of mountains, rainforests, scenic waterfalls, river valleys, and sugarcane farms. Tourism is the largest industry in Kauai and it has been recorded that as of 2017, more than 1,271,000 people have visited the island of Kauai.
How are the Hawaiian Islands formed?
The Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanic activity that originated from the Hawai'i hotspot in the earth’s mantle. The Hawaiian Islands enjoy a year-round tropical climate with summer temperatures around 31°C during the daytime and 24°C during the nighttime; and in winters, the daytime temperature remains around 28°C and the nighttime temperature around 18°C.
What is the largest island in the US?
Nicknamed as the “Big Island”, the island of Hawai'i which covers a land area of 10,432.5 sq. km is the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is also the largest island in the United States and the southeasternmost of the Hawaiian Windward Islands. As of the 2010 Census, the island of Hawai'i has a population of 185,079 residents that accounts for about 13% of state’s entire population. The island of Hawai'i was created from the eruption of five separate shield volcanoes namely Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea. Rising to an elevation of 4,207.3m, the dormant volcano of Mauna Kea is the highest point in the state of Hawaii.
How many tourists visit Hawaii?
As seen in the above discussion, tourism is the mainstay of the Hawaiian economy and it has been recorded that more than 7 million tourists annually visit the Hawaiian Islands. The pristine Hawaiian islands enjoy a year-round tropical climate attracting a large number of visitors who visit the island state throughout the year. For several decades, the Hawaiian Islands relied on the large number of Japanese tourists who used to visit the islands. But after the economic recession in Japan, there has been a fall in the number of Japanese tourists and an increase in the number of tourists from China and South Korea.
What is the Hawaiian state?
Covering a land area of 16,636.5 sq. km, the State of Hawaii (Hawaiian archipelago) is situated in the Pacific Ocean about 3,200km to the southwest of the contiguous United States. Nicknamed as the “Aloha State”, Hawaii is the only US state that is situated outside the continent of North Americ a and is also the world’s largest island chain that is made up of 137 volcanic islands.
How many islands are there in Hawaii?
This state has the distinction of being the only island state and is actually an archipelago, or group of islands. Hawaii consists of 8 large islands, several coral rings, and numerous islets.
What is the largest island in the Hawaiian Islands?
The largest island of the archipelago is Hawai’i. This island encompasses 4,028 square miles and was created by five separate volcanic eruptions. Affectionately nicknamed “Big Island”, no other island in this state comes close to the area size of Hawai’i.
What is the highest point on Niihau?
It is the westernmost island in the Hawaiian Archipelago, and its highest point is 1,280 feet. Niihau has a dry climate and therefore never produces trees. The majority of the economy is based on a Naval missile testing site which brings in 80% of the income. The tourism on this island is low in number.
How big is Molokai?
It is 260 square miles in size (10 miles wide and 38 miles long). Though small in size, Molokai has some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world and the longest barrier reef in Hawaii (which is also the only barrier reef north of Australia. The unemployment rate is high here due to a declining market demand for pineapple.
What is Hawaii famous for?
The Hawaiian Islands Are Globally Famous For Their Excellent Beaches, Cliff-sides, Rainforests, Flora and Fauna, Unique Culture And More. Hawaii was the 50th state inducted to the US and is located in the Pacific Ocean.
Is Kauai a tropical island?
Kauai offers several different micro-climates due to changes in elevation though overall, it is semi-tropical. Again, tourism is the main industry here. Quite a few agricultural products like pineapples and guava are also produced in this island.
How big is Hawaii?
The islands' land areas range from 4,028 square miles for Hawaii to 44 square miles for Kahoolawe. The state's capital, Honolulu, is located on Oahu, which is the largest island in terms of population. Hawaii is an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean, southwest of the United States mainland.
How many islands are there in Hawaii?
Hawaii is an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean, southwest of the United States mainland. While it has more than 100 islands, only eight are considered the state's main islands. All eight main islands are inhabited, except for the smallest, Kahoolawe.
What is the only town on Lanai?
The only town on Lanai is Lanai City . Niihau is a small island of 69.5 square miles. It has a small population and a Navy installation. Kahoolawe has been established as the Kahoolawe Island Reserve and can only be used for Native Hawaiian cultural purposes. ADVERTISEMENT.
Which is bigger, Hawaii or Maui?
Hawaii has a land area larger than the other seven islands combined and is the largest island in the U.S. It is the most recently formed Hawaiian island and has active volcanoes, as of 2015. The Big Island's major cities are Kailua-Kona and Hilo. Maui has a land area of 727 square miles.
What are the major towns on Maui?
Major towns on this island include Wailuku, Lahaina and Hana. Maui is known for its beaches, such as Makena Beach. The third largest island, Ohau, is 597 square miles. It is the center of Hawaii's economy and government, giving Oahu the nickname "the Gatheirng Place.".
How many square miles is Hawaii?
The island of Hawaii (Population 201,513*, Area 4,028 square miles) is an island of spectacular contrasts and diversity. With all but four of the original Koppen Climate subzones, creating an ecosystem unlike any other.
What are the most populated islands in Hawaii?
Landmarks: Hanalei Bay, Wailua River, Nawiliwili Bay, Poipu Beach. Oahu (Population 876,156, Area 597 sq. miles) The most populated island, where Honolulu is the Capital City, the principal port, the major airport, and business and financial center, and the educational heart of the State.
How many miles of coastline is Akaka Falls?
From the world’s tallest mountain (when measured from its base on the seafloor) to the world’s most massive mountain. 266 miles of coastline include several marine conservation districts, the 442-ft. sheer drop Akaka Falls, stellar stargazing, five National Parks, botanical gardens, agricultural/aquaculture tours and much more!
What is the island called that is a pineapple plantation?
Lanai (Population 3,193, Area 140 sq. miles) Hawaii's "Secluded Island.". Formerly known as the "Pineapple Island," Almost the entire island was until recently a Dole Company pineapple plantation but is now phasing in tourism, and is home to two new world-class resorts.
What is the population of Niihau?
13,796. Niihau (Population 160, Area 69 sq. miles) Privately owned island, with livestock raising as its principal industry; highly limited access by general public through helicopter landings at uninhabited sites. Legend says it was the original home of the goddess Pele.
Is Lahaina a capital of Hawaii?
Lahaina was Hawaii's capital before 1845, and still has some of the atmosphere of an old whaling town. Nearby are the Kaanapali and Wailea resort areas and golf courses. Hana and Iao Valley draw many visitors.
What is the largest island in Hawaii?
Hawaiʻi County centers on Hawaiʻi Island. With an area of 4,028 mi² (10,432 km²), it is larger than all of the other islands of Hawaii combined, encompassing approximately 62.7% of the entire state's land area. It is also the largest island in the United States. In modern times, Hawaiʻi is known commonly as the "Big Island" to reduce confusion between the island and the state itself. The island also contains the state's highest peak: Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet (4,205 m). Hawaiʻi County as a whole has 27 islands and a total population of 185,079.
What are the islands of Hawaii?
Islands of the state of Hawaii. Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kahoʻolawe. Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Niʻihau. The following is a list of the islands in Hawaii. The state of Hawaii, consisting of the Hawaiian Islands, has the fourth-longest ocean coastline of the 50 states (after Alaska, Florida, and California) at 750 miles (1,210 km).
How big is Midway Island?
Midway Atoll, sometimes referred to as Midway Island, is a 2.4 mi² (6.2 km²) archipelago. For quite some time, it had a permanent population of naval personnel. It is one of the northwesternmost islands, located 161 miles (259 km) east of the International Date Line.
Which island in Hawaii is divided into two counties?
Lānaʻi has a population of 3,193; Molokaʻi has a population of 7,404. Molokaʻi is the only island in Hawaii that is divided between two counties. With a population of 90, Kalawao County occupies a tiny 13.21 mi² (34 km²) portion on the northern shore of the island. Maui County contains 59 named islands. Island.
What are the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands?
The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (also known as the Leeward Islands) are the small islands and atolls in the Hawaiian island chain located northwest of the larger islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. For administrative purposes, all of these islands are controlled by Honolulu County. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands consist of nine main islands and innumerable islets, coral reefs, atolls, sandbar, and intermittent islands—some of which are officially named. All of these islands account for only 3.1075 mi² (8.0485 km²) and have no permanent residents.
What is the county of Honolulu?
Known officially as the City and County of Honolulu, the county includes both the urban district of Honolulu (the state's largest city and capital) and the rest of the island of Oʻahu, as well as several minor surrounding islands. The county also administers the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands with the exception of the federal governed Midway Atoll. The county's population in 2010 was 953,207, making it the 43rd most populated county in the United States. At 596.7 mi² (1,545.4 km²), the island of Oʻahu is the third largest island and also the most populated, accounting for approximately 70% of the entire state's population. The county as a whole has 63 islands, and 32 of those belong to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
How were the Hawaiian Islands formed?
The islands are the exposed peaks of a great undersea mountain range known as the Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain, formed by volcanic activity over a hotspot in the Earth's mantle. The archipelago formed as the Pacific plate moved slowly northwestward over a hotspot in the mantle at about 32 miles (51 km) per million years. The islands in the northwest of the archipelago are older and typically smaller, due to longer exposure to erosion. The age of the archipelago has been estimated using potassium-argon dating methods. It is estimated that the northwesternmost Kure Atoll is the oldest at approximately 28 million years, while the southeasternmost Hawaiʻi Island is approximately 400,000 years old and still subjected to ongoing volcanism—one of the most active hotspots on Earth.
How many islands are there in Hawaii?
The Big Island of Hawaii, of course, is the largest landmass in the Hawaiian island chain- which consists of eight major islands and 124 islets. The archipelago is made up of numerous volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean stretching in a 1,500-mile crescent from Kure Island in the northwest to the Big Island of Hawaii in the east, ...
What is the Big Island called?
Often called the "Big Island" to help distinguish it from the 1,500-mile long archipelago with which it shares its name, Hawaii, the Big Island has certainly earned its nickname.
How many days should I spend in Hawaii volcanoes?
To fully appreciate and explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you'll want to give yourself at least one full day, preferably two if possible. There are many great hikes within the park and several stops which offer informative displays about the history of the region. Also be wary of VOG (a volcanic smog) when visiting the park.
How high is the volcano in HVNP?
The volcano area, which is located at a crisp 4,000 ft. above sea level , is dotted with a wide assortment of homes, bed and breakfasts, and small cottages for renting. This area, too, serves as a great place to stay if you're mainly interested in exploring HVNP.
What is so easily forgotten about the Big Island?
It is ironic, but what is so easily forgotten about the Big Island is what is the most obvious: its size. You can expect lots of driving on the island. The quick and frequent stops found on the other islands in the chain don't always exist here. Some drives are spectacular, while others are long and even dull. Because the island so large and diverse, many people have compared driving around Hawaii to a nine-state road trip. But don't let the Big Island's size scare you off; it just means there's more to explore.
Is lava flowing underground in Hawaii?
Occasionally, visitors may also be lucky enough to catch a surface pahoehoe lava flow near the end of the road; but all of these things can change in an instant. Most of the lava/magma is flowing underground to the ocean. Those who have an appreciation for geography or geology will love the park, though. Despite Kilauea being the most active volcano on the planet, the volcanoes of Hawaii are nothing like their cousins on the West Coast of the U.S. Mainland (Mt. St. Helens or Mt. Rainier). They are not explosive and pose little threat to visitors on the island. Plus, the lava flow moves at a turtle-like speed that you could outwalk if necessary; no running required.
Where to base in Hawaii for volcanoes?
On the other side of the island, you'll discover Hilo and the Puna region. These are good locations to base from if you're interested in exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This part of the island receives an abundance of rainfall that creates the lush and green surroundings.
