Hawaii - The Aloha State

Hawaii

Hawaii

 

Welcome to Hawaii

Hawaii, the 50th state of the United States, is an island paradise located in the central Pacific Ocean. Composed of eight main islands and many smaller ones, Hawaii is known for its breathtaking beaches, volcanic landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. Its capital, Honolulu, on the island of Oʻahu, serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the state.

Geography and Nature

Hawaii’s islands were formed by volcanic activity, and the state is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world, including Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The diverse landscape includes lush rainforests, towering mountains, and coral reefs teeming with marine life. The islands’ tropical climate makes them a year-round destination for visitors seeking adventure and relaxation.

Culture and History

Hawaii’s culture reflects a blend of Native Hawaiian traditions and influences from Asia, the Pacific, and the mainland United States. Ancient customs like hula, lei-making, and the Hawaiian language continue to thrive today. Once an independent kingdom, Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1898 and achieved statehood in 1959, marking a new chapter in its unique story.

California Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Region Pacific (non-contiguous)
  1. Hawaii is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands—137 in total, though only eight are inhabited.
  2. It’s the only state that grows coffee commercially, especially on the Big Island’s Kona coast.
  3. Hawaii has two official languages: English and Hawaiian.
  4. The islands were formed by volcanic activity over a hotspot beneath the Pacific Plate.
  5. Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the Big Island, is taller than Mount Everest when measured from its base on the ocean floor.
  6. Before becoming a U.S. state, Hawaii was an independent kingdom ruled by native monarchs, including King Kamehameha the Great.
  7. Pearl Harbor, near Honolulu, was the site of the 1941 attack that brought the U.S. into World War II.
  8. Surfing originated in ancient Hawaii, known as “he’e nalu,” meaning “wave sliding.”
  9. Hawaii has its own time zone (Hawaii Standard Time) and does not observe daylight saving time.
  10. Every island in Hawaii has a unique nickname—like “The Big Island” (Hawai‘i), “The Valley Isle” (Maui), and “The Garden Isle” (Kauai).
Population Approximately 1.44 million (2025 est.)
Area 10,932 square miles
Statehood Date August 21, 1959 (50th state)
Capital City Honolulu
Largest City Honolulu
Abbreviation HI
Nickname The Aloha State
Geography An archipelago of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean, featuring lush rainforests, coral reefs, and active volcanoes like Kilauea.
Bordering States None (island chain in the Pacific Ocean)
Economy Tourism, military defense, agriculture (pineapples, coffee, macadamia nuts), and services.
State Tree Kukui (Candlenut tree)
State Bird Nēnē (Hawaiian goose)

Our Content
Hawaii Interactive Map

Interactive and Printable Hawaii Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable Hawaii maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Hawaii map.

Hawaii History

History of Hawaii

Hawaii was originally settled by Polynesians around 1,500 years ago, who developed a rich island culture and system of chiefs. It became the 50th U.S. state in 1959 after a long history of contact, colonization, and political change.
King Kameahameha I

Famous People from Hawaii

King Kamehameha I united the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom in 1810, becoming a legendary leader and symbol of Hawaiian strength. Centuries later, Barack Obama, born in Honolulu, became the first U.S. president from Hawaii and the first of Native Hawaiian birth to lead the nation.
Comprehension

Hawaii Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
Hawaii Symbols

Fun Hawaii Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational Hawaii-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Hawaii' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Fun Hawaii and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as Hawaii or Not Hawaii, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.