Hawaii Facts
Hawaii by the Numbers: Essential Facts, Statistics & Island Data
Complete Hawaii facts and statistics: 8 main islands, population data, official languages, statehood year, temperature averages, annual visitors, highest peaks, and more. Every statistic verified and cited from official Hawaii government sources.
A comprehensive, quick-reference guide to the essential facts about Hawaii. This page answers common questions: how many Hawaiian islands are there, what is Hawaii's population, when did Hawaii become a state, what are the official languages, what is the highest point, and more. Every number, date, and statistic is drawn from official government sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Hawaii Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), and the State of Hawaii. We cite these sources directly so you can verify the information yourself. Numbers like population counts and annual visitor statistics are updated periodically to reflect the latest official data, so treat them as current and reliable rather than real-time figures.
Hawaii at a glance
Hawaii is the 50th and most recent U.S. state, admitted to the Union on August 21, 1959. It is an archipelago of eight main Hawaiian islands located in the central Pacific Ocean, roughly 2,400 miles southwest of California. Hawaii is the only U.S. state made entirely of islands, the only state located in the tropics, and the only one with two official languages: English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language). The main islands from most to least populous are Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island), Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Niʻihau, and Kahoʻolawe (uninhabited).
The numbers, with sources
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Capital | Honolulu |
| Statehood | 1959 (50th state) |
| Population | 1.44 million (2024) |
| Main islands | 8 (7 inhabited) |
| Official languages | English and Hawaiian (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi) |
| Time zone | Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, UTC-10) |
| Daylight saving time | Not observed |
| Currency | USD |
| Average coastal temperature | 75-85 °F |
| Annual visitors | About 9.7 million (2024) |
| Highest point | Mauna Kea, 13,803 ft (4,207 m) |
| Largest island | Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island), 4,028 sq mi |
| Most populous island | Oʻahu (about 1 million residents) |
Two official languages
Hawaii is the only U.S. state with two official languages: English and Hawaiian. English is the primary language used in daily life, business, education, and government across Hawaii. ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language), however, is experiencing an active revival through Hawaiian language immersion schools (Pūnana Leo preschools and Kula Kaiapuni K-12 schools), university programs, and community initiatives. The language nearly disappeared after it was banned in schools following the 1896 law, but the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s sparked a passionate revitalization effort. Today, you will hear Hawaiian words woven into everyday English conversation across the islands (aloha, mahalo, keiki, ʻohana), and some communities, particularly on Niʻihau, still use Hawaiian as their primary language. You can learn essential Hawaiian words and pronunciation in our Hawaiian language guide, and explore the cultural significance of the language's survival in our Hawaiian Renaissance page.
A note on freshness
Population and visitor figures come from state agencies and change over time. We review them periodically. For the most current numbers, check the official source below.Where these numbers come from
Visitor statistics come from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (dbedt.hawaii.gov), and general facts from the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Census. For the full directory of official sources, plus ways to give back to the islands, see our official resources page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Hawaiian islands are there?
What is the population of Hawaii?
Does Hawaii observe daylight saving time?
What is the highest point in Hawaii?
We research each guide against primary sources: the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Mālama Hawaii, the National Park Service, the State of Hawaii and its Division of State Parks, the National Weather Service, and the U.S. Census. For culture, language, and history we lean on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Bishop Museum, and the scholarship of Mary Kawena Pukui. We send readers to those sources rather than speaking over them. When rules, prices, or conditions change, we update the page.