Hawaii State Almanac: Facts and Figures

Quick Facts, Figures, and Overview of the State of Hawaii

Hawaii is a Pacific state of the US. It consists mainly of the Hawaiian Islands, an archipelago near the geographic center of the North Pacific Ocean, and other islets unrelated geographically to the archipelago; in all, 8 main islands and 124 islets, reefs, and shoals. The major islands in order of size are Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. The island archipelago is located some 2,000 miles southwest of the US mainland. The islands have been formed through continuous activity of tectonic plates. The active volcanoes of Hawaii are located in the southern half of the island named Hawa'i. The state of Hawaii is host to a whole variety of flora and fauna and a whole range of environments from its tropical climate to its high altitude.

Hawaii Name: One theory has it that Hawaii name comes from a combination of the words "Hawa" and "ii" and means a small or new homeland; "Hawa" meaning a traditional homeland and "ii" meaning small and raging. The other theory is that the name comes from the traditional discoverer of the islands, Hawaii Loa.

As agriculture has declined in importance, the economy has diversified to encompass a large tourist business and a growing manufacturing industry. The temperature is mild, and cane sugar, pineapple, and flowers and nursery products are the chief products. Hawaii also grows coffee beans, bananas, and macadamia nuts. The tourist business is Hawaii's largest source of outside income.