Hawaii is the most
recent of the 50 U.S. states (joined the Union on August 21, 1959), and is the
only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island
group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific
Ocean.
Hawaii’s diverse natural scenery, warm tropical climate,
abundance of public beaches, oceanic surroundings, and active volcanoes make it
a popular destination for tourists, (wind)surfers, biologists, and
volcanologists alike. Due to its mid-Pacific location, Hawaii has many North
American and Asian influences along with its own vibrant native culture. Hawaii
has over a million permanent residents along with many visitors and U.S.
military personnel. Its capital is Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu.
The state encompasses nearly the entire volcanic Hawaiian
Island chain, which comprises hundreds of islands spread over 1,500 miles
(2,400 km). At the southeastern end of the archipelago, the eight "main
islands" are (from the northwest to southeast) Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu,
Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui and the island of Hawaiʻi. The last is the
largest and is often called "The Big Island" to avoid confusion with
the state as a whole. The archipelago is physiographically and ethnologically
part of the Polynesian subregion of Oceania.
Hawaii is the 8th-least extensive, the 11th-least populous,
but the 13th-most densely populated of the 50 U.S. states. Hawaii's ocean
coastline is approximately 750 miles (1,210 km) long, which is fourth in the
United States after those of Alaska, Florida and California.
Hawaii is one of two states that do not observe daylight
saving time, the other being Arizona. It is also one of two states that are not
in the Contiguous United States; the other is Alaska. Hawaii is the only state
with an Asian plurality.
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