Hawaii

Hawaii is a U.S. state and an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean. It comprises eight main volcanic islands and numerous smaller islets, namely Hawaii (the Big Island), Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. Located about 2,400 miles (3,862 km) from the U.S. mainland, Hawaii is the northernmost, southernmost, and westernmost state in the United States, though geographically part of Oceania and Polynesia. The state capital and largest city is Honolulu, on Oahu.

Geology and climate: Hawaii was formed by volcanic activity atop the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain. The Big Island contains Kilauea and Mauna Loa, among the world’s most active volcanoes; Mauna Kea is a high-altitude peak with major observatories. The climate is tropical, with variation by elevation and exposure to trade winds. Windward coasts are wetter, while leeward sides are drier.

History: Polynesian settlers arrived many centuries ago. The Hawaiian Kingdom was established in the 18th century, later overthrown in 1893, then annexed by the United States in 1898, and organized as a territory in 1900 before achieving statehood in 1959.

Demographics and economy: The state has a diverse population with substantial Native Hawaiian, Asian, and American communities. The economy relies heavily on tourism, government and military, and services; agriculture once centered on sugarcane and pineapple, while Kona coffee remains notable.

Culture and environment: Hawaii preserves elements of Native Hawaiian culture in language, traditions, and arts, and protects many national and state parks, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakalā National Park on Maui.