Located in the North Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands form a beautiful group of islands that are often seen as paradise by outsiders. This island chain consists of not only the well-known big islands but also many smaller islands, which together make up a total of eight main islands and nearly 130 smaller islands. Each of these islands has its own special beauty and natural attractions. Let’s learn more about the islands of Hawaii, including the major ones and the smaller ones.
8 Major Islands Of Hawaii
Source: touropia
Here are the 8 major islands of Hawaii along with their nickname, population and area covered:
| Island | Nickname | Area | Population (as of 2020) |
| Hawaiʻi | The Big Island | 4,028.0 sq mi (10,432.5 km2) | 200,629 |
| Maui | The Valley Isle | 727.2 sq mi (1,883.4 km2) | 164,221 |
| Oʻahu | The Gathering Place | 596.7 sq mi (1,545.4 km2) | 1,016,508 |
| Kauaʻi | The Garden Isle | 552.3 sq mi (1,430.5 km2) | 73,298 |
| Molokaʻi | The Friendly Isle | 260.0 sq mi (673.4 km2) | 7,345 |
| Lānaʻi | The Pineapple Isle | 140.5 sq mi (363.9 km2) | 3,367 |
| Niʻihau | The Forbidden Isle | 69.5 sq mi (180.0 km2) | 84 |
| Kahoʻolawe | The Target Isle | 44.6 sq mi (115.5 km2) | 0 |
Information source: Wikipedia
Minor Islands Of Hawaii
There are around 137 islands in Hawaii. That number includes the 8 major islands, small islands, even smaller islands called islets, which are found near the main islands, and individual islets within each atoll. Some of the minor islands in Hawaii include Kaʻula, Kāohikaipu, Lehua, Mānana, Mōkōlea Rock, Mokoliʻi, Moku Manu, Mokuauia, Moku o Loʻe, Moku Ola, Mokuʻumeʻume, Molokini, and Nā Mokulua.
Note: These are just a few of the islands that contribute to the diverse beauty of the Hawaiian archipelago.
How Many Islands In Hawaii?
Hawaii has a total of 137 islands. That number includes small islands, tinier ones that are better known as islets, which are found near the main islands, and individual islets within each atoll. Among these 137 islands, there are eight major islands that stand out in the Hawaiian archipelago. The major islands are Hawaiʻi, also known as the Big Island, Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Niʻihau, and Kahoʻolawe.
What Is The Largest Island In Hawaii?
The largest island in Hawaii and the entire United States of America is Hawaiʻi, often referred to as the Big Island. It covers an area of 4,028.0 sq mi (10,432.5 km2).
Where Did Hawaii Come From?
Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii formed in a unique way despite not being near the edge of a tectonic plate where volcanoes typically occur. The island chain was created above a hotspot, fueled by a heated rock mantle plume. As solid rock in the Earth’s mantle is heated by the planet’s core, it slowly rises and pushes up the crust, forming a bulge, hence the islands. Some of the rock beneath this bulge melts into magma, which rises to the surface through cracks in the crust.
What Island Is Honolulu On?
Honolulu is located on the island of Oʻahu, which is one of the 8 major islands in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is worth noting that Oahu is not in Honolulu, instead, Honolulu is on the island of Oahu.
What’s Hawaii Nickname?
Hawaii is famously known as “The Aloha State,” a nickname that reflects the warm and welcoming spirit of the islands. It is also often referred to as the “Paradise of the Pacific.”
What’s The Capital Of Hawaii State?
The capital of the state of Hawaii is Honolulu. Honolulu is located on the island of Oʻahu, a major island.
Final Thoughts – Hawaii Islands
The state of Hawaii is home to a remarkable 137 islands, with eight major islands standing out – Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Niʻihau, and Kahoʻolawe. Each of the major islands has its own unique charm, waiting to be explored. From the majestic landscapes of the Big Island to the valleys of Kauaʻi, Hawaii is a tropical paradise that calls for a visit. While visiting its islands, you can enjoy its pristine beaches, clear waters, diverse nature, and rich culture, which means there’s something for everyone to enjoy!