Where Is Hawaii? See Its Location and How Long It Takes to Get There

Hawaii is one of the most gorgeous states in the nation. The sheer ocean views will have you in awe. You can lay on Waikiki Beach or watch the surfers ride the gnarly waves, or you can go to the Pearl Harbor Museum. There’s something in Hawaii for everyone. Everyone in the world knows about Hawaii.

But the question remains, because it’s the newest state admitted to the union, do people know where Hawaii is? Do people know how far is it to the mainland? Sure, they know about Hawaii and its islands and surfing culture, but if you are wondering where Hawaii is, let’s take a look at where it is on the US map.

We’ll also explore how long it takes to fly to the Aloha State, when the state officially joined the union, the climate in Hawaii, and other facts about the Paradise of the Pacific.

Where Is Hawaii Located on the Map?

Hawaii is an eight-island chain located in the Pacific Ocean. It is the only state not located in North America and in fact, it’s 2,000 miles away from the west coast in the mainland United States. It has a total area of 10,391 square miles, of which 6,423 square miles is land and 4,507 square miles is water. But where is Hawaii on the map? Let’s take a look below.

When Did Hawaii Officially Join the US?

Hawaii’s history of how it became a state is quite fascinating. The state is only one of two in the US that was a separate country before joining the union. The other state is Texas. Hawaii was a kingdom since 1795 when King Kamehameha ruled all of the Hawaiian islands.

European settlers called the island nation the Sandwich Islands. Throughout the 18th century, after European explorers started settling in Hawaii, white stakeholders always wanted the rich natural resources for themselves. So, in 1893, with the support of the American government, several wealthy residents illegally overthrew the monarchy, which was headed by Queen Lilioukalani.

For the next five years, Hawaii was the Republic of Hawaii, however, in 1898, the United States officially annexed Hawaii as a territory. For 61 years it remained a territory and then in the 1950s, the descendants of the plantation workers, who were US citizens, started voting for the Democratic Party. The Republican Party was an ardent supporter of the plantation owners. They then fought to become a state and get fair representation in Congress. The fight was successful and both Alaska and Hawaii were admitted to balance the political power in Congress. Hawaii became the 50th state admitted to the union on August 21, 1959.

How Long Does It Take to Fly to Hawaii?

Because Hawaii is an island state, there are two ways to get there: by ship or some kind of sea vessel, or by airplane. The easiest way is by taking a flight. Typically, if you live on the West Coast, it will take you five to six hours to get to Hawaii. From the midwest, it will take you 8-10 hours, and from the east coast, 11-12 hours. 

Is Hawaii a Good Place to Live?

The bottom line is that the weather makes everything in Hawaii better. There’s no wonder Hawaii is called the Paradise of the Pacific. You have nature right at the tip of your toes and can explore many islands throughout the time you are living there. You have access to fresh fruit all the time, too. Lastly, island life is simple. Everyone is relaxed and you can go at your own pace in the state.

Of course, there are cons to every pro. Because the state is an island, the housing market is scarce. There is a lot of competition and housing prices are high, too. You will also have to deal with tourists, which if you already live in a place where you can see a lot of tourists, you will be used to it. Lastly, the job market is tight and there may be some struggle to find a good-paying job.

What Is the Climate in Hawaii?

Hawaii is a chain of eight islands and they have a somewhat similar climate, although a few can be drier. Due to climate change, though, the state is unfortunately not as wet as before and getting drier. On average, the state has a tropical type of climate. The state also has two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from May to October, and the rainy season starts in November and ends in April. When it comes to records, the highest recorded temperature in the state was 100 degrees Fahrenheit on April 27, 1931. The lowest recorded temperature was 12 degrees Fahrenheit in May 1979.

Because Hawaii is a chain of eight islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the state of Hawaii is more prone to natural disasters than other states. Hurricanes are constant during the state’s rainy season, which impacts the ecosystem and the quality of the coastal water in Hawaii. There are active volcanoes on the islands, several of which have caused destruction in recent years. The Kilauea Volcano destroyed natural habitats including natural springs and other wildlife in 2018. Maui suffered devastating losses, including the destruction of a historic town, from wildfires in August 2023.

What Is Hawaii Most Known For?

The state is one of the most known places in the world, and for good reason. The state is known for its island life, its surfing, its pristine beaches, its vibrant and unique culture, and its outdoor recreation. There are many historical landmarks in the state, including the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the Arizona Memorial, and the USS Battleship Memorial. You can also learn about Hawaiian history and culture at the Bishop Museum and the Iolani Palace.

When it comes to nature, many people visit the state to explore Diamond Head, a volcanic cone on the island of Oahu. People also visit the natural springs that Hawaii has and the natural parks in Hawaii, of which there are many, like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Waimea National Park, and Haleakala National Park.

Fast Facts About Hawaii

• Capital: Honolulu
• Population: 1.4 million
• Governor: Josh Green (D)
• Lieutenant Governor: Sylvia Luke (D)
• State animal: Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi)
• State bird: Hawaiian goose (Branta sandvicensis)
• State flower: Yellow Hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei)

Conclusion

Hawaii is a gorgeous state. Every minute you spend on the island will be truly magical. The Tropical forests, the active volcanoes, the sandy beaches — everywhere you turn is just another beautiful scene. You can explore Hawaii at its finest — the pristine natural habitats, the untouched beaches, and the springs. The trails that will take you into forests will just have you asking yourself how good life is.

Things are expensive in the state. Because it’s an island state in the middle of the Pacific, many things have to be imported. Housing isn’t as affordable and also somewhat scarce, too. But the weather is incredible and each day will be like living in paradise. And the best part is that people in Hawaii are friendly, they make you feel right at home. That is worth everything in the world. So, when you arrive in the Paradise of the Pacific, wear a lei and get in the Hawaiian spirit. After all, Hawaii is the Aloha State!