Hawaii (island)

Hawaiʻi
Nickname: The Big Island, Moku o Keawe
Landsat mosaic, 1999–2001
Location in the state of Hawaii
Geography
LocationNorth Pacific Ocean
Coordinates19°36′N 155°30′W / 19.6°N 155.5°W / 19.6; -155.5
Area4,028 sq mi (10,430 km2)
Area rankLargest Hawaiian Island
Highest elevation13,803 ft (4207.2 m)[1]
Highest pointMauna Kea
Administration
United States
Symbols
FlowerRed Pua Lehua (ʻOhiʻa blossom)
ColorʻUlaʻula (red)
Largest settlementHilo
Demographics
Population200,629 (2020)
Pop. density49.8/sq mi (19.23/km2)
Additional information
Time zone

Hawaii (/həˈwʔi/ hə-WY-ee; Hawaiian: Hawaiʻi Hawaiian pronunciation: [həˈvɐjʔi]) is the largest island in the United States, located in the eponymous state of Hawaii. It is the southeasternmost of the Hawaiian Islands, a chain of volcanic islands in the North Pacific Ocean. With an area of 4,028 square miles (10,430 km2), it has 63% of the Hawaiian archipelago's combined landmass. However, it has only 13% of the archipelago's population. The island of Hawaiʻi is the third largest island in Polynesia, behind the north and south islands of New Zealand.[2]

The island is often referred to as the Island of Hawaii or Hawaii Island to distinguish it from the state. It is also referred to as The Big Island, due to its size relative to the other islands. In Hawaiian, the island is sometimes called Moku o Keawe. The word keawe has several meanings. One definition, "southern cross", is said to be the name of an ancient chief.[3] Another definition is "the bearer" (ke-a-we).[4] Hawaii County is the local administrative unit.

As of the 2020 census, the population was 200,629.[5] The county seat and largest town is Hilo. Hawaiʻi County has no incorporated cities.[6]

  1. ^ "Summit USGS 1977". NGS Data Sheet. National Geodetic Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Department of Commerce. Retrieved 18 August 2010.
  2. ^ "List of the Islands of Polynesia". Archived from the original on 1 January 2017.
  3. ^ Mary Māmaka Kaiao Kuleana kope. "Hawaiian Dictionary". University of Hawaii Press. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  4. ^ Andrews-Parker. "Nā Puke Wehewehe a Pau (Andrews Dictionary)". University of Hawaii Press. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  5. ^ "HAWAII: 2020 Census". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 4 April 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  6. ^ "2010 Geographic Terms and Concepts – Place". www.census.gov. Archived from the original on 19 February 2014.