HIHawaii Geography

Geography overview

Hawaii occupies the 43rd largest area among US states. Located in the West region, specifically the non contiguous subregion, its physical geography reflects its position on the North American continent. It has coastline on the pacific.

Geographers typically think about a state's geography in five dimensions: location (where it is relative to other places), place (the physical and human characteristics), region (how it groups with others), movement (the flow of people, goods, and ideas), and human-environment interaction (how people have shaped and been shaped by the environment). This page touches on all five.

Topography and landforms

• Active volcanoes within the state

Topography refers to the physical features of the land — mountains, valleys, plains, plateaus, basins. Hawaii's topography was shaped over millions of years by tectonic activity, glaciation, erosion, river systems, and (in some regions) volcanic activity. Understanding the topography helps explain everything from where cities developed historically (typically near reliable water sources and navigable rivers) to modern climate patterns (mountains create rain shadows, for instance).

Rivers and waterways

The state has Pacific Ocean coastline — often dramatic, rocky, and (in northern parts) heavily forested.

Mountains, elevation, and relief

Hawaii has moderate elevation across most of its territory, without dominating mountain ranges. The terrain is more gently rolling or plain-like than dramatically mountainous.

Climate and time zone

Hawaii observes hawaii Time. Volcanic activity is also present.

National parks and protected areas

The National Park Service manages many sites in Hawaii — national parks, national monuments, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and historic sites. Tourism, particularly to natural areas, is a major part of the state economy.

Wildlife and biodiversity

Hawaii's wildlife reflects its geography. Forests, plains, rivers, and (where applicable) coasts support a wide range of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Protected populations of native species are maintained through state and federal wildlife management agencies. State parks and refuges protect critical habitats; hunting and fishing license fees fund much of the wildlife conservation work.

Climate zones within the state

Even within Hawaii's small area, microclimates vary by elevation and terrain. Coastal regions (where applicable) typically have milder, more humid climates than interior areas. Mountain regions are colder and snowier. Desert regions are hot and dry.

Geology — what made Hawaii the way it is

Hawaii's present-day geography is the result of geological processes operating over hundreds of millions of years: plate tectonics, volcanic activity, glaciation, erosion, sedimentation. Most of the state's bedrock is sedimentary (limestone, sandstone, shale) or metamorphic (where heat and pressure transformed older rocks), with igneous rocks (granite, basalt) more common in mountainous areas. The last Ice Age (which ended approximately 11,000 years ago) reshaped much of the northern US and shaped lake basins, river valleys, and soil distribution.

Hawaii notable firsts

• Last state admitted to the Union (August 21, 1959)

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