Hawaii is an island state, which is located in the western United States, about 3,200 kilometers from the U.S. mainland in the Pacific Ocean. Which is an archipelago, outside North America. The state is nicknamed the Paradise of the Pacific and often called ‘Hawaii Island’ or ‘Big Island’. In terms of area, it is the 8th smallest among the 50 U.S. states, with a total area of 10,931 square miles (28.311 sq. km), with land area of 6,423 square miles and 4,507 sq. mi water area. The Big Island is the 11th least populous U.S. state with a population of 1.4 million residents. Honolulu is the state’s Capital and the largest city, which is located on the island of Oahu.

           Island state Hawaii was admitted to the union on August 21, 1959, as the 50th state. The state consists of 137 islands with 8 major volcanic Islands that are divided into five counties. Those are Hawai’i, Kalawao, Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui County. The state’s capital Honolulu is located on the Island of Oahu. Counties in the Hawaii Island are the only constituted government bodies below that of the State government and do not exist at a formal level of government as city governments, below the County in Hawaii. The state is known for various natural landscapes, stunning beaches, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and most popular landmarks including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pearl Harbour National Museum, Na Pali, and the Haleakala National Park. It is one of the most popular destinations for tourists around the world. The tourism industry plays a major role in the state’s economy.

       Here we are going to discuss the five counties in the U.S. state of Hawaii & some Interesting facts about them. The five counties of Hawaii along with their County Seat, area & population listed below. 

5 Counties of Hawaii

County Name	County Seat	Tot. Area (Sq. mi)	Tot. Area  (Sq. km)	Population
Hawai’i County	Hilo	5,086	13,174	206,315
Honolulu County	Honolulu	597	1,546	1,016,508
Kalawao County	—	53	140	82
Kauai County	Lihue	1,266	3,280	73,454
Maui County	Wailuku	1,120	2,901	164,351

Hawai’i County

          The county of Hawaii is one of the five counties in the U.S. state of Hawaii in the Hawaiian Islands. In terms of geography, it is the largest county having a total area of 5,086 square miles ( 13,174 sq. km) with a land area of 4,028 square miles and 1,058 square miles as the water area. Hilo is the county seat and the largest city. The county is also the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago.

             Hawaii County is well known for its rich history and unique culture, the county is famous for stunning beaches with unusual colours, and diverse natural beauty from Majestic Volcanoes, and lush rainforests to coffee farms. It is an isolated island chain on Earth. The county draws visitors from around the world with its natural beauty and unique landmarks including Lyman Museum, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea, and Mauna Kea Beach. Tourism Industry is the county’s largest industry and the major economic support to Hawai’i County.

Honolulu County

            Honolulu County is a city and county that is a consolidated city-county in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It encompasses the entire island of Oahu and is the third largest of the Hawaiian islands. The county has a total covering area of 597 square miles (1,546 sq. km). It is the most populous county in the U.S. State of Hawaii, with a population of  1,016,508, and Nevada has the most of the County’s population. The county has both a municipal corporation and an administrative division powers of a state. Honolulu is the county seat and the capital of the U.S. state of Hawaii. 

       The local government of the county is led by a mayor, and with a nine-member council. Managing the administrative and executive functions of the county’s government is the responsibility of the Mayor. Honolulu County is part of the larger government structure of the U.S. state of Hawaii.

               The county is known for its unique features, characteristics, and diverse cultural heritage. The county has diverse landmarks, historical places, and nature reserves, which include Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Waimea Waterfall, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, and Aloha Tower and it is home to America’s only royal palace, Lolani Palace. These serve as the main gateway to the state’s tourism industry. Service, Transportation, Agriculture, and Fishing are the economic sources of the county. Agriculture industry is the major source of the county’s local economy.

Kalawao County

        Kalawao County is one of the five counties of U.S. state Hawaii, which is the smallest county among the U.S. counties. It is entirely located on the north shore of the Hawaiian island and encompasses the Kalaupapa Peninsula. The county covers  a total area of 53 square miles ( 140 sq.km), with land area 12 square miles & 41 square miles as the water area. According to the 2020 census Kalawao County is the second smallest county by population among all U.S. state Counties after Loving County with 82 residents. 

          Due to the least area and population it doesn’t have a county seat for administration and governing functions are not the same as all other Hawaii counties. Instead of the local county government, Kalawao county is governed by the Hawaii Department of Health. According to Hawaiian state law, the Director ( who is appointed by the State Governor) of Hawaii Department of Health  serves as the mayor of the U.S smallest county, Kalawao. Mayor has the executive powers within the county.  The county has a significant history as once the place is used to treat quarantined persons with Leprosy disease also known as Hansen’s disease. 

           The U.S. smallest county Kalawao, has the major tourist attractions including, Skyline Hawaii- kaanapali Zipline Tours, Molokai Museum and cultural centre, and The Kalaupapa National Historical Park, It plays an important role to preserve the History and Environment of the county.            

Kauai County

                Kauai County, officially known as the County of Kauai, is one of the five counties in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It is located 116 km northwest of Oahu Island and it is home to Niihau Island, Kauai Island, And several smaller islands. It is the second largest county in the state, Hawaii with an area of 1,266 square miles (3,280 sq. km), of which land area of 620 sq. mi and 646 square miles as the water area. According to the 2021 census, the county has a population of 73,454 residents. Lihue is the county seat and Kapaa is the largest community. 

           The County is governed by the form of local government in the Hawaii State. It has a rich cultural heritage. The county of Kauai is known for its stunning natural attractions. Due to its lush greenery and vibrant flowers, the county is named “Garden Island”. It is home to world-famous Beaches, the major tourist attractions, and the most well-known landmarks in the county including Kauai’s Hindu Monastery, Kauai Museum, Lydgate Beach, Kalapaki Beach, Kauapea Beach, and Poipu Beach. It is the wettest place on the earth. Tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing support the county’s local economy and the county government makes efforts to preserve its natural environment and cultural heritage. 

Maui County

           Maui County is one of the five counties of Hawaii. It is home to the Maui, Lana’i, and Molokai islands. It has a total area of 2,398 square miles (6,210 sq. km), with a land area of 1,162 square miles and 1,237 square miles of water area. According to the 2020 census, the county has a total population of 1,64,754 residents. Wailuku is the county seat and Kahului is the largest community of Maui County. Tourism Industry serves 80 percent of the county’s local economy.      

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Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

• How many counties does the U.S. state of Hawaii have?

The U.S. state of Hawaii was divided into 5 counties.

• What is the most populated county in the U.S. state of Hawaii?

Honolulu County is the most populous and fastest-growing County in the U.S. state of Hawaii.

• What is the least populous county in the U.S. state of Hawaii?

Kalawao County is the least populous county in the U.S. state of Hawaii.

• What is the major source of income of  U.S. state Hawaii?

Tourism industry is Hawaii’s largest industry and it plays a vital role in the state’s economy. 

•  What is the capital city of Hawaii?

Honolulu is the County Seat of Honolulu County and the Capital city of the U.S. state of Hawaii.