Hawaii is the most recent of
the 50 U.S. states (August 21, 1959), and is the only U.S. state
made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group
in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central
Pacific Ocean. Hawaii’s diverse natural scenery, warm
tropical climate, abundance of public beaches and oceanic
surrounding, and active volcanoes make it a popular destination
for tourists, surfers, biologists, and volcanologists alike. Due
to its mid-Pacific location, Hawaii has many North American and
Asian influences along with its own vibrant native culture.
Hawaii has over a million permanent residents along with many
visitors and U.S. military personnel. Its capital is Honolulu on
the island of O?ahu. The state encompasses nearly the entire
volcanic Hawaiian Island chain, which comprises hundreds of
islands spread over 2400 km. The island of Hawaii is the largest
and is often called "The Big Island" to avoid confusion
with the state as a whole. The archipelago is physiographically
and ethnologically part of the Polynesian subregion of Oceania.
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