Hawaii

Hawaii is the 50th and most recent state to be included in the United States. It is the only state located within the Oceania and comprised solely of islands. This northern island Pacific Ocean group is part of Polynesia in both the physiographic and ethnological aspects. The state itself is made up almost entirely of volcanic Hawaiian archipelago and hundreds of islands of varying sizes that extend out over 1,500 miles. There are eight major islands within the state, including Ni’ihau, Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Kaho’olawe, Maui, and the Island of Hawai’i. Hawaii is a popular tourist destination due to the lush natural scenery, its constant warm tropical climate, overabundance of public beaches, active volcanoes, and oceanic surroundings. All these features draw in tourists, surfers, biologists, and volcanologists alike. The state has over a million year-round residents and is the only state with an Asian plurality. With over 750 miles of coastline, it is the fourth longest state in the US after Alaska, Florida, and California.