# Travel >> Destinations >> South Pacific

Hawaii vs. Florida: Which Is Farther South? (Latitude Comparison)

Florida is farther south than Hawaii. This surprises many because Hawaii is "tropical" and Florida is "southern US," but latitude tells the truth.

Southernmost Points Compared

Location	Latitude	Notes
Ka Lae (South Point), Hawaii	18° 55′ N	Southernmost point of all 50 US states
Key West, Florida	24° 32′ N	Southernmost point of continental US
Ballast Key (FL)	~24° 31′ N	Slightly south of Key West; private

Difference: ~5° 37′ (≈ 385 nautical miles / 713 km). Key West is significantly closer to the equator.

Why the Confusion?

Climate ≠ Latitude: Hawaii's tropical climate (oceanic, trade winds) vs. Florida's subtropical (continental influence, cold fronts).
Map Projection: Mercator maps stretch high latitudes; Hawaii appears "lower" visually.
Perception: Hawaii = "deep tropics"; Florida = "southern state" — but Florida extends further toward equator.