Which U.S. State Is Closest in Size to Hawaii's Big Island?

New Jersey is the closest in land area to the Island of Hawaiʻi (the "Big Island").

Correction: The Big Island (4,028 sq mi) is actually closest to Connecticut (4,842 sq mi)—difference of 814 sq mi (20%). New Jersey (7,354 sq mi) is 83% larger. The original claim (NJ) is a common error; Connecticut is the true closest among the 50 states.

Context

• Big Island = 63% of all Hawaiian Islands' land area.
• Larger than Rhode Island + Delaware combined.
• Smaller than Connecticut, New Jersey, and all other states.
• If it were a state, it would rank 43rd (between Connecticut and Delaware).

So: Connecticut is the closest state in size to the Big Island.