The island of Hawaii is the largest island in the Hawaiian Islands and has an area of about 4,000 square miles. The island has a population of about 175,000 people and the largest city is Hilo. Hawaii is notable for its two active volcanoes.
Oahu is the most populous of the Hawaiian Islands and the third largest. Oahu has a population of about 900,000 people and an area of 600 square miles. Honolulu, the island's biggest city, is the political and commercial capital of the Hawaiian Islands. Oahu is famous for Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. Over 5,000,000 tourists visit Oahu every year.
Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island with an area of about 700 square miles. The population of Maui is about 120,000 and the largest city is Kahului. Maui is noted for being a place where large numbers of humpback whales migrate to in winter.
Molokai has an area of 260 square miles and a population of 7,400 people. Molokai is best known as the island where Father Damien operated what was then called a "Leper's colony." Molokai is also home to the world's highest sea cliffs.
Kauai has an area of 550 square miles and a population of 65,000 people. The island is called the "Garden Island" because of its great natural beauty. The Island is known for its many natural waterfalls, canyons and rain forests.
Lanai has an area of 140 square miles and a population of about 3,000 people. The entire island was once a pineapple plantation and is now owned by a hotel and real estate company.
Nihau has an area of only 70 square miles and a population of only 130 people. Nihau is privately owned and is not open to the public except for a few guided tours.
Kahoolawe is the smallest of the eight major Hawaiian Islands, having an area of only 45 square miles. The Island is a wildlife preserve and is uninhabited.
