How Many Major Islands Make Up Hawaii?

The state of Hawaii comprises eight major islands (seven inhabited):

1. Hawaiʻi (Big Island) – largest, active volcanoes
2. Maui – "Valley Isle," Haleakalā
3. Oʻahu – most populous, Honolulu, Waikīkī
4. Kauaʻi – "Garden Isle," Nā Pali Coast
5. Molokaʻi – "Friendly Isle," Kalaupapa
6. Lānaʻi – "Pineapple Isle," luxury resorts
7. Niʻihau – "Forbidden Isle," privately owned, Native Hawaiian community
8. Kahoʻolawe – smallest, uninhabited, former military range

Plus over 100 smaller islets, atolls, and seamounts.