What "Non-Contiguous U.S. State" Means: Alaska and Hawaii Explained

The "contiguous United States" (often "Lower 48") comprises the 48 states sharing land borders on the North American mainland. Two states fall outside this definition:

Alaska

• Purchased from Russia (1867), statehood 1959
• Separated from Washington State by Canada's British Columbia (500+ mi)
• Largest state (663,268 mi²), Arctic coastline, strategic military position
• Time zones: AKST/AKDT (most), HST (Aleutians west of 169°30′W)

Hawaii

• Annexed 1898, statehood 1959
• Archipelago in central Pacific, ~2,400 mi from California
• Only island state; only tropical state
• Time zone: HST (UTC-10), no DST

Why the Distinction Matters

• Shipping/logistics: "CONUS" rates exclude AK/HI; surcharges apply
• Military: "CONUS" vs. "OCONUS" (outside contiguous US) duty stations
• Data/statistics: Often reported separately for climate, demographics, economics
• Travel: No road/rail access; flight/ship only

Terminology Note

"Continental US" technically includes Alaska (on the continent) but excludes Hawaii. "Lower 48" is unambiguous. Federal regulations often define "contiguous" explicitly.