Hawaii Islands and Atolls Facts

Hawaii is larger than commonly perceived, ranking as the 43rd largest US state. The Big Island is comparable in size to Houston's metropolitan area. Hawaii consists of eight major islands, with Niow being the furthest from the Big Island. Beyond these, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands extend over 2,000 km and include 137 islands in total, with Midway Atol being a notable exception politically. Kirol, the northernmost atol, is closer to Alaska than to the Big Island.

How does the size of the Big Island compare to a major US city?

• It's twice the size of Chicago.

• It's larger than New York City.

• It's about the same size as the Houston metropolitan area.

• It's smaller than Los Angeles.

How many major islands make up the state of Hawaii?

• Eight

• Seven

• Six

• Five

If Niihau were placed over land, how long would it take to drive from the Big Island?

• 12 hours

• 9 hours

• 6 hours

• 3 hours

What is the lesser-known chain of islands in Hawaii called?

• The Southern Islands

• The Eastern Islands

• The Central Islands

• The Northwestern Islands

How many islands and atolls make up the Hawaiian archipelago?

• 200 islands and 12 atolls

• 100 islands and 5 atolls

• 137 islands and 10 atolls

• 150 islands and 8 atolls

Which atoll is not politically part of the state of Hawaii?

• Pearl and Hermes Atoll

• Midway Atoll

• Nihoa Atoll

• Kure Atoll

Which atoll is the northernmost in the world?

• Midway Atoll

• Kure Atoll

• Laysan Atoll

• French Frigate Shoals