"The Aloha State"

State population: 1,262,840
Area: 6,423 sq. miles  

Kauai
"The Garden Isle"
Oldest and northernmost major island
law prohibits building "higher than the palm trees"
Tranquil, green, lush

Population: 61,929
Area: 552 sq. miles

Kauai is known for its magnificent scenery and lush vegetation, beautiful waterfalls, the spectacular Waimea Canyon , the great "hidden" valley of Kalalau , colorful tropical plants and flowers. It is also the backdrop for numerous Hollywood films.

Oahu
"The Gathering Place "
Urban center and tourist capital
Government, financial and business center  

Population: 899,593;
Area: 597 sq. miles (third largest)

Oahu is the most populated island with 75% of state's total population (over half of which reside in the Capital City of Honolulu). Honolulu is home to the principal port, the major airport, state's business and financial center, and is the educational heart of the State. Oahu is the military command center of the Pacific. Waikiki is the top tourist destination. Oahu is also the home to the successful hit television shows "Magnum PI" and "LOST".

  Maui
"The Magic Isle"
Second Oldest, Second Largest, and second most developed
less developed than Oahu , similar beauty to Kauai , more attractions
Urban and Lush

Population: 138,221
Area: 727 sq. miles

Maui is the island that produces sugar, pineapple, cattle and horses. It is known for Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano crater in the world. Lahaina was Hawaii 's capital before 1845, and still has some of the atmosphere of an old whaling town. Nearby are the Kaanapali and Wailea resort areas and golf courses. Hana and Iao Valley also draw many visitors.

Big Island-Hawaii
( Hawaii, Hawaii like NY, NY )

"The Big Island "
Youngest and Largest of the islands
Primarily lava rock with few beaches and some lush regions

Population: 162,971
Area: 4,038 sq. miles

The Big Island offers spectacular contrasts...the mighty volcanoes Mauna Loa (13,679 feet) and Kilauea, lofty snow clad Mauna Kea (13,796 feet), the Kau Desert, gorgeous waterfalls, the Puna Fern Forest, and the colorful orchids of Hilo. The island grows sugar, coffee, cattle and macadamia nuts.

*population, area, and additional facts and figures obtained from US Census Bureau information as well as various on-line resources. Great care was taken to investigate this information, however errors may occur.