Hawaii was the 50th state to be admitted to the Union and is the United States' only island state. It is an archipelago comprising hundreds of islands and atolls in the north Pacific Ocean approximately 2400 miles southwest of the continental US. Of these, only eight are typically considered main islands: Hawaii (the Big Island) and the largest in terms of area, Oahu where the capital Honolulu is located, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Niihau which is privately owned.

Hawaii is one of only four states that was once an independent nation prior to statehood; the others are California, Texas, and Vermont.

The islands were formed by volcanoes rising from the ocean floor. Due to continued volcanic activity on the Big Island, Hawaii is the only state that continues to increase in size.

Hawaii has a tropical climate with temperatures that are moderated by the surrounding ocean and range from the 60s to the 80s. Due to the varied topography, microclimates on the islands can vary significantly. Leeward sides of an island are typically dry while windward sides can receive considerable rain. Mount Waialeale on the island of Kauai is often considered the wettest place on the planet. Hurricanes are rare, but can occur. 

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