How Many Islands Does Hawaii Have?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 26, 2020

Hawaii is composed of eight primary islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Hawaii. The Hawaiian islands were formed, and continue to be formed, by undersea magma sources, referred to as hotspots.

Hawaii became a part of the United States on Aug. 21, 1959. It is the only state not geographically located within North America. It is also the only state that grows coffee and the only island state. Hawaii’s tallest mountain is Mount Kea, standing at 13,796 feet. Mount Kea would be taller than Mount Everest if elevation included the base, which is at the floor of the Pacific Ocean, all the way to the summit.