Hawaii is an archipelago of eight major islands located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is the only state in the United States that is completely surrounded by water. Hawaii is situated approximately 2,400 miles southwest of San Francisco and 4,900 miles east of Tokyo. The islands are divided into five main groups: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii (also known as the Big Island).
The Hawaiian Islands are composed of volcanic mountain ranges with lush valleys and tropical rainforests that attract millions of visitors each year. The highest peak in Hawaii is Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet above sea level. Surrounding these mountains are several beautiful beaches with white sand and crystal clear waters where visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as surfing, kayaking, snorkeling and diving.
The climate in Hawaii ranges from warm to hot depending on the location and elevation. Temperatures along the coast rarely dip below 65 degrees Fahrenheit while temperatures on higher elevations can be much cooler. Rainfall varies greatly across the islands with some areas receiving over 200 inches per year while other areas may receive less than 20 inches annually.
Hawaii also has a rich culture and history that can be seen throughout its many museums, galleries and historical sites like Pearl Harbor National Memorial or Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park which was once a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiians who had broken certain laws or customs.
From its stunning landscapes to its vibrant culture and history, Hawaii offers something for everyone to enjoy no matter what time of year you decide to visit this beautiful archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.
Time Zone of Hawaii
Hawaii is located in the Hawaiian-Aleutian Time Zone (HAT). This time zone is two hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and is one of the few U.S. states that does not observe daylight savings time. This means that during the summer months, Hawaii’s clocks remain at their standard time year round. The Hawaiian Islands are the only U.S. state to observe a single, unified time zone across all of its islands.
Hawaii Standard Time (HST) is 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). It is also three hours behind Pacific Standard Time (PST) and six hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST). During Daylight Savings Time, Hawaii remains on HST while other U.S. states move forward one hour to their respective Daylight Savings Times.
Due to its unique location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii experiences sunrise and sunset earlier than most other states in the United States. On average, sunrise in Hawaii occurs around 6:30 a.m., while sunset occurs around 6:00 p.m., allowing for long days throughout most of the year with plenty of time for outdoor activities before dark sets in.
The Hawaiian-Aleutian Time Zone is also observed by several other U.S territories including American Samoa, Guam and Northern Mariana Islands as well as parts of Russia and Canada’s Yukon Territory and Nunavut Province east of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands chain.
Whether you are visiting or living in Hawaii, it’s important to be aware of what time zone you are in so you can plan your activities accordingly and make sure you don’t miss out on any important events or meetings due to being off by an hour or two.
Top 5 Cities in Hawaii
Hawaii is an archipelago made up of eight main islands, each with its own unique culture and attractions. From bustling cities to breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, Hawaii has something for everyone. According to countryaah, here are the top five cities to visit in Hawaii:
1. Honolulu: Located on the island of Oahu, Honolulu is Hawaii’s largest city and the capital of the state. It is home to iconic landmarks such as Diamond Head State Monument, Waikiki Beach, and Pearl Harbor National Memorial. There’s no shortage of things to do in Honolulu; from shopping at Ala Moana Center to dining at one of its many world-class restaurants, Honolulu has something for everyone.
2. Hilo: Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo is a charming city known for its stunning natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. From visiting Rainbow Falls or exploring Akaka Falls State Park to learning about Hawaiian culture at Imiloa Astronomy Center or snorkeling in Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo offers plenty of activities that will keep you entertained while visiting this tropical paradise.
3. Lahaina: Situated on Maui’s western coast, this former whaling village is now a popular destination for tourists from all over the world looking to experience some true Hawaiian culture. From strolling down historic Front Street and exploring art galleries to watching humpback whales breach just off shore or enjoying a romantic sunset dinner cruise, Lahaina has something for everyone looking for an authentic Hawaiian experience.
4. Kailua-Kona: Situated on the west side of Big Island near Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, Kailua-Kona attracts visitors with its white sand beaches and incredible snorkeling spots like Kahalu’u Beach Park and Honaunau Bay State Historical Park. The town also offers plenty of shopping opportunities as well as numerous restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine like poke bowls and mahi mahi tacos.
5. Kapaa: Located on Kauai’s eastern shoreline along the famous Coconut Coast highway (Highway 56), Kapaa offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities such as kayaking down Wailua River or hiking through Waimea Canyon State Park in addition to great shopping options like Coconut Marketplace which features over 100 stores and restaurants. There are also numerous beaches nearby where you can relax in the sun or take part in a variety of watersports like surfing or paddleboarding.
Zip Codes in Hawaii
According to 800ZipCodes, there are over 80 zip codes in the state of Hawaii. These zip codes range from 96701 to 96898 and cover all 5 counties in the state. Each zip code is assigned to a particular area within the state, with cities and towns usually having their own unique zip code. The largest city in Hawaii, Honolulu, has multiple zip codes depending on which part of the city it is located in. Generally speaking, all of the major metropolitan areas in Hawaii have multiple zip codes associated with them.
