So you're planning a trip to Hawaii and wondering "how many Hawaiian islands is there"? Let me tell you straight up – this isn't as simple as people make it sound. When I first looked into this for my own vacation, I was shocked how confusing the answers were. Some websites said 8, others said 137, and a few even claimed 19. What gives?
The Quick Answer (Before We Dive Deep)
Most people talking about Hawaiian islands mean the eight main ones you can actually visit. But technically? There are 137 islands total when you count every speck of land in the chain. See what I mean about confusion?
| Category | Number of Islands | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main Inhabited Islands | 7 | The "Big Island," Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau |
| Uninhabited Main Islands | 1 | Kahoolawe (protected cultural site) |
| Smaller Islands & Atolls | 129 | Part of Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (mostly wildlife refuges) |
| Total Landmasses | 137 | Confirmed by US Geological Survey |
Meet the 8 Major Players
These are the islands you actually care about when planning a trip. Last summer I island-hopped between four of them – some were incredible, others... well, let's just say I won't rush back.
The Big Island (Hawaii)
Don't let the name fool you – it's literally growing daily because of Kilauea volcano. I stood where lava met ocean last year, and that sulfur smell sticks with you. Highlights:
- Size: Twice as big as all other islands combined
- Must-see: Volcanoes National Park ($30 entry), black sand beaches
- Reality check: Driving takes forever – going from Kona to Hilo eats half a day
Maui
The luxury spot where celebs hide. I paid $18 for a cocktail here – still recovering financially. Pros and cons:
- Road to Hana: 600 curves, 59 bridges – bring Dramamine
- Resort areas: Wailea (Four Seasons $$$) vs Kaanapali (more affordable)
- 2023 wildfire impact: Lahaina town still rebuilding – check access before booking
Oahu
Where 70% of Hawaiians actually live. Waikiki Beach is more crowded than Times Square at Christmas. Local tip: Skip the overpriced hotels and rent a condo in Kailua instead.
Kauai
My personal favorite – they don't call it the Garden Isle for nothing. Jurassic Park filmed here because it looks prehistoric. Helicopter tours ($250-$450) are worth every penny.
The Less Touristy Ones
| Island | Access | Known For | Cost Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molokai | Flights from Maui | World's tallest sea cliffs, former leper colony | Budget-friendly |
| Lanai | Ferry from Maui | Two Four Seasons resorts, billionaire-owned | Luxury pricing |
| Niihau | Private (Native Hawaiian only) | "Forbidden Island," shell lei craftsmanship | N/A |
| Kahoolawe | Restricted | Former bombing range, cultural restoration site | Access via volunteer programs only |
That Mysterious 137 Number Explained
When people ask "how many Hawaiian islands exist," they're usually not thinking about tiny rocks. But technically, the chain includes:
- 8 major islands we just covered
- Plus 129 small islands, atolls, and reefs stretching northwest
This Northwestern Hawaiian Islands chain is basically nature's maximum-security prison for endangered species. You need government clearance to visit – I tried and failed last year.
Fun fact: Midway Atoll is technically part of Hawaii – yes, that Midway from WWII history books. It's 1,300 miles from Honolulu!
Why Everyone Gives Different Answers
After digging through geology reports (exciting Saturday night, I know), I learned the confusion comes from:
| Source | Number Given | What They Count |
|---|---|---|
| Tour Companies | 4 | Only commercially viable islands (Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Kauai) |
| Geography Texts | 8 | All main islands above water |
| USGS Surveys | 137 | Every landmass including temporary lava formations |
| Native Hawaiian Tradition | 132 | Excludes 5 newest lava-created islets |
Island Hopping: How Many Should YOU Visit?
Planning mistake I made first trip: trying to cram four islands into ten days. Ended up exhausted. Realistic timelines:
- 1-week trip: Maximum 2 islands (inter-island flights cost $100-$200 each)
- 10-day trip: Comfortably do 3 islands
- Bucket list trip: Add a day trip to Molokai or Lanai from Maui
Cruise hack: Norwegian's Pride of America does 7 islands in 7 days starting at $1,200. Cheaper than separate flights but rushed.
FAQs: What People Really Want to Know
When folks search "how many Hawaiian islands is there," they usually mean these:
How many Hawaiian islands are inhabited?
Just seven have permanent residents. Kahoolawe has zero, Niihau only allows Native Hawaiians.
How many Hawaiian islands can tourists visit?
Six easily (Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai). Niihau requires special invitation.
How many islands make up Hawaii?
Eight main islands form the state. The full chain extends another 1,500 miles northwest.
Which island has active volcanoes?
Just the Big Island right now. Kilauea erupted last January – I caught it live!
What's the newest Hawaiian island?
Loihi – still 3,000 feet underwater. Check back in 10,000 years.
Personal Island Rankings (Fight Me)
After three trips, here's my brutally honest take:
| Rank | Island | Best For | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kauai | Hiking, scenery, escaping crowds | Wettest place on earth (bring waterproof everything) |
| 2 | Big Island | Volcanoes, diversity (snow to deserts) | Huge driving distances, less "tropical" vibe |
| 3 | Maui | Luxury resorts, best beaches | Wildfire recovery, most expensive |
| 4 | Molokai | Authentic culture, no traffic lights | Limited amenities, rough seas |
Oahu ranks last for me – felt like any crowded beach city with better scenery. Fight me in the comments!
Cultural Stuff You Should Know
Before you ask "how many Hawaiian islands is there," understand why it matters:
- Each island has distinct traditions – Maui's whaling history vs Big Island's lava goddess Pele
- Niihau preserves pre-Western contact Hawaiian language
- Kahoolawe restoration involves clearing unexploded bombs – yes, still
Local pet peeve: Calling all Hawaiians "natives." Only Kanaka Maoli people are Indigenous.
Travel Hacks I Learned the Hard Way
Save yourself from my mistakes:
- Inter-island flights: Mokulele Airlines uses tiny planes (9-seaters) – terrifying but cheapest
- Ferries: Only exist between Maui-Molokai and Maui-Lanai – forget other routes
- Rental cars: Book 6+ months out or pay $150/day like I did
- Best month: April-May – avoids rain and crowds
Pro tip: Costco Travel packages include car rentals – saved me $400 last trip.
The Final Answer (With Reality Check)
So how many Hawaiian islands is there?
The geological answer is 137. The practical answer is 6-8 depending on who you are. The tourist answer is usually 4.
But honestly? How many you visit matters less than how you experience them. Skip the resort luau shows (overpriced and cheesy) and find local hole-in-the-wall spots. That's where Hawaii's real magic happens.
Still confused? Drop your question below – I answer every comment.
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