Hawaii, an archipelago in the central Pacific, is renowned for its diverse physical features formed by volcanic activity. The state comprises 137 islands, with eight main islands, including Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. It features active volcanoes like Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth, and Kilauea, one of the most active. The state's highest point is Mauna Kea, standing at 13,796 feet above sea level. Hawaii also boasts lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and extensive coral reefs, contributing to its unique geography and biodiversity.
Explore physical map of Hawaii state of United States showing geographical / physical features with rivers, landforms, mountains, plateau, peaks, lakes, etc.
List of Rivers in Hawaii
River Name
Island
Length (miles)
Source
Notable Features
Wailuku River
Hawaii (Big Island)
28
Slopes of Mauna Kea
Longest river in Hawaii, home to Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots.
Hanalei River
Kauai
15
Mount Waialeale
Flows through the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, significant for agriculture and wildlife.
Waimea River
Kauai
12
Waimea Canyon
Known for its scenic beauty and historical significance.
Anahulu River
Oahu
7.1
Waianae Mountain Range
Popular for kayaking and paddleboarding near Haleiwa.
Kahawai River
Maui
5
West Maui Mountains
Supports local ecosystems and agriculture.
Kolekole Stream
Hawaii (Big Island)
4.5
Hamakua Coast
Features picturesque waterfalls and lush surroundings.
List of Lakes in Hawaii
Lake Name
Island
Type
Surface Area (acres)
Notable Features
Lake Waiau
Hawaii (Big Island)
Crater Lake
1.8
Located near the summit of Mauna Kea, one of the highest lakes in the U.S. at 13,020 feet elevation.
Halulu Lake
Niihau
Natural Lake
182
Largest natural lake in Hawaii, supports unique bird species and wetland ecosystems.
Hālaliʻi Lake
Niihau
Intermittent Lake
340 (variable)
Seasonal lake dependent on rainfall, supports local wildlife during wet seasons.
Wai Eleele Lake
Kauai
Reservoir
10
Artificial lake used for irrigation and water storage on the island.
Kealia Pond
Maui
Wetland
691
A critical habitat for native Hawaiian waterbirds, part of the National Wildlife Refuge system.
List of Plains in Hawaii
Plain Name
Island
Type
Area (square miles)
Notable Features
Central Maui Plain
Maui
Coastal Plain
250
Fertile agricultural land, home to sugarcane and pineapple plantations.
Leeward Plains
Oahu
Coastal Plain
200
Located on the dry leeward side of Oahu, supporting urban and suburban areas.
Kohala Plains
Hawaii (Big Island)
Volcanic Plain
150
Composed of volcanic soil, used for ranching and agriculture.
Kaʻu Desert Plain
Hawaii (Big Island)
Volcanic Plain
Unknown
Barren landscape formed by volcanic activity and ash deposits.
Molokai Plain
Molokai
Coastal Plain
80
Flat terrain used for small-scale agriculture and rural settlements.
List of Plateaus in Hawaii
Plateau Name
Island
Type
Elevation (feet)
Notable Features
Kohala Plateau
Hawaii (Big Island)
Volcanic Plateau
3,000 - 5,500
Located on the slopes of Kohala Mountain, features rich volcanic soil and supports ranching and agriculture.
Kaʻū Plateau
Hawaii (Big Island)
Volcanic Plateau
2,000 - 4,000
Situated in the Kaʻū district, known for its rugged volcanic terrain and proximity to the Kaʻū Desert.
Leeward Plateau
Oahu
Coastal Plateau
Up to 1,000
Found on the drier leeward side of Oahu, featuring flat to rolling terrain with urban development.
Lanai Plateau
Lanai
Coastal Plateau
1,500 - 3,000
Known for its flat terrain and historic pineapple plantations.
Molokai Plateau
Molokai
Volcanic Plateau
1,000 - 4,000
Located in the central and eastern regions of Molokai, home to small communities and agriculture.
List of Mountains in Hawaii
Mountain Name
Island
Elevation (feet)
Type
Notable Features
Mauna Kea
Hawaii (Big Island)
13,796
Shield Volcano
Tallest mountain in the world when measured from base to summit; home to world-class observatories.
Mauna Loa
Hawaii (Big Island)
13,681
Shield Volcano
Largest volcano on Earth by volume, with frequent eruptions.
Haleakalā
Maui
10,023
Shield Volcano
Known as the "House of the Sun," features a vast crater and unique ecosystems.
Kohala
Hawaii (Big Island)
5,480
Shield Volcano
Oldest of the five volcanoes on the Big Island, known for its lush landscapes.
Kīlauea
Hawaii (Big Island)
4,091
Shield Volcano
One of the most active volcanoes on Earth, located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Waialeale
Kauai
5,148
Shield Volcano
Known for being one of the wettest spots on Earth, with lush vegetation and dramatic landscapes.
Kaʻala
Oahu
4,025
Volcanic Mountain
Highest point on Oahu, featuring native forests and panoramic views.
Puʻu Kukui
Maui
5,788
Volcanic Mountain
Located in the West Maui Mountains, known for heavy rainfall and lush valleys.
Hualālai
Hawaii (Big Island)
8,271
Shield Volcano
Third-youngest volcano on the Big Island, last erupted in 1801.
Lanaihale
Lanai
3,366
Volcanic Mountain
Highest point on Lanai, offering views of neighboring islands.
Physical Features of Hawaii
Hawaii, the only U.S. state located in the Pacific Ocean, is an archipelago consisting of 137 islands. Among these, the eight main islands are Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. Hawaii's physical geography is defined by volcanic origins, lush landscapes, and a unique ecosystem that has evolved in isolation.
Volcanoes
Shield Volcanoes
Hawaii is renowned for its shield volcanoes, which are large and gently sloping due to the fluid nature of basaltic lava.
- Mauna Loa: The largest volcano on Earth by volume, with an elevation of 13,681 feet above sea level.
- Kilauea: One of the most active volcanoes globally, last erupting in 2023.
- Mauna Kea: The tallest mountain in the world when measured from base to summit, standing at 33,500 feet from its base on the ocean floor.
Volcanic Activity
The Hawaiian Islands were formed due to a volcanic hotspot beneath the Pacific Plate. This ongoing activity has created new landforms, particularly on the Big Island.
Mountains
Hawaii is home to dramatic mountain ranges that influence its climate and ecosystems.
- Puʻu Kukui (Maui): Receives over 400 inches of rainfall annually, supporting diverse flora.
- Kaʻala (Oahu): The highest point on Oahu, standing at 4,025 feet.
Plains and Plateaus
Hawaii features coastal plains and volcanic plateaus, which support agriculture and settlements.
- Central Maui Plain: A fertile region known for former sugarcane plantations.
- Kohala Plateau: Located on the Big Island, ideal for ranching due to its rich volcanic soil.
Rivers and Lakes
Rivers
Hawaii's rivers, though generally short, are vital for irrigation and biodiversity.
- Wailuku River: The longest river in Hawaii, flowing for 28 miles on the Big Island.
- Hanalei River: Supports agriculture and wildlife on Kauai.
Lakes
Hawaii's lakes are fewer in number but hold ecological and cultural significance.
- Lake Waiau: One of the highest lakes in the United States, located at 13,020 feet on Mauna Kea.
- Halulu Lake: The largest natural lake in Hawaii, situated on Niihau.
Coastal Features
Hawaii’s coastline stretches for over 750 miles, offering diverse landscapes such as:
- Black Sand Beaches: Formed from volcanic activity, notably at Punaluu Beach.
- Sea Cliffs: The world's tallest sea cliffs, rising up to 3,315 feet, are found on Molokai.
- Coral Reefs: Extending over 1,200 miles, these reefs are critical for marine biodiversity.
Climate and Vegetation
Hawaii experiences a tropical climate, moderated by trade winds. The islands have diverse microclimates:
- Rainfall: Mount Waialeale on Kauai is one of the wettest places on Earth, receiving over 450 inches of rain annually.
- Vegetation Zones: Ranging from lush rainforests to arid deserts, Hawaii supports unique ecosystems, with many species found nowhere else on Earth.
Geological Highlights
Hawaii’s geological history spans over 70 million years, beginning with the formation of the Emperor Seamount chain. The islands' soil is highly fertile, supporting agriculture such as coffee, macadamia nuts, and tropical fruits.
