Hawaii (HI)

Famous for its breathtaking beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture, Hawaii is a paradise like no other. This island chain offers stunning natural beauty, rich Polynesian heritage, and a laid-back atmosphere that draws visitors and residents alike. Whether you're exploring volcanic landscapes, enjoying world-class surfing, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, Hawaii provides a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.

• Population: ~1.4 million
• Weather: Warm, tropical climate (70-85°F) year-round.
• Famous Sites: Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Haleakalā National Park, Na Pali Coast, Volcanoes National Park.
• Top Activities: Surfing, snorkeling, hiking, whale watching, luaus, exploring volcanoes.

Hawaii’s job market is thriving, with strong opportunities in healthcare, tourism, technology, and education. These industries offer stable careers with competitive salaries. Here are the top five in-demand jobs in Hawaii based on earnings and job openings. Click on the job titles to view more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Hawaii offers a unique blend of vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and active student communities. Home to several well-known schools, these cities bring both locals and students together into dynamic communities year-round. The following table outlines the ten largest cities in Hawaii, along with their approximate populations and college student enrollments.

Hawaii is home to top public and private universities, offering strong programs in marine biology, tourism, healthcare, business, and more.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Hawaii

• University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa) – The state's flagship university, known for its research in oceanography, astronomy, and Hawaiian studies.
• University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) – Offers strong programs in marine science, agriculture, and pharmacy.
• University of Hawaii-West Oahu – Focuses on business, cybersecurity, and liberal arts education.
• Hawaii Community College – Provides strong technical and vocational programs for career-focused students.
• Honolulu Community College – Known for hands-on training in aviation, construction, and transportation.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Hawaii

• Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) – A leading private university with strong business, nursing, and international relations programs.
• Chaminade University of Honolulu – A Catholic university known for its forensic science, nursing, and education programs.
• Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYU–Hawaii) – Offers programs in business, education, and intercultural studies.
• Wayland Baptist University–Hawaii – Provides flexible degree programs for working adults in business and education.

Hawaii is home to some of the best public and private high schools, offering students an excellent education, diverse extracurricular activities, and strong college preparation programs. These schools are recognized for their academic rigor, dedicated faculty, and commitment to student success.

Top Public High Schools in Hawaii

• President Theodore Roosevelt High School, Honolulu – Known for its rigorous academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and an International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
• Mililani High School, Mililani – Offers strong STEM programs, a variety of extracurricular activities, and high college acceptance rates.
• Moanalua High School, Honolulu – Recognized for its high test scores, strong music and arts programs, and commitment to student success.
• Pearl City High School, Pearl City – Focuses on academic achievement, athletics, and a variety of student-led clubs and organizations.
• Kāhala Elementary & High School, Honolulu – Provides challenging academic courses and excellent preparation for college and career readiness.

Top Private High Schools in Hawaii

• Punahou School, Honolulu – One of the most prestigious schools in Hawaii, offering a comprehensive curriculum and outstanding college placement.
• Iolani School, Honolulu – Renowned for its strong academics, athletics, and commitment to leadership development.
• Mid-Pacific Institute, Honolulu – Offers innovative learning programs, including a strong arts focus and college preparatory courses.
• Kamehameha Schools, Kapālama – A school dedicated to Native Hawaiian students, providing a rich cultural and academic experience.
• Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, Kamuela – Known for its rigorous academics, environmental science programs, and global learning opportunities.

Hawaii does not have any major league professional sports teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL. However, the state has a rich sports culture, especially around college athletics and surfing. The Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors (University of Hawai'i at Mānoa) are the most well-known college sports program, competing in football, basketball, volleyball, and other sports at the NCAA Division I level.

Despite the absence of major league teams, Hawaii has hosted prestigious sporting events, such as the NFL Pro Bowl (formerly held in Honolulu) and surfing championships like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Additionally, the state is home to several semi-pro and minor league teams.

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Hawaii

Baseball 🏟️

• Hawai'i Islanders (Former Triple-A team) – A historic team that played in the Pacific Coast League until 1987.
• O'ahu Islanders (Hawai'i Winter Baseball) – Part of a unique league that featured top prospects from MLB organizations.

Soccer ⚽

• Hawai'i Rush SC (USL League Two) – A developmental soccer team providing opportunities for local talent.

Basketball 🏀

• Hawai'i Swish (Semi-pro, ABA) – A team competing in the American Basketball Association, bringing competitive basketball to the islands.

Hawaii’s sports scene is deeply tied to local passion, with sports like surfing, outrigger canoe paddling, and rugby also holding strong followings. Though the state may not have a major league team, its love for sports remains just as strong.

1. The Only State That Was Once a Kingdom 👑 – Before joining the U.S. in 1959, Hawaii was an independent kingdom ruled by monarchs like King Kamehameha and Queen Liliʻuokalani.
2. Home to the World's Most Active Volcano 🌋 – Kīlauea, located on the Big Island, is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, with frequent eruptions shaping the island's landscape.
3. The Only State with Two Official Languages 🗣️ – Hawaii is the only U.S. state where both English and Hawaiian are officially recognized.
4. Surrounded by the Largest Ocean on Earth 🌊 – Hawaii is the most isolated population center in the world, located in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean.
5. Rainbow State for a Reason 🌈 – Hawaii’s unique climate and frequent showers create the perfect conditions for rainbows, earning it the nickname "The Rainbow State."
6. Home to the Tallest Mountain on Earth ⛰️ – Mauna Kea, when measured from its base at the ocean floor to its summit, is over 33,500 feet tall—making it the tallest mountain in the world.
7. No Billboards Allowed 🚫 – Hawaii has banned billboards to preserve its natural beauty, making it one of only four states with this law.
8. The Only State That Grows Coffee ☕ – Hawaii is the only U.S. state where coffee is commercially grown, with its famous Kona coffee considered some of the best in the world.
9. Birthplace of Surfing 🏄 – Surfing originated in Hawaii, where ancient Polynesians rode waves on wooden boards long before it became a worldwide sport.
10. Hawaiian Islands Are Still Growing 🌿 – Thanks to constant volcanic activity, the Big Island continues to expand as lava flows create new land.