Hawaii

Or Ha·wai·'i

[huh-wahy-ee, -wah-, -wah-yuh, hah-vah-ee]

noun

1. a state of the United States comprising the northern Pacific islands of Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau, and Oahu: a U.S. territory 1900–59; admitted to the Union 1959. 6,424 sq. mi. (16,715 sq. km). Honolulu. HI (for use with zip code), Haw.

2. Official Name Island of Hawaii. Also called the Big Island. Also called Hawaii Island,. the largest island of Hawaii, in the southeastern part of the state. 4,028 sq. mi. (10,430 sq. km).

3. Kingdom of Hawaii. the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Hawaii

/ həˈwaɪɪ /

noun

1. Abbreviation: Ha.  HI. Former name: Sandwich Islands. a state of the US in the central Pacific, consisting of over 20 volcanic islands and atolls, including Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Molokai: discovered by Captain Cook in 1778; annexed by the US in 1898; naval base at Pearl Harbor attacked by the Japanese in 1941, a major cause of US entry into World War II; became a state in 1959. Capital: Honolulu. Pop: 1 257 608 (2003 est). Area: 16 640 sq km (6425 sq miles)

Hawaii

1. State located in the Pacific Ocean southwest of the mainland United States; consists mainly of a chain of eight islands, including Hawaii, the largest, and Oahu, location of Honolulu, the state's capital and largest city.

Spelling Note

Hawaii and Hawai'i are used interchangeably, with Hawaii being predominant, especially in government. It is conventional for departments of the state to use Hawaii in letterheads, seals, flags, signs, forms, licenses, and other official documents. It is not, however, unusual to find Hawai'i within the text of a letter, report, etc., that has Hawaii in the letterhead or seal.

Location of Pearl Harbor.

Fiftieth state, admitted in 1959.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hawaii¹

From Hawaiian Hawai'i

Example Sentences

The Rams had traveled to Hawaii to end offseason workouts — and to kick off a drive they aim to end with another Super Bowl title.

From Los Angeles Times

Both programs were coming off successful trips to Hawaii.

From Los Angeles Times

Bishop Montgomery forfeited its game last week to Mater Dei after numerous players were suspended for leaving the sideline before the end of a game in Hawaii in which the Knights lost 34-27.

From Los Angeles Times

Douglas later resigned in the spring of 2020 when he came under an FBI and IRS investigation over money received from a Narbonne booster to pay for a trip to Hawaii while coaching at Narbonne.

From Los Angeles Times

Then the team had numerous players suspended after a first-game loss in Hawaii when they left the bench with 24 seconds left.

From Los Angeles Times