The State of Hawaii (nicknamed `The Aloha State’) consists of an archipelago of 132 islands stretching for 2,451 km (1,523 miles) from Kure Island to Hawaii Island, and lying about 3,900 km (2,400 miles) south-west of San Francisco (California) in the northern Pacific Ocean. The eight major islands, extending roughly north-west to south-east, are Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe and Hawaii. Hawaii is the largest island, at 10,451 sq km (4,035 sq miles). The islands, mountainous and mostly fertile, were formed by volcanic eruptions. Mauna Loa, on Hawaii Island, is still an active volcano.

The stare of Hawaii is the smallest state of USA and is full of mountains and natural beauty. The state's highest peak is Mauna Kea (4,205 m—13,796 ft), also on the island of Hawaii. Hawaii’s climate is tropical, tempered by strong, cool winds. Rainfall varies greatly, with the islands' interiors and high mountain slopes mainly dry, and the north-eastern slope of the islands receiving heavy precipitation. The state has a diverse ethnic population, consisting not only of Caucasians, but also persons of Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, and Pacific Islands descent.