Hawaii: elevation, cities and highest point
Hawaii has 1,432,820 people (2025) and 5 counties. Its highest point is Mauna Kea, at 13,796 ft, and its lowest, the Pacific Ocean, at sea level. Here you’ll find the elevation of its capital and its summit, with a map of its counties.
By the Mapsfera Team
- Population (2025)
- 1,432,820
- The 40th most populous of the 50 states
- Land area
- 6,423 sq mi
- The 47th largest state
- Counties
- 5
- According to the Census (2025)
- Lowest point
- Sea level
- Pacific Ocean
Map of Hawaii’s counties
- Capital’s county
- County with a city page
- City, by elevation
- Highest point
Elevation
The capital, Honolulu, sits at 19 ft (6 m): the 49th highest of the 50 state capitals. Hawaii’s highest point, Mauna Kea, is 186 mi away in a straight line and 13,777 ft higher.
Between its highest point (13,796 ft) and its lowest (sea level) there’s 13,796 ft of relief, according to the USGS table. Of the 50 state high points, Hawaii’s is the 6th highest.
Population
Hawaii had 1,432,820 residents on July 1, 2025, according to Census Bureau estimates, 1.5% fewer than in April 2020 (1,455,267). Across 6,423 sq mi of land, that’s 223 people/sq mi.
Its most populous place is Honolulu, with 345,482 people, which is also the capital. The Census counts 163 cities, towns and census-designated places (CDPs) in Hawaii.
| Place | Population | Land area | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | 345,482 | 60.6 sq mi | 19 ft |
| East Honolulu | 51,360 | 23.0 sq mi | — |
| Hilo | 50,404 | 53.6 sq mi | — |
| Pearl City | 44,547 | 9.12 sq mi | — |
| Waipahu | 40,482 | 2.68 sq mi | — |
| Kailua | 39,640 | 7.77 sq mi | — |
| Kaneohe | 37,355 | 6.54 sq mi | — |
| Kahului | 28,288 | 14.4 sq mi | — |
| Mililani Town | 27,668 | 4.01 sq mi | — |
| Ewa Gentry | 26,563 | 2.13 sq mi | — |
Tools
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest point in Hawaii?
Mauna Kea, at 13,796 ft, according to the USGS table. It’s the 6th highest of the 50 state high points.
What is the lowest point in Hawaii?
The Pacific Ocean, at sea level, according to the same USGS table.
What is the elevation of Honolulu, the capital?
19 ft above sea level, at its reference point in the USGS gazetteer. It’s the 49th highest state capital.
How many counties does Hawaii have?
5, according to the Census Bureau in 2025.
Sources
- Population, land area and counties: U.S. Census Bureau (Vintage 2025 estimates and 2025 Gazetteer), public domain.
- Highest and lowest points: USGS, “Elevations and Distances in the United States” (and, for Denali, the 2015 survey), public domain.
- City elevations: USGS 3DEP at each city’s GNIS point, public domain.
- County map: U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 Cartographic Boundary Files (1:500,000).
Methodology and sources · Spotted a mistake? Let us know