Hawaii is an archipelago of eight main islands located in the North Pacific Ocean. The islands of Hawaii span nearly 2,400 miles, making it one of the largest island chains in the world. Each of these islands offers a unique experience, from the bustling city of Honolulu to the remote and isolated Molokai. But how far apart are these islands?
The Length of Hawaii's Islands
The Hawaiian Islands are divided into two groups: the eight major islands and the smaller islands and atolls. The eight major islands are Ni’ihau, Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Kaho’olawe, Maui, and Hawai’i. The smaller islands and atolls include Midway Atoll, Kure Atoll, French Frigate Shoals, Nihoa, and Necker Island.
Distance Between the Main Islands of Hawaii
The main islands of Hawaii are relatively close together, ranging from a few miles apart at their closest points to over 100 miles apart at their furthest points. The following list outlines the approximate distance between each of the major islands of Hawaii:
Ni'ihau and Kaua'i
The two closest of the eight major Hawaiian Islands are Ni’ihau and Kaua’i. The two islands are separated by a distance of approximately 18 miles.
Kaua'i and O'ahu
Kaua’i and O’ahu are located approximately 52 miles apart.
O'ahu and Moloka'i
The distance between O’ahu and Moloka’i is approximately 56 miles.
Moloka'i and Lana'i
Moloka’i and Lana’i are separated by a distance of approximately 11 miles.
Lana'i and Maui
The distance between Lana’i and Maui is approximately nine miles.
Maui and Kaho'olawe
Maui and Kaho’olawe are located approximately 43 miles apart.
Kaho'olawe and Hawai'i
The two furthest apart of the eight major Hawaiian Islands are Kaho’olawe and Hawai’i. The two islands are separated by a distance of approximately 111 miles.
Distance Between the Smaller Islands and Atolls of Hawaii
The smaller islands and atolls of Hawaii are much farther apart than the major islands. The following list outlines the approximate distance between each of the smaller islands and atolls of Hawaii:
Midway Atoll and Kure Atoll
Midway Atoll and Kure Atoll are located approximately 1,081 miles apart.
Kure Atoll and French Frigate Shoals
Kure Atoll and French Frigate Shoals are located approximately 545 miles apart.
French Frigate Shoals and Nihoa
French Frigate Shoals and Nihoa are located approximately 186 miles apart.
Nihoa and Necker Island
Nihoa and Necker Island are located approximately 573 miles apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart are the main islands of Hawaii?
The main islands of Hawaii are relatively close together, ranging from a few miles apart at their closest points to over 100 miles apart at their furthest points.
How far apart are the smaller islands and atolls of Hawaii?
The smaller islands and atolls of Hawaii are much farther apart than the major islands, ranging from a few hundred miles to over a thousand miles apart.
What is the closest island to Ni'ihau?
The closest island to Ni’ihau is Kaua’i, which is located approximately 18 miles away.
What is the furthest island from Kaho'olawe?
The furthest island from Kaho’olawe is Hawai’i, which is located approximately 111 miles away.
What is the distance between Midway Atoll and Kure Atoll?
Midway Atoll and Kure Atoll are located approximately 1,081 miles apart.
What is the distance between French Frigate Shoals and Nihoa?
French Frigate Shoals and Nihoa are located approximately 186 miles apart.
What is the distance between Nihoa and Necker Island?
Nihoa and Necker Island are located approximately 573 miles apart.