List of counties in Hawaii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Counties of Hawaii |
|
|---|---|
| Location | State of Hawaii |
| Number | 5 |
| Populations | 81 (Kalawao) – 989,408 (Honolulu) |
| Areas | 5.2 square miles (13 km2) (Kalawao) – 4,028 square miles (10,430 km2) (Hawaii) |
| Government | County government |
| Subdivisions | Communities |
The five counties of Hawaii are special parts of the Hawaiian Islands. Unlike many other places in the United States, counties in Hawaii are the only official government groups below the state level. This means there are no separate city governments in Hawaii.
Counties in Hawaii have important jobs. They collect property taxes and fees to pay for many services. These services include keeping roads in good shape, running community activities, and taking care of parks. They also provide lifeguards at beach parks, collect garbage, and offer police, ambulance, and fire services. The state has its own police force, but counties handle most local police work.
All the counties were created in 1905. This was seven years after Hawaii became a U.S. territory. One county, Kalawao County, is very unique. It was historically used as a place for people with leprosy. Because of its history, Kalawao County does not have many elected officials like other counties. Many services for Kalawao County are provided by Maui County. For example, Maui County helps with elections for Kalawao County.
Hawaii's Counties: Quick Facts
Hawaii has five counties, each with its own special features. Here is a look at each one. The "Established" date shows when each county was officially formed. The "Etymology" explains where the county's name comes from.
| County |
FIPS code | County seat | Est. | Etymology | Island(s) |
Population | Area | Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawai'i County | 001 | Hilo | 1905 | Named after the Island of Hawaiʻi. The island itself is said to be named for Hawaiʻiloa, a legendary Polynesian navigator. | Hawaiʻi | 207,615 | 4,028 sq mi (10,432 km2) |
 |
| Honolulu County | 003 | Honolulu | 1905 | "Sheltered bay" or "place of shelter" in the Hawaiian language. Named after Honolulu, the capital and largest city of the state. | Oʻahu and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (except Midway Atoll) | 989,408 | 597 sq mi (1,546 km2) |
 |
| Kalawao County | 005 | 1905 | Named after the village of Kalawao on Molokaʻi. | The Kalaupapa Peninsula on Molokaʻi | 81 | 5.2 sq mi (13 km2) |
 |
|
| Kauai County | 007 | Lihue | 1905 | Named after Kauai, the largest island in the county. The name might come from Kauaʻi, the oldest son of Hawaiʻiloa. | Kauai, Niʻihau, Lehua, and Kaʻula | 73,851 | 622 sq mi (1,611 km2) |
 |
| Maui County | 009 | Wailuku | 1905 | Named after Maui, the largest island in the county. This island is named for Māui, a powerful demigod from Hawaiian stories. | Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, Molokai (except the Kalaupapa Peninsula), and Molokini | 164,183 | 1,120 sq mi (2,901 km2) |
 |
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Condados de Hawái para niños
