List of counties in Hawaii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Counties of Hawaii |
|
|---|---|
| Location | State of Hawaii |
| Number | 5 |
| Populations | 82 (Kalawao) – 988,703 (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, these counties are the only local governments in Hawaii. This means there are no separate city governments below them.
In Hawaii, the state government handles public education through the Hawaii State Department of Education. However, counties are responsible for many important services. They collect money to help with things like keeping roads in good shape, running community activities, and maintaining parks. This includes having lifeguards at beach parks. Counties also manage garbage collection, provide police services, ambulance help, and fire protection.
All of Hawaii's counties were created in 1905. This was seven years after Hawaii became a U.S. territory. Kalawao County is very unique. It was historically a special community for people who needed specific care for a health condition. Because of this, it doesn't have as many elected officials as the other counties. Many services for Kalawao County are actually provided by Maui County. For example, Maui County helps with elections for Kalawao County.
Discover Hawaii's Counties
Each county has a special code called a FIPS code. The United States government uses these codes to identify each county. You can use these codes to find information about each county.
| County |
FIPS code | County seat | Est. | Etymology | Island(s) |
Population (2025) | Area | Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiʻi County | 001 | Hilo | 1905 | Named after the Island of Hawaiʻi. The island itself is said to be named after Hawaiʻiloa, a legendary Polynesian navigator. | Hawaiʻi | 210,043 | 4,028 sq mi (10,432 km2) |
 |
| Honolulu County | 003 | Honolulu | 1905 | Its name means 'sheltered bay' or 'place of shelter' in the Hawaiian language. It is named after Honolulu, the capital city of Hawaii. | Oʻahu and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (except Midway Atoll) | 988,703 | 597 sq mi (1,546 km2) |
 |
| Kalawao County | 005 | 1905 | Named after the village of Kalawao on the island of Molokaʻi. | The Kalaupapa Peninsula on Molokaʻi | 82 | 5.2 sq mi (13 km2) |
 |
|
| Kauai County | 007 | Līhuʻe | 1905 | Named after Kauaʻi, the largest island in the county. Its name might come from Kauaʻi, who was the eldest son of Hawaiʻiloa. | Kauaʻi, Niʻihau, Lehua, and Kaʻula | 73,400 | 622 sq mi (1,611 km2) |
 |
| Maui County | 009 | Wailuku | 1905 | Named after Maui, the largest island in the county. The island is named after Māui, a powerful demigod from Hawaiian stories. | Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi (except the Kalaupapa Peninsula), and Molokini | 160,592 | 1,120 sq mi (2,901 km2) |
 |
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Condados de Hawái para niños
