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Population and Demography of Hawaii
Hawaii is a state in the Western United States located in the Pacific Ocean about 2,000 miles from the U.S. mainland.
Hawaii is the 40th most populous state of the United States & Its 8th-smallest U.S. state by land area. The total Land area is 6,423 square miles (16,638 square kilometers) and an average of 221 people for every square mile. This makes Hawaii the 13th most densely populated state in the US. As per the United States Census Bureau, the population of Hawaii in 2020 was 1,455,271 (1.45 million)
Estimated Population of Hawaii in 2024 – 1,435,138 (1.44 million)
Hawaii Population (2010-2020)
Hawaii has a population growth rate of 7.0% during 2010-2020. It has population increase of 94,970 since 2010. The median age in Hawaii is approximately 38.5 years of age, and the state has a slight gender gap with 49.8% females and 50.2% males residing in the state.
| Hawaii | Census 2020 |
| Total Population | 1,455,271 (1.45 million) |
| Percentage Change | 6.10% |
| Population Rank | 40th |
| Total Land Area | 6,423 sq mi (16,638 km2) |
| Area Rank | 47th |
| Population Density | 221/sq mi (82.6/km2) |
| Capital City | Honolulu |
| Largest City | Honolulu |
Source: US Census 2020
Hawaii Historical Population
In the year 1900 Hawaii’s population was 154 thousand and in 2020, it reached 1.45 million, an increase of almost 1.2 million.
Let’s look at decade population and percentage change
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
| 1840 | 107,954 | – |
| 1850 | 84,165 | −22.0% |
| 1860 | 69,800 | −17.1% |
| 1872 | 56,897 | −18.5% |
| 1884 | 80,578 | 41.60% |
| 1890 | 89,990 | 11.70% |
| 1896 | 109,020 | 21.10% |
| 1900 | 154,001 | 41.30% |
| 1910 | 191,909 | 24.60% |
| 1920 | 255,912 | 33.40% |
| 1930 | 368,336 | 43.90% |
| 1940 | 423,330 | 14.90% |
| 1950 | 499,794 | 18.10% |
| 1960 | 632,772 | 26.60% |
| 1970 | 768,561 | 21.50% |
| 1980 | 964,691 | 25.50% |
| 1990 | 1,108,229 | 14.90% |
| 2000 | 1,211,537 | 9.30% |
| 2010 | 1,360,301 | 12.30% |
| 2020 | 1,455,271 | 7.00% |
Religion and affilations
Christianity is the majority religion in Hawaii followed by 63% of the population. The largest Christian denomination in Hawaii is Protestant (38%); Roman Catholic (20%); Mormonism (3%).
Next comes the Unaffiliated population, 26% of the population doesn’t follow or adhere to any faith or religion. Other non-Christian-based religions and faiths are followed by 10% of the population and include Buddhism (8%), Jewish, Hinduism, Muslim, and other smaller faiths.
For more details read Religion in Hawaii
Race and Ethnicity in Hawaii
In 2020, the Asian population was the largest racial or ethnic group in Hawaii, comprising 36.53% of the total population. It was followed by the White (non-Hispanic) population whose share was 21.60%. Two or more races population was the third largest group at 20.66%. Native Hawaiian population share was 10.24% & Hispanic or Latino at 9.55%.
Ancestry in Hawaii
As per Census Studies & estimate German, Irish, English, Portuguese, and Italian have made the five largest ancestry groups in Hawaii.
For more details read Race and Ethnicity in Hawaii
Top Islands and cities in Hawaii
There are eight major islands in Hawaii. Population wise Oahu is the largest, followed by Hawaii and Maui.
| # | Island Name | Population (2020) |
| 1 | Oahu | 953,207 |
| 2 | Hawaii | 186,738 |
| 3 | Maui | 144,444 |
| 4 | Kauai | 66,921 |
| 5 | Molokai | 7,345 |
| 6 | Lanai | 3,135 |
| 7 | Niihau | 170 |
| 8 | Kahoolawe | unpopulated |
Top Cities in Hawaii
Honolulu is the largest city and the largest county in Hawaii. There are no other cities with more than 50,000 people. Other Big Cities are Pearl City (45,295), Hilo (44,186), and Waipahu (43,485).
| Rank | Name | Population (2020) |
| 1 | Honolulu | 350,964 |
| 2 | East Honolulu | 50,922 |
| 3 | Pearl City | 45,295 |
| 4 | Hilo | 44,186 |
| 5 | Waipahu | 43,485 |
read more about Cities and Counties in Hawai
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