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Hawaii Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Hawaii is a state in the Western United States, located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,000 miles southwest of the U.S. mainland. It is the 40th most populous state in the country and the 8th smallest U.S. state by land area.
Hawaii has a total land area of 6,423 square miles (16,638 square kilometers) and an average population density of about 221 people per square mile, making it the 13th most densely populated state in the United States. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Hawaii had a population of 1,455,271 (about 1.45 million).
More recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that as of July 1, 2024, Hawaii’s population was approximately 1,446,146, or about 1.45 million people, reflecting a slight population decline in recent years.
Projected Population of Hawaii (2026): ~1.46 million
Hawaii Population Growth (2010–2020)
Hawaii recorded a population growth rate of approximately 7.0% between 2010 and 2020, adding about 94,970 residents during the decade. Growth was driven mainly by natural increase and international migration, although recent years have seen a slowdown. The median age of Hawaii’s population is around 38.5 years, indicating a relatively balanced age structure compared to many mainland states. In terms of gender distribution, the population is nearly even, with 49.8% females and 50.2% males residing in the state.
Hawaii Census 2020 Snapshot
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,455,271 (1.45 million) |
| Population Change (2010–2020) | +7.0% |
| Population Rank | 40th |
| Total Land Area | 6,423 sq mi (16,638 km²) |
| Area Rank | 47th |
| Population Density | 221 per sq mi (82.6 per km²) |
| Capital City | Honolulu |
| Largest City | Honolulu |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020)
Hawaii Historical Population
Hawaii’s population history reflects long-term growth shaped by migration, statehood, and economic development. After early population declines in the mid-19th century due to disease and demographic shifts, Hawaii began experiencing steady growth from the late 1800s onward. Rapid population increases occurred throughout the 20th century, particularly after World War II and following Hawaii’s admission as a U.S. state in 1959, driven by military presence, tourism, and international migration. Growth continued into the 21st century, though at a slower pace, with Hawaii reaching a population of 1.46 million in 2020, marking sustained but moderating demographic expansion.
Decadal Population Change (1910–2020)
| 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 | +41.6% |
| 1890 | 89,990 | +11.7% |
| 1896 | 109,020 | +21.1% |
| 1900 | 154,001 | +41.3% |
| 1910 | 191,909 | +24.6% |
| 1920 | 255,912 | +33.4% |
| 1930 | 368,336 | +43.9% |
| 1940 | 423,330 | +14.9% |
| 1950 | 499,794 | +18.1% |
| 1960 | 632,772 | +26.6% |
| 1970 | 768,561 | +21.5% |
| 1980 | 964,691 | +25.5% |
| 1990 | 1,108,229 | +14.9% |
| 2000 | 1,211,537 | +9.3% |
| 2010 | 1,360,301 | +12.3% |
| 2020 | 1,455,271 | +7.0% |
Hawaii Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations
Christianity is the majority religion in Hawaii, followed by approximately 63% of the population. The largest Christian denomination in the state is Protestantism (38%), followed by Roman Catholicism (20%) and Mormonism (3%).
The religiously unaffiliated population accounts for about 26% of residents and includes individuals who do not identify with any faith or religious tradition. Other non-Christian religions and faiths are followed by roughly 10% of the population, with Buddhism (8%) being the most prominent, along with Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and other smaller faiths.
For more details, read: Religion in Hawaii
Race and Ethnicity in Hawaii
According to the 2020 Census, the Asian population is the largest racial or ethnic group in Hawaii, making up 36.53% of the total population. This is followed by White (non-Hispanic) residents at 21.60%. Individuals identifying with two or more races form the third-largest group at 20.66%. The Native Hawaiian population accounts for 10.24%, while Hispanic or Latino residents make up 9.55% of the population.
Ancestry in Hawaii
Based on census studies and population estimates, the five largest ancestry groups in Hawaii are German, Irish, English, Portuguese, and Italian, reflecting the state’s diverse migration history.
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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