About the Counties of Hawaii

Information about the four main counties of Hawaii and one administrative sub-county that is within one of those four main counties.

County of Honolulu
Honolulu County is the most populated county in Hawaii, with more than 900,000 residents. The government of Honolulu County is the same entity as the government for the city of Honolulu. Honolulu County includes the island of Oahu and the small islands north of Kauai and Niihau, from Nihoa to Kure except for Midway. Until 1959, Palmyra Island, which is located 1000 miles south of Hawaii was also included.

County of Hawaii
Hawaii County includes only Hawaii Island, which is the largest Hawaiian Island. Hawaii Island is commonly known as "The Big Island" to differentiate it from the County of Hawaii and the State of Hawaii. There are no incorporated cities in Hawaii County, but the East Hawaii island town of Hilo is both the county seat and the county's largest community.

County of Maui
Maui County is the third most populated county in the state of Hawaii, with more than 150,000 residents. The county includes the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. Kalawao County (if it still exists) includes the Kalaupapa Peninsula of Molokai, but I think Kalawao County is now part of Maui County.

County of Kauai
Kauai County has more than 60,000 residents, making it the fourth most populated county in Hawaii. the county includes the populated island of Kauai, the private populated island of Niihau, and the small unpopulated islets of Lehua and Kaula.

Sub-County of Kalawao
Administrative sub-county of Maui County that includes the Kalaupapa Peninsula on the north central coast of Molokai Island.

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