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Physical Map of Hawaii - Geographical Features of Hawaii

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:40 ET

Physical Map of Hawaii showing the geographical features of the state such as rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, elevations, plateaus, plains, topography, water bodies and many other Hawaii physical features.

Hawaii Physical Map

Physical Features of Hawaii

Hawaii is a chain of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean, known for its rugged terrain, lush valleys, and dramatic coastlines. The islands were formed by volcanic activity, creating towering peaks, craters, and lava fields. Steep cliffs and narrow coastal plains define much of the shoreline, while tropical forests and waterfalls cover the interior. There are no major rivers due to the islands’ small size, but numerous streams and waterfalls flow from the mountains, contributing to Hawaii’s unique and diverse landscape.

Major Landforms in Hawaii

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Hawaiian IslandsIsland chainStatewideVolcanic island group
Mauna LoaVolcanoHawaii IslandLargest active volcano
Mauna KeaVolcanoHawaii IslandHighest peak in state
KilaueaVolcanoHawaii IslandHighly active volcano
±á²¹±ô±ð²¹°ì²¹±ôÄåVolcanoMauiMassive dormant crater
Na Pali CoastCoastalKauaiSteep cliffs and valleys
Waimea CanyonCanyonKauaiDeep scenic canyon
Koolau RangeMountain rangeOahuSharp volcanic ridges
Waianae RangeMountain rangeOahuOlder volcanic mountains
Lava FieldsVolcanicHawaii IslandRecent volcanic formations

Major Mountain Ranges in Hawaii

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
Mauna Kea MassifHawaii IslandMauna Kea13,803 ft
Mauna Loa MassifHawaii IslandMauna Loa13,681 ft
Koolau RangeOahuKonahuanui3,150 ft
Waianae RangeOahuMount Kaala4,025 ft
West Maui MountainsMauiPuu Kukui5,788 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in Hawaii

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Pacific OceanOceanStatewideSurrounds all islands
Wailuku RiverRiverHawaii IslandLongest river in state
Hanalei RiverRiverKauaiFlows through valley
Anahulu RiverRiverOahuShort coastal river
Waimea RiverRiverKauaiFeeds Waimea Canyon
Pearl HarborHarborOahuNatural deep harbor
Kaneohe BayBayOahuCoral reef ecosystem
Hilo BayBayHawaii IslandSheltered coastal bay
Waikiki BeachCoastalOahuFamous beach area
Kaloko-HonokohauWetlandHawaii IslandCoastal fishpond system

Elevation and Terrain in Hawaii

Hawaii features significant elevation changes due to its volcanic origins, with high peaks rising sharply from sea level. Mauna Kea is the highest point, while the lowest elevations lie along the surrounding ocean shores. The terrain includes volcanic mountains, valleys, cliffs, and coastal plains.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointMauna Kea – 13,803 ft
Lowest PointPacific Ocean – sea level
Average Elevation3,030 ft
Terrain TypeVolcanic mountains and coasts

Hawaii Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateHawaii
Total Area10,932 sq mi
Land Area6,423 sq mi
Water Area4,509 sq mi
Highest PointMauna Kea
Lowest PointPacific Ocean
Longest RiverWailuku River
Largest LakeHalalii Lake
Major LandformsVolcanoes, island chain
Main Water BodiesPacific Ocean, bays
Terrain TypeVolcanic and mountainous
CoastlinePacific Ocean coastline