OVERVIEW:
Hawaii is an archipelago situated some 3,200 kilometres (approx. 2000 miles) southwest of the North American mainland. Hawaii is the southernmost state of the United States and the second westernmost state after Alaska. Only Hawaii and Alaska are outside the contiguous United States and do not share a border with any other U.S. state. Hawaii is the only state of the United States that
- is not located in North America
- is separated from the mainland by water
- is completely surrounded by water
- continuously grows in area (due to currently active lava flows, most notably from Kilauea (Kîlauea).)
- is located entirely within the tropics.
Hawaii's tallest mountain, Mauna Kea stands at 13,796 feet (4,205 m) and is taller than Mount Everest if followed to the base of the mountain - on the floor of the Pacific Ocean. All of the Hawaiian islands were formed by volcanos erupting from the sea floor from a magma source described in geological theory as a hotspot. The last volcanic eruption outside the Big Island happened at Haleakala (Haleakalâ) on Maui in the late 18th century (though recent research suggests that Haleakala's most recent eruptive activity could be hundreds of years older). The volcanic activity and subsequent erosion created impressive geological features. The Big Island is notable as the world’s fifth highest island.
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