Searching for a list of Hawaiian Islands? The Hawaiian archipelago is made up of 137 islands, islets, and atolls stretching across the Pacific — but only a handful are places you can actually visit. Here's the complete breakdown, from the eight main islands to the remote Northwestern chain.
The 8 Main Hawaiian Islands
When most people ask for a list of Hawaiian Islands, they mean the main, inhabited islands at the southeastern end of the chain:
- Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island) — the largest island, home to active volcanoes and Mauna Kea.
- Maui — the "Valley Isle," known for Road to Hana and Haleakalā.
- Oʻahu — the most populous island, home to Honolulu and Waikīkī.
- Kauaʻi — the "Garden Isle," famous for Nāpali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
- Molokaʻi — a quiet, rural island with deep cultural roots.
- Lānaʻi — a small, once pineapple-covered island now known for luxury resorts.
- Niʻihau — the privately owned "Forbidden Isle," closed to the public.
- Kahoʻolawe — uninhabited, formerly used for military training, now protected land.
Of these, only Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi are regularly accessible to visitors. Explore our Islands & Places collection to find a design for each one.
The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Beyond the main islands, the chain continues nearly 1,300 miles northwest through a remote string of atolls, reefs, and islets — including Nihoa, Necker Island (Mokumānamu), French Frigate Shoals, Gardner Pinnacles, Maro Reef, Laysan Island, Lisianski Island, Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Midway Atoll, and Kure Atoll. Most of this chain is part of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, one of the largest protected marine areas on Earth, and is completely off-limits to casual travel.
Quick Answer: How Many Hawaiian Islands Are There?
The state of Hawaiʻi is officially made up of 137 islands, islets, and atolls in total — but only 8 are considered the "main" Hawaiian Islands, and just 6 of those welcome visitors.
Which Island Should Be on Your List?
If you're planning your first trip, start with Oʻahu for city and beach energy, Maui for a mix of adventure and relaxation, Kauaʻi for dramatic scenery, or Hawaiʻi Island for volcanoes and stargazing. Each island has its own personality — and its own place in our shop.
Bring the islands home: Explore our Islands & Places collection — original designs from our Native Hawaiian–owned studio in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi. Here are a few of the newest additions:
Hawaii Ohana Family Tee — a tribute to island family bonds, perfect for group trips.
Banyan Tree Lahaina Tee — honoring Maui's historic Lahaina banyan.
Mauna Kea Stargazing Tee — celebrating Hawaiʻi Island's sacred summit.