The Big Island does not just top this list. It beats the other seven islands put together. Land areas below come from the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), checked in October 2026. Other sources round a few islands slightly differently; Kauaʻi, for example, appears as 552 or 562 square miles depending on the source, and its rank does not change.
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The ranking
| # | Name | Size (sq mi) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaiʻi (Big Island) | 4,028 |
| 2 | Maui | 727 |
| 3 | Oʻahu | 597 |
| 4 | Kauaʻi | 552 |
| 5 | Molokaʻi | 260 |
| 6 | Lānaʻi | 140 |
| 7 | Niʻihau | 69 |
| 8 | Kahoʻolawe | 45 |
What to know about each
Hawaiʻi (Big Island)
4,028 sq mi. More than five times the size of Maui, the next largest.
Maui
727 sq mi. The second-largest island.
Oʻahu
597 sq mi. The third-largest island.
Kauaʻi
552 sq mi by the HVCB count.
Molokaʻi
260 sq mi.
Lānaʻi
140 sq mi.
Niʻihau
69 sq mi. Privately owned, with tightly restricted access.
Kahoʻolawe
45 sq mi. The smallest of the eight main islands, and a protected island reserve with restricted access.
The Big Island, in one number
Add up Maui (727), Oʻahu (597), Kauaʻi (552), Molokaʻi (260), Lānaʻi (140), Niʻihau (69) and Kahoʻolawe (45) and you get 2,390 square miles. The Big Island is 4,028, so it has 1,638 square miles left over. That is why a Big Island trip needs more driving than people expect.
See it for yourself
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest Hawaiian island?
Hawaiʻi Island, known as the Big Island, at 4,028 square miles according to the HVCB.
What is the smallest Hawaiian island?
Among the eight main islands, Kahoʻolawe at 45 square miles.
Is the Big Island bigger than all the other islands combined?
Yes. The other seven main islands add up to 2,390 square miles, and the Big Island is 4,028.
Which Hawaiian island is second largest?
Maui, at 727 square miles.
Which islands can I visit?
Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi are the six islands most visitors travel to. Niʻihau is privately owned and Kahoʻolawe is a protected reserve, and access to both is tightly restricted.
Sources
Related: 7-day Big Island itinerary · How big is the Big Island? · Big Island road trip itinerary · Best time to visit Hawaii