Major Islands of the United States

Several major islands in the United States have a variety of geographies and cultures. The Pacific Ocean Island of Hawaii is well known for its breathtaking beaches and volcanic scenery. The Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico combines Spanish and American cultural elements. While Kodiak Island in Alaska boasts a rough wilderness and a wealth of species, the Florida Keys and the US Virgin Islands are balmy getaways.

Features of Major Islands of the United States

Here are the descriptions about major island of the United States.

Hawaii

• Hawaii is an archipelago of 137 islands located in the Pacific Ocean.

• The state covers an area of approximately 10,931 square miles.

• The largest island in Hawaii is the Big Island, also known as Hawaii Island, with an area of 4,028 square miles.

• The capital city of Hawaii is Honolulu, situated on the island of Oahu.

• The state's population is over 1.4 million, making it the 40th most populous state in the U.S.

• Hawaii is the only U.S. state composed entirely of islands.

• The state has a diverse climate, ranging from tropical rainforests to arid desert regions.

• Major industries in Hawaii include agriculture (sugar cane, pineapple), tourism, and military defense.

• Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959.

• The official languages of Hawaii are English and Hawaiian.

Puerto Rico

• Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the Caribbean Sea.

• It covers an area of approximately 3,515 square miles.

• The capital and largest city of Puerto Rico is San Juan.

• The population of Puerto Rico is over 3 million people.

• The official languages of Puerto Rico are Spanish and English.

• Puerto Rico has a tropical climate with consistent temperatures throughout the year.

• The currency used in Puerto Rico is the United States dollar.

• The territory has a mixed economy, with industries including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and services.

• Puerto Rico is known for its rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, and cuisine.

• The island was first colonized by Spain and later came under U.S. control in 1898.

Kodiak Island

• Kodiak Island is the largest island in the Kodiak Archipelago, located in the Gulf of Alaska.

• It covers an area of approximately 3,595 square miles.

• The island has a population of around 14,000 people.

• Kodiak Island is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to various species of wildlife, including bears, eagles, and whales.

• The economy of Kodiak Island is largely dependent on commercial fishing, particularly for salmon and crab.

• The city of Kodiak is the main population center and serves as a hub for transportation and commerce in the region.

• The island has a maritime climate characterized by cool summers and mild winters.

• Kodiak Island has a long history, with indigenous Alutiiq people inhabiting the region for thousands of years.

• The island was discovered by Russian explorers in the 18th century and was a major center of the Russian fur trade.

Prince of Wales Island

• Prince of Wales Island is the fourth largest island in the United States and part of the Alexander Archipelago in Southeast Alaska.

• It covers an area of approximately 2,577 square miles.

• The island has a population of around 6,000 people.

• Prince of Wales Island is known for its lush forests and diverse wildlife, including bears, wolves, and bald eagles.

• The main community on the island is Craig, which serves as a hub for commerce and services.

• The island has a maritime climate with cool, wet winters and mild summers.

• Prince of Wales Island has a rich Native Alaskan heritage, with various indigenous communities residing on the island for centuries.

Maui

• Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii, located in the central Pacific Ocean.

• It covers an area of approximately 727 square miles.

• The population of Maui is over 150,000 people.

• The island is known for its diverse geography, including volcanic peaks, lush valleys, and coastal plains.

• Maui has a mild tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.

• The economy of Maui is driven by industries such as agriculture, including sugarcane and pineapple cultivation, as well as manufacturing and services.

• The island has several major towns and cities, including Kahului, Wailuku, and Lahaina.

• Maui is home to important cultural sites and has a significant Native Hawaiian population.

Long Island

• Long Island is located in the southeastern part of the state of New York.

• It is approximately 118 miles long and spans an area of about 1,401 square miles.

• Long Island is divided into four counties: Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk.

• It is home to over 7.8 million people, making it the most populous island in the United States.

• Long Island has a diverse economy, with key industries including finance, healthcare, education, and technology.

• The island is known for its extensive transportation network, including major highways, railways, and airports.

San Juan Island

• San Juan Island is located in the state of Washington, within the United States.

• It is situated in the Pacific Northwest and is part of the San Juan Islands archipelago.

• San Juan Island covers an area of approximately 143 square miles.

• The population of the island is around 6,000 people.

• The main town on San Juan Island is Friday Harbor, which serves as a commercial and transportation hub.

• The island has a mild climate with cool, wet winters and mild summers.

• San Juan Island has historical significance, including its role in the Pig War between the United States and Great Britain in the 19th century.

Catalina Island

• Catalina Island is located off the coast of Southern California in the United States.

• It is part of the Channel Islands archipelago.

• Catalina Island covers an area of approximately 76 square miles.

• The population of the island is around 4,000 people.

• The main city on Catalina Island is Avalon, which serves as the primary residential and commercial center.

• The island has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

Key West

• Key West is an island city located at the southernmost point of the continental United States in Florida.

• It is part of the Florida Keys archipelago.

• Key West covers an area of approximately 4 square miles.

• The population of Key West is around 26,000 people.

• The island has a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

• Key West has a rich cultural heritage, including its association with famous authors such as Ernest Hemingway.

• The city is known for its vibrant arts and entertainment scene, including festivals and events.

List of Major Islands of the United States

Here's a table listing major islands of the United States, their location, and extent −

Island	Location	Extent (Square Miles)
Hawaii	Pacific Ocean	Varies
Puerto Rico	Caribbean Sea	3,515
Kodiak Island	Gulf of Alaska	3,595
Prince of Wales Island	Alexander Archipelago, Alaska	2,577
Maui	Hawaii, Pacific Ocean	727
Long Island	Atlantic Ocean	1,401
San Juan Island	Washington, Pacific Ocean	143
Catalina Island	California, Pacific Ocean	76
Key West	Florida Keys, Gulf of Mexico	4

Conclusion

The United States' largest islands offer a wide variety of topography, culture, and economic importance. These islands display the great diversity of the nation, from the breathtaking beaches and volcanic scenery of Hawaii to the fusion of Spanish and American influences in Puerto Rico. Alaska's Prince of Wales Island and Kodiak Island offer a peek of the area's untamed wilderness and abounding wildlife.

Both Long Island in New York and San Juan Island in Washington are important parts of the regional economy and cultures. Unique coastal experiences can be found in Key West, Florida, and Catalina Island, off the coast of Southern California. These islands illustrate the size and diversity of the United States’ Island territories together.

Frequently Asked Question

Where is Hawaii located?

Hawaii is located in the Pacific Ocean.

Is Puerto Rico a state of the United States?

No, Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States.

Which island in Alaska is the largest?

Kodiak Island is the largest island in Alaska.

What is the largest island in the United States?

The Big Island (Hawaii Island) is the largest island in the United States.

What is the extent of Maui?

Maui covers an area of approximately 727 square miles.

Which island in New York is the largest?

Long Island is the largest island in New York.

Where is San Juan Island located?

San Juan Island is located in Washington, in the Pacific Ocean.

Which island in California is known for its beauty?

Catalina Island is known for its beauty in California.

Where is Key West located?

Key West is located in the Florida Keys, in the Gulf of Mexico.

Which island in Alaska is part of the Alexander Archipelago?

Prince of Wales Island is part of the Alexander Archipelago in Alaska.