Hawaii State Population

Hawaii's diverse island population.

The U.S. state of Hawaii is home to approximately 1.4 million residents, distinguished by its exceptionally diverse and multi-ethnic composition. Historically, the indigenous Hawaiian population, estimated to be hundreds of thousands prior to European contact, experienced a catastrophic decline due to introduced diseases. This demographic shift continued with the influx of immigrant laborers, primarily from Asia (China, Japan, Philippines) and Portugal, during the 19th-century plantation era, fundamentally reshaping the islands' cultural and ethnic fabric. While the 20th century saw continued growth, driven by economic development and military presence, recent trends indicate a period of slow growth or even slight decline, largely attributed to a net out-migration of residents—often young people and families—seeking more affordable living elsewhere, making the high cost of living a significant factor in its contemporary population dynamics.

Data Source: US Census Bureau