Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is renowned not only for its tropical beauty but also for its unique geographical characteristics. According to the United States Census Bureau, Urban Honolulu covers approximately 68.4 square miles (177.2 km²), of which 7.9 square miles (20.5 km²), or 11.56%, consists of water bodies.

What makes Honolulu particularly distinct is its extreme remoteness. It holds the title of the most isolated major U.S. city, situated over 2,045 nautical miles (3,787 km) from Point Arena Lighthouse in California, its closest mainland U.S. location. The nearest major mainland city, San Francisco, is 2,397 miles (3,858 km) away. In fact, some Aleutian Islands of Alaska and islands off the Mexican coast are closer to Honolulu than the U.S. mainland.

The city’s landscape is also shaped by volcanic activity. Parts of the Honolulu Volcanics, a volcanic field known for its craters and ridges, extend into the city, contributing to its rugged terrain and scenic beauty. These volcanic formations, along with pristine beaches and lush green mountains, make Honolulu a geographical wonder and a global tourist attraction.