Quick Fact
As of 2026, the U.S. has 48 incorporated places starting with K. Kailua, Hawaii tops the list with about 40,580 residents (U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 estimate), sitting pretty at 21.4001° N, 157.7372° W on Oahu’s windward coast. Meanwhile, Kalamazoo, Michigan—with 73,598 people (U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 estimate)—is the biggest K-named city on the mainland, perched at 42.2917° N, 85.5872° W.
Geographic Context
K-cities are sprinkled across the country, showing off America’s mix of languages and settlement stories. Hawaii alone has 12 of these places, a nod to its Polynesian roots and colonial naming habits. States like Michigan, Washington, and Texas each chip in a few K-named towns, often tied to Indigenous words, geography, or settler history. You’ve got everything from big-city vibes in Kalamazoo to tiny coastal spots like Kahuku, Hawaii—proof of how varied American urban life really is.
Key Details
| City Name | State | Population (2025 est.) | Coordinates | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kailua | Hawaii | 40,580 | 21.4001° N, 157.7372° W | Beaches and windsurfing capital of Hawaii |
| Kailua-Kona | Hawaii | 23,000 | 19.6383° N, 155.9936° W | Coffee-growing region and Kona coffee capital |
| Kahului | Hawaii | 27,902 | 20.8864° N, 156.4719° W | Main airport hub for Maui Island |
| Kalamazoo | Michigan | 73,598 | 42.2917° N, 85.5872° W | Home to Western Michigan University and craft breweries |
| Kalaoa | Hawaii | 11,475 | 19.7022° N, 156.0278° W | Gateway to Kona Coast resorts and snorkeling spots |
| Kalama | Washington | 2,563 | 46.0181° N, 122.8372° W | Small town on the Columbia River with a historic downtown |
| Kaufman | Texas | 6,693 | 32.5774° N, 96.3084° W | Located in the Blackland Prairie region of Northeast Texas |
| Katy | Texas | 21,729 | 29.7867° N, 95.8226° W | Fast-growing Houston suburb known for parks and schools |
Interesting Background
Hawaii’s love affair with “K” in city names comes straight from the islands’ linguistic DNA. Many names pull from Hawaiian roots, where “Kai” means “sea,” “Kona” points to an island’s leeward side, and “Kahului” translates to “winning” or “smooth.” Take Kailua-Kona—often just called Kona—once a royal hangout and still a cultural hotspot for Native Hawaiian traditions like hula and outrigger canoeing. Over on the mainland, names like Kalamazoo are a little more mysterious but might come from a Potawatomi word for “boiling water,” possibly describing the local river’s churning rapids. The letter “K” just packs a punch phonetically, which is why it pops up so often in place names worldwide.
Practical Information
Thinking of visiting some K-cities? Here’s the lowdown:
- Hawaii Islands: Kailua and Kailua-Kona are both easy to reach via Hawaiian Airlines flights into Honolulu or Kona International Airport. Kailua’s just a 20-minute drive from Honolulu, while Kona is a quick hop from Kona International Airport (KOA).
- Michigan: Kalamazoo sits about a 2-hour drive from Detroit, right off I-94. It’s famous for its breweries and the annual Kalamazoo Art Fair.
- Washington: Kalama is a 20-minute drive south of Longview on I-5. It’s a low-key stop with river views, historic buildings, and the Kalama Heritage Center.
- Texas: Kaufman and Katy are both within striking distance of Dallas. Kaufman hosts the annual Kaufman County Fair, while Katy’s got all the modern suburban perks, including Mary Jo Peckham Park.
For the full picture on where these K-cities are and how they’re growing, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey updates its population and geographic data every year.
