Alaska and Hawaii are the only states outside the contiguous U.S., separated by vast stretches of ocean and foreign land.
Where does the contiguous United States end?
The contiguous U.S. ends at the Mexican and Canadian borders, where the 48 states form one continuous landmass from coast to coast.
Alaska sits northwest of Canada, while Hawaii sprawls 2,400 miles southwest of California across eight main islands. Together, these two states sit apart from the continental block most Americans call “the Lower 48.”
Quick Fact (as of 2026)
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Non-contiguous states | 2 |
| Alaska population | 733,406 |
| Hawaii population | 1,435,138 |
| Alaska land area | 570,641 sq mi (1,477,953 km²) |
| Hawaii land area | 6,423 sq mi (16,635 km²) |
| Distance from Hawaii to California | 2,400 mi (3,860 km) |
Why do these states matter geographically?
Alaska and Hawaii expand America’s reach across two oceans, giving the U.S. Arctic coastline, central Pacific anchorage, and vast exclusive economic zones.
Alaska stretches 1,420 miles north to south, sharing a 1,538-mile border with Canada. Hawaii, meanwhile, sits roughly midway between Los Angeles and Tokyo. Both territories bring unique ecosystems—Alaska’s tundra and Hawaii’s tropical reefs—that fuel research, tourism, and defense planning.
Geographers call them “insular” because they’re islands or archipelagos cut off from the mainland. That matters for everything from climate policy to fisheries rules, since isolation and shipping costs shape federal funding formulas.
What are the key stats for Alaska and Hawaii?
Alaska has 733,406 people across 570,641 square miles, while Hawaii has 1.4 million residents on just 6,423 square miles.
- Alaska: 30 borough-equivalents, capital Juneau.
- Hawaii: 5 counties, capital Honolulu.
- Entry points: Alaska via Anchorage (ANC) or Fairbanks (FAI); Hawaii via Honolulu (HNL) or Kona (KOA).
- Time zones: Alaska spans Alaska Time (AKST/AKDT) and Hawaii-Aleutian Time (HST/HDT).
How did Alaska and Hawaii become U.S. states?
Alaska joined in 1959 after the U.S. bought it from Russia in 1867; Hawaii became a state later that same year after annexation and the Hawaiian Kingdom’s overthrow.
Native Alaskans—Inuit, Yupik, and Tlingit—have lived there for millennia. Native Hawaiians, about 10% of the state’s population today, keep their culture alive through language programs and land stewardship.
Both states also anchor U.S. military power: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage and Pearl Harbor on Oahu serve as key Pacific defense hubs. Their ports and airfields support Indo-Pacific Command and Arctic research.
What should travelers know before visiting?
Flights connect Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, and Denver to Anchorage and Honolulu daily.
- Ferries: Alaska Marine Highway System runs 3,500 miles of coastal routes between Washington ports and Alaskan towns like Skagway.
- Entry requirements: U.S. citizens need a valid ID; layovers in foreign airports may require ESTA or a visa waiver for Hawaii-bound travelers.
- Climate: Alaska summers hit 60 °F in Anchorage but only 40 °F in Barrow; Hawaii stays around 80 °F year-round with tropical humidity.
- Currency: Both take U.S. dollars. Cards work in cities, but rural spots often prefer cash.
For up-to-date road conditions and ferry schedules, check the Alaska Department of Transportation and the Hawaii Department of Transportation.
