Oahu, known as “The Gathering Place,” is the third-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, but don’t let that fool you – it packs a lot into its relatively small size! So, how big is Oahu? It spans approximately 597 square miles (1,545 square kilometers).
Oahu is about 44 miles (71 km) long and 30 miles (48 km) wide, making it easy for visitors to explore both the urban and natural attractions. Oahu, with a coastline that stretches around 227 miles (365 km), offers beautiful beaches, scenic cliffs, and world-famous surf spots like those along the North Shore.
Oahu is home to the state capital, Honolulu, and the iconic Waikiki Beach, offering a vibrant mix of city life, historical landmarks, and lush outdoor scenery. While smaller than the Big Island, Oahu’s size perfectly balances various experiences, from city adventures to outdoor escapes, all within a day’s drive.
How Big Is Oahu?
Here’s a comparison to help you visualize:
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- Oahu is roughly twice the size of New York City. While NYC covers about 302 square miles, Oahu offers nearly double the space to explore.
“The Gathering Place” – Oahu’s Population
Located on the southeast coast, Honolulu is the center of a large urban area where most of Oahu’s residents live. In 2021, Oahu’s population reached almost 1 million people, accounting for roughly 70% of the entire state population. To put that into perspective, about 8 out of 10 people in Hawaii live in and around Honolulu!
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