The capital of Hawaii, the U.S. state made up of islands in the Pacific Ocean, is Honolulu.
Honolulu is on the southeastern coast of the island of Oahu. It is Hawaii’s largest city, principal port, and main center of government, business, transportation, and tourism.
The name Honolulu is commonly translated as “sheltered harbor” or “calm port,” reflecting the natural harbor that supported the city’s growth. Honolulu became the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1845 under King Kamehameha III, replacing Lahaina on Maui.
Hilo is another important Hawaiian city, but it is the county seat of Hawaii County on the island of Hawaii, often called the Big Island. Kailua-Kona and Kahului are also significant communities, yet none is the state capital. Honolulu remained the capital when Hawaii became a U.S. territory and continued in that role when Hawaii became the fiftieth state in 1959.