The formation and geological history of Hawaii through plate tectonics and volcanic activity has shaped this remarkable Pacific archipelago into a unique collection of islands. The Hawaiian Islands were created by a stationary hotspot beneath the Pacific Plate, forming a chain of volcanic islands over millions of years.
Key points:
- Hawaii consists of 137 islands, with eight main islands of volcanic origin
- The islands were formed by a stationary hotspot as the Pacific Plate moved over it
- Over 90 volcanoes have been discovered across the archipelago
- The Big Island continues to grow through ongoing volcanic activity
- The islands show a clear age progression, with Kauai being oldest (5.1 million years) and Big Island youngest (0.4 million years)