coordinates honolulu hawaii

Coordinates of Honolulu, Hawaii: Latitude, Longitude, and More

Honolulu, the vibrant capital of Hawaii, is located on the island of Oahu. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 21.3069° N (latitude) and 157.8583° W (longitude). These coordinates pinpoint Honolulu’s location within the Hawaiian archipelago, situated in the central Pacific Ocean.

Latitude and Longitude Explained

Latitude and longitude are the cornerstones of geographic coordinate systems. Latitude measures the angular distance, in degrees, north or south of the Equator, which is at 0°. Longitude measures the angular distance, in degrees, east or west of the Prime Meridian, which is defined as 0° longitude.

Honolulu’s latitude of 21.3069° N indicates that it is located approximately 21 degrees north of the Equator. Its longitude of 157.8583° W means it’s about 157 degrees west of the Prime Meridian.

Why are Coordinates Important?

Coordinates are crucial for a variety of applications:

* Navigation: GPS systems rely on coordinates to pinpoint locations and guide users.
* Mapping: Maps, both physical and digital, use coordinates to represent geographical features accurately.
* Geographic Information Systems (GIS): GIS integrates coordinates with other data to analyze spatial patterns and relationships.
* Emergency Services: Quickly locating someone in distress relies heavily on coordinate information.
* Scientific Research: Many scientific studies, like those involving climate or ecology, rely on accurate location data.

Honolulu’s Location in Context

Honolulu is situated on the southeastern coast of Oahu, a volcanic island in the Hawaiian chain. Its location provides it with a tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and stunning natural scenery. The city serves as a major transportation hub for the Pacific region and a significant cultural and economic center. You can learn more about its location and geography on Wikipedia’s Honolulu page.

Elevation

While coordinates define the horizontal position, elevation describes vertical position. Honolulu’s elevation varies across the city. The official elevation is sometimes taken at Honolulu International Airport, which is relatively close to sea level. However, the surrounding mountains and valleys cause significant variation in elevation across the Honolulu metropolitan area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact latitude and longitude of Waikiki Beach?

Waikiki Beach, a popular tourist destination within Honolulu, has approximate coordinates of 21.2783° N latitude and 157.8281° W longitude.

How far is Honolulu from the Equator?

Honolulu is approximately 2,368 miles (3,811 kilometers) north of the Equator.

What time zone is Honolulu in?

Honolulu observes Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST), which is 10 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-10).

Are there any coordinate-related errors I should be aware of when using GPS?

GPS accuracy can vary due to factors such as atmospheric conditions and satellite signal strength. It’s always a good idea to cross-reference your GPS location with other landmarks or maps.

How do I convert coordinates from decimal degrees to degrees, minutes, and seconds (DMS)?

Several online tools and calculators can perform the conversion. You can also manually convert by separating the whole number degrees, multiplying the decimal portion by 60 to get minutes, and then multiplying the decimal portion of the minutes by 60 to get seconds.

Summary

Honolulu’s geographic coordinates of 21.3069° N and 157.8583° W place it firmly in the tropical Pacific Ocean, making it a unique and vibrant city with a rich history and stunning natural surroundings. Understanding these coordinates helps in navigation, mapping, and various other applications, allowing us to better appreciate Honolulu’s place in the world.