Coordinates for Honolulu, Hawaii: A Guide
Honolulu, the vibrant capital of Hawaii, is located at approximately 21.3069° N latitude and 157.8583° W longitude. These coordinates pinpoint the heart of Honolulu on the island of Oahu, placing it squarely in the central Pacific Ocean. Understanding these coordinates helps you locate Honolulu on a map and provides a reference point for navigation and geographical context.
Understanding Honolulu’s Coordinates
Latitude and longitude are the cornerstones of geographic coordinate systems. Latitude measures the north-south position on the Earth’s surface relative to the equator (0° latitude), while longitude measures the east-west position relative to the Prime Meridian (0° longitude). Honolulu’s coordinates tell us its precise position:
- Latitude (21.3069° N): Indicates that Honolulu is located 21.3069 degrees north of the equator. This places it in the Northern Hemisphere, within the tropics.
- Longitude (157.8583° W): Indicates that Honolulu is located 157.8583 degrees west of the Prime Meridian. This places it in the western portion of the Pacific Ocean.
Importance of Honolulu’s Coordinates
Knowing Honolulu’s coordinates is crucial for various applications:
- Mapping and Navigation: Coordinates are essential for locating Honolulu on maps, using GPS devices, and for various navigation systems (air, sea, and land).
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Professionals use coordinates in GIS software for spatial analysis, urban planning, and environmental studies related to Honolulu.
- Weather Forecasting: Meteorologists use coordinates to predict and track weather patterns affecting Honolulu.
- Distance Calculations: Coordinates allow for calculating the distance between Honolulu and other locations worldwide.
Finding Honolulu on a Map
You can easily find Honolulu on any map, digital or printed, by searching for its coordinates. Most mapping applications, such as Google Maps, allow you to enter the coordinates directly to pinpoint the location. Also, you can consult Honolulu’s Wikipedia page for more detailed information about its location and geography.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What time zone is Honolulu in?
Honolulu is in the Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST), which is 10 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-10).
What is the elevation of Honolulu?
The elevation of Honolulu varies, but the city center is relatively low-lying, close to sea level. Diamond Head, a prominent landmark, rises to approximately 761 feet (232 meters).
What is the population of Honolulu?
As of recent estimates, the population of Honolulu is around 350,000 people.
What island is Honolulu located on?
Honolulu is located on the island of Oahu, one of the eight main islands of Hawaii.
How far is Honolulu from Los Angeles?
Honolulu is approximately 2,556 miles (4,114 kilometers) from Los Angeles.
Summary
Honolulu’s coordinates, 21.3069° N and 157.8583° W, provide a precise location for this major city in the Pacific Ocean. These coordinates are used for navigation, mapping, and various other applications, solidifying Honolulu’s place on the global map.
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