Yes, Hawaii is indeed further south than Florida.
Understanding Southernmost Locations in the U.S.
When comparing the southernmost extent of U.S. states, Hawaii holds the distinction of being the most southerly state overall. While Florida is widely recognized for its warm climate and southern position within the continental United States, Hawaii's unique location in the Pacific Ocean places it significantly closer to the equator.
The geographic center of Hawaii is situated further south than that of any other U.S. state. In contrast, Florida holds the distinction of having the southernmost geographic center among the 48 contiguous states. This critical difference clarifies that while Florida is the southernmost state on the North American mainland, Hawaii extends much further south as part of the United States.
To further illustrate this geographical reality, consider the following points:
- Hawaii's Southern Reach: The Big Island of Hawaii is home to Ka Lae (South Point), which is the southernmost point of not only the main Hawaiian Islands but also the entire United States.
- Florida's Southern Reach: The southernmost point of the continental United States is Key West, Florida. While significantly south for the mainland, it is still at a considerably higher (more northerly) latitude than Hawaii's southernmost extremities.
This means that, geographically, Hawaii encompasses latitudes that are considerably lower (further south) than any part of Florida.
The table below summarizes key differences regarding their southernmost characteristics:
| Characteristic | Hawaii | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Southernmost Geographic Center | Southernmost of all U.S. states | Southernmost of the 48 contiguous U.S. states |
| Southernmost Physical Point | Ka Lae (South Point), Big Island of Hawaii | Key West, Florida (for the continental U.S.) |
| General Latitude | Extends significantly closer to the Equator | Further north than Hawaii, within the continental U.S. |
