What Is the Abbreviation for Hawaii?
The standard abbreviation for Hawaii is HI. This page explains why Hawaii uses HI, how the code fits into the modern USPS system, what older printed abbreviations looked like, and which nearby or similar state codes people commonly confuse with it.
What Is the Abbreviation for Hawaii?
HI is the standard abbreviation for Hawaii. HI is the form used in mailing addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
Use HI for Hawaii in mailing addresses, shipping labels, government forms, and business records.
Why Hawaii Uses HI
Hawaii's USPS abbreviation is HI.
USPS adopted HI for Hawaii in 1963, and it remains the standard form for addresses, forms, and databases.
Old Abbreviation for Hawaii
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For Hawaii, that older style was usually Hawaii.
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is HI. If someone searches for old abbreviation for Hawaii, the practical answer is to recognize Hawaii and use HI in current writing and addresses.
How to Write Hawaii in an Address
In standard American addressing, the state line uses the city name followed by the two-letter code and ZIP Code. The abbreviation stays uppercase and does not take periods.
That same format applies in checkout forms, school worksheets, CRM exports, spreadsheets, shipping labels, and government databases — anywhere a two-letter state code is required.
HI Compared With Similar State Codes
HI is usually straightforward and rarely causes confusion beyond a quick format check.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with Hawaii and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
Hawaii belongs to the West region. Its capital is Honolulu, and its postal code HI is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
Hawaii entered the Union on August 21, 1959.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for Hawaii?
The standard USPS abbreviation for Hawaii is HI.
What is the postal abbreviation for Hawaii?
HI is the two-letter postal abbreviation for Hawaii. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate Hawaii?
Abbreviate Hawaii as HI in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is Hawaii abbreviated HI?
Hawaii's USPS abbreviation is HI.
What does HI stand for?
HI stands for Hawaii in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for Hawaii?
Older editorial styles often wrote Hawaii as Hawaii. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is HI.
How do you write a Hawaii mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code HI, then the ZIP Code. For example: Honolulu, HI 00000.
What state is HI?
HI is the postal abbreviation for Hawaii, located in the West region. The capital is Honolulu.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know HI stands for Hawaii, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.