As of 2026, just two states sit outside the contiguous U.S.: Alaska and Hawaii.
Geographic Context
When Americans talk about the "Lower 48," they're referring to the 48 states stitched together by land between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Alaska, though, is tucked way up northwest of Canada—separated by British Columbia—while Hawaii drifts in the central Pacific, nearly 2,400 miles from the California coast. This split isn’t just about geography; it shapes everything from weather patterns to wildlife and even cultural vibes across the country.
Key Details
| Non-Contiguous State |
Land Area (sq mi) |
2026 Population Estimate |
Capital |
Entry Point |
| Alaska |
665,384 |
733,406 |
Juneau |
Anchorage (ANC) |
| Hawaii |
10,931 |
1,440,196 |
Honolulu |
Honolulu (HNL) |
Interesting Background
Alaska’s backstory is wild—bought from Russia in 1867 for a measly $7.2 million (that’s about two cents per acre back then) before officially becoming the 49th state in 1959. Hawaii, on the other hand, was annexed in 1898 and joined the union as the 50th state the same year as Alaska. Fun fact: Hawaii’s the only U.S. state fully inside the tropics. Both states slipped into the union during that post-WWII wave of American expansion.
Practical Information
Planning a trip to Alaska? Most flights land in Anchorage or Fairbanks after hopping over from Seattle or Denver. Hawaii’s easier—just book a flight to Honolulu International Airport (HNL). As of 2026, you’re looking at 5–7 hours in the air to Alaska and 5–6 hours to Hawaii from the West Coast. And don’t forget: since May 2025, you’ll need REAL ID-compliant identification to fly into either state DHS REAL ID.
