Massachusetts, formally known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is the most populated state in New England, Northeastern United States. It shares its border to the east with the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Maine, south with Connecticut and Rhode Island, north with New Hampshire and Vermont, and west with New York. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the most populated city in New England. Greater Boston, a region prominent in American history, academia, and industry, is the main attraction in this city. Originally reliant on agriculture, fishing, and commerce, Massachusetts became a manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution. The economy of Massachusetts experienced a paradigm shift when it turned to services rather than manufacturing during the 20th century. Today, Massachusetts is a global leader in biotechnology, engineering, higher education, finance, and marine trade.

Hawaii encompasses practically the entirety of the Hawaiian archipelago, consisting of 137 volcanic islands spanning 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers), and is physiographically and culturally part of the Polynesian subregion of Oceania. At approximately 750 miles, the state’s coastline is the fourth-longest in the United States (1,210 km). The eight largest islands, from northwest to southeast, are Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lnai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii, after which the state is named; Hawaii is commonly referred to as the “Big Island” or “Hawaii Island” to prevent confusion with the state or archipelago. The majority of the Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument, the nation’s largest protected area and the third-largest globally, consists of the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.