The state is divided into five principal counties: Hawaii, including the island of Hawaii; Maui, embracing the islands of Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokai; Honolulu, coextensive with the city of Honolulu and covering all of Oahu and the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, from Nihoa to Kure Atoll; Kauai, including the islands of Kauai and Niihau; and Kalawao on Molokai, with a population of 134 in 2001. Kalawao is represented in the state legislature as part of Maui County.
Because there are no further forms of local government, the counties provide some services traditionally performed in other states by cities, towns, and villages, notably fire and police protection, refuse collection, and street maintenance and lighting. On the other hand, the state government provides many functions normally performed by counties on the mainland. Each principal county has an elected council and a mayor.
In 2002 the state had fifteen special districts and one public school system.