Average IQ in Hawaii: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~99
US Ranking
#25
of 50 states
Region
West
Note: No state administers IQ tests to its residents. These estimates are proxy conversions from standardized achievement scores (NAEP, SAT, ACT) — an approach popularized by McDaniel's 2006 state-IQ estimates in the journal Intelligence — combined with demographic data. Proxy conversions carry real limitations: SAT/ACT participation rates differ sharply by state and bias comparisons, and the variation within any state dwarfs the differences between states. Figures are shown rounded; decimal precision would overstate what these proxies can support. They say nothing about any individual resident.
About Hawaii's IQ Ranking
Hawaii sits near the national average, with a diverse population reflecting Asian, Pacific Islander, and mainland American heritage. The University of Hawaii and the state's military installations bring educated workers. However, high cost of living limits teacher recruitment and retention, and geographic isolation creates unique educational logistics challenges across the island chain.
What Shapes Hawaii's Cognitive Profile
Hawaii runs the only fully statewide school district in America, a single system covering every public school across the islands, which eliminates local funding disparities but also centralizes every administrative failure. Private school enrollment is the highest share in the nation: Punahou, Iolani, and the Kamehameha Schools, the last restricted to Native Hawaiian students and backed by a multibillion dollar trust, educate a substantial slice of Honolulu's children. Teacher turnover stays severe because mainland recruits frequently leave within a few years once housing costs bite. The University of Hawaii's astronomy program manages instruments on Maunakea that produce a notable share of global observational research, though telescope expansion remains politically contested. Hawaiian language immersion schools have driven a genuine linguistic revival over three decades. Many of the strongest graduates depart for mainland universities and never return, a pattern locals describe as the lost generation. The estimated average holds near the national mean despite these crosscurrents.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Hawaii vs Other West States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | ~99 | #25 |
| Oregon | ~103 | #6 |
| Washington | ~103 | #7 |
| Montana | ~103 | #7 |
| Colorado | ~103 | #11 |
| Wyoming | ~102 | #11 |
| California | ~102 | #14 |
| Idaho | ~101 | #15 |
| Utah | ~101 | #17 |
| Alaska | ~99 | #30 |
| Arizona | ~97 | #38 |
| Nevada | ~97 | #40 |
| New Mexico | ~95 | #47 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Hawaii?
Hawaii's estimated average IQ is 99.4, ranking #25 — near the national average. The state's diverse, educated population and military presence support cognitive outcomes.
How does Hawaii's diversity affect its IQ ranking?
Hawaii's large Asian-American population tends to score above average on standardized tests, while the state's high cost of living and geographic challenges moderate overall outcomes. The result is a near-average ranking.
How does Hawaii compare to West Coast states?
Hawaii (99.4) ranks below California (101.5), Oregon (103.4), and Washington (102.9). The state's geographic isolation and cost-of-living challenges differentiate it from mainland West Coast states.
Explore Other States
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MyIQScores Editorial Team
Editorial team focused on cognitive testing & psychometrics research
Last updated
May 10, 2026
MyIQScores content is written and maintained by our editorial team using published research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics as its source base. We label estimates as estimates, link primary sources where available, correct errors when readers flag them, and update pages as research or feedback warrants — see our corrections policy.