According to INDEXDOTCOM, Hawaii is the most geographically isolated state in the United States, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean about 2,400 miles from the mainland. Hawaii is composed of a chain of 132 islands, atolls and shoals stretching 1,500 miles across the central Pacific Ocean. The eight main islands are Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui and Hawaii (also known as “The Big Island”). These islands are divided into five counties: Honolulu County (Oahu), Maui County (Maui), Kalawao County (Molokai), Kauai County and Hawaii County. Hawaii has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Rainfall varies greatly by location due to elevation and terrain; some areas may receive more than 400 inches of rain per year while others may receive less than 10 inches per year. The terrain is mostly mountainous with volcanic peaks throughout; Mauna Loa on The Big Island. According to SIMPLYYELLOWPAGES, Hawaii is home to two public universities: the University of Hawaii (UH) and Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). UH is a large, comprehensive research university with campuses on all of the Hawaiian islands. It offers over 250 degree programs in areas such as engineering, business, education, nursing, and natural sciences. HPU is a smaller private university located in downtown Honolulu. It has a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs including business administration, international relations, psychology and nursing. Both universities have a strong focus on sustainability and offer many unique courses related to the environment and oceanography.