They don't have to be. You have seen maps of the world on one page where everything is in its place, within the technical limits of any map projection. But when they are insets, it is probably because the cartographer wants the map sections to be large enough on the page to give adequate details. If the scale of the map makes the 'lower forty eight' states large enough for reasonable detail, then the page would have to be much too big to include Hawaii which is far off the western coast, or Alaska which is a huge area spreading to the north and west. It is a matter of balancing scale against the desired level of detail.
The inset maps typically show Hawaii and Alaska in relation to the rest of the United States. Hawaii is located in the Pacific Ocean, while Alaska is situated in the northwest corner of North America.
Ben
They are shown in an inset as they are not part of the contiguous USA and to show them as is would waste a lot of space.
The reason why Alaska and Hawaii have to be shown on the inset map because it shows the WHOLE USA.
One of the three inset maps.
One of the three inset maps.
Inset maps are maps that show different places of USA and they also include a compass rose and a title!
Alaska, Hawaii & north & south america
alaska, hawaii & north & south america
Inset maps are used to show an overview of the area or a close up of a section or sections of a map. An inset map can also be included to show related themes of data at smaller scales.
Hawaii, Alaska and north and south America
Alaska and Hawaii are the states you seek.