Hawaii Travel Guide
Relax on golden beaches, hike volcanic craters, and snorkel vibrant reefs across Hawaii's tropical islands, rich in Polynesian culture and aloha spirit.
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Islands to See in Hawaii
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ErgoSum88, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Oahu★
Volcanic island featuring a mix of urban centers, historic landmarks, tropical beaches, and diverse microclimates shaped by mountain ranges and trade winds.
Theskuj, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Maui★
Volcanic island shaped by two massive shield volcanoes and a central valley, featuring lush rainforests, arid coastlines, historic towns, and deep-rooted Hawaiian cultural traditions.
English: NPS Photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
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Hawaii (The Big Island)★
Geologically diverse island featuring active volcanoes, black and white sand beaches, lush rainforests, and high-altitude observatories.
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Kauia★
Lush rainforests, dramatic sea cliffs, and cascading waterfalls shape a landscape rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Overview
Hawaii is one of the world's most celebrated travel destinations, a tropical archipelago located in the central Pacific Ocean known for its volcanic landscapes, golden beaches, lush rainforests, surf culture, and unique Polynesian heritage. The state's six major visitor islands each offer distinct experiences ranging from vibrant urban life and historic landmarks to secluded valleys, active volcanoes, and world-class snorkeling. Hawaii attracts travelers seeking relaxation, outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and year-round warm weather. Its combination of natural beauty, welcoming spirit known as the "Aloha" spirit, and diverse landscapes make it one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States.
The Hawaiian Islands are spread across hundreds of miles of ocean, and deciding whether to visit a single island or multiple islands is one of the most important travel planning decisions. Many first-time visitors focus on one island, while travelers with additional time often combine two or more destinations. Frequent interisland flights connect Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai, making island hopping relatively easy. Each island offers unique scenery and attractions, so travelers should consider whether they prefer beaches, cities, volcanoes, hiking, luxury resorts, or remote landscapes when building an itinerary.
Oahu
Oahu is Hawaii's most visited island and home to the state capital of Honolulu. Waikiki Beach attracts millions of visitors with its iconic shoreline, resort hotels, shopping, restaurants, and views of Diamond Head. Historic Pearl Harbor remains one of Hawaii's most significant attractions, while downtown Honolulu offers cultural sites such as Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum. Along the island's North Shore, visitors can watch legendary surf breaks during the winter months, explore charming beach towns, and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Oahu combines urban amenities, cultural attractions, beaches, and outdoor recreation, making it an excellent introduction to Hawaii.
Maui
Maui is renowned for its blend of luxury resorts, scenic drives, beautiful beaches, and outdoor adventure. Highlights include the winding Road to Hana, Haleakala National Park's volcanic summit, seasonal whale watching, and the resort communities of Kaanapali, Wailea, and Kapalua. Visitors enjoy snorkeling at Molokini Crater, exploring waterfalls, relaxing on pristine beaches, and experiencing some of Hawaii's most spectacular sunsets. Maui appeals to honeymooners, families, and nature enthusiasts seeking a balance of relaxation and exploration.
Hawaii Island (The Big Island)
The Big Island of Hawaii is larger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined and offers extraordinary geographic diversity. Visitors can explore active volcanic landscapes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, relax on black-sand beaches, visit coffee farms in the Kona region, and discover waterfalls near Hilo. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa dominate the skyline, while clear skies and high elevations make Mauna Kea one of the world's premier astronomy destinations. The island's size often requires longer drives, but it rewards travelers with some of the most varied scenery in Hawaii.
Other Hawaiian Islands
The remaining visitor islands offer unique experiences away from Hawaii's busiest tourism centers.
- Kauai is known as the "Garden Isle" and features dramatic scenery including the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and lush tropical landscapes.
- Lanai offers luxury resorts, uncrowded beaches, and rugged off-road adventures.
- Molokai provides a quieter, less-developed Hawaiian experience focused on culture, nature, and local traditions.
- Niihau, often called the "Forbidden Island," is privately owned and generally closed to independent tourism.
These islands are primarily accessed via interisland flights, while limited ferry service operates between certain islands.
Places to Stay
Hawaii offers accommodations for nearly every budget and travel style.
- Luxury beachfront resorts
- Boutique hotels
- Vacation rental condominiums
- Family-oriented resort complexes
- Bed and breakfasts
- Hostels and budget accommodations
- Vacation homes and villas
Major resort concentrations can be found in Waikiki (Oahu), Wailea and Kaanapali (Maui), Kona and Kohala Coast (Big Island), and Poipu and Princeville (Kauai). Advance reservations are strongly recommended during holiday periods and peak travel seasons.
Getting Around
Rental cars are the most popular way to explore Hawaii, particularly on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island where attractions are spread out. Oahu offers the state's most extensive public transportation system, along with ride-share services, taxis, and organized tours. Many resorts provide shuttle services to nearby attractions. Interisland travel is typically accomplished via short commercial flights, while cruises occasionally allow travelers to visit multiple islands during a single vacation.
Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii's isolation has created unique ecosystems and remarkable wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors may encounter:
- Humpback whales (seasonally)
- Spinner dolphins
- Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu)
- Hawaiian monk seals
- Tropical reef fish
- Manta rays
- Native Hawaiian birds
- Seabirds nesting along coastal cliffs
Popular wildlife viewing locations include Maui's whale-watching waters, Kona's manta ray night dives, Kauai's coastal refuges, and marine protected areas throughout the islands. Visitors are encouraged to observe wildlife responsibly and comply with local regulations protecting endangered species.
Popular Excursions
Some of Hawaii's most memorable activities include:
- Snorkeling at coral reefs and volcanic craters
- Scuba diving with tropical marine life
- Helicopter and airplane sightseeing tours
- Traditional Hawaiian luaus
- Volcano exploration at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Whale-watching cruises
- Sunrise tours atop Haleakala
- Surfing lessons
- Catamaran sailing excursions
- Waterfall hikes
- Zip lining adventures
- Manta ray snorkeling experiences
These excursions are available throughout the islands and appeal to visitors seeking either adventure or cultural immersion.
Popular Hawaiian Foods
Exploring local cuisine is an essential part of a Hawaiian vacation. Popular foods include:
- Poke - seasoned cubes of raw fish, typically ahi tuna.
- Kalua Pork - slow-cooked pork traditionally prepared in an imu oven.
- Loco Moco - rice topped with hamburger patty, gravy, and eggs.
- Plate Lunch - a local favorite featuring rice, macaroni salad, and a protein entrée.
- Spam Musubi - a popular handheld snack.
- Shave Ice - finely shaved flavored ice dessert.
- Haupia - coconut-based dessert.
- Malasadas - Portuguese-inspired fried pastries.
- Fresh Kona Coffee - grown on the slopes of the Big Island.
- Fresh Tropical Fruit including pineapple, mango, guava, and papaya.
General Trip Pricing
| Travel Type | Typical Price Range (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Roundtrip airfare from U.S. mainland | $400–$1,500+ |
| Interisland flight | $50–$250+ |
| Hotel accommodations | $150–$800+ per night |
| Luxury resort accommodations | $500–$2,000+ per night |
| Rental car | $50–$150+ per day |
| Luau admission | $75–$250+ per person |
| Helicopter tour | $250–$600+ per person |
| Whale-watching excursion | $75–$200+ per person |
| Snorkeling excursion | $75–$250+ per person |
Travel costs vary considerably depending on season, island selection, accommodations, and activities. Peak holiday periods, summer vacations, and winter whale-watching season generally command the highest prices.
Sources
This article uses material from Wikipedia as well as information from official tourism and government resources including the Hawaii Tourism Authority, National Park Service, Go Hawaii, and other destination management organizations. Key references include https://www.gohawaii.comGo Hawaii, https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htmHawaii Volcanoes National Park, https://www.nps.gov/perl/index.htmPearl Harbor National Memorial, and relevant Wikipedia articles covering Hawaii's geography, culture, tourism, wildlife, and transportation. Wikipedia content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0.
Hawaii is a state in the Western United States located in the Pacific Ocean about 2,000 miles (3,200 km) from the U.S. mainland. It is the only state outside North America, the only state that is an archipelago, and the only state in the tropics. Hawaii is also one of a small number of states that was once an independent nation.
Hawaii comprises nearly the entire Hawaiian archipelago, 137 volcanic islands spanning 1,500 miles (2,400 km) that are physiographically and ethnologically part of the Polynesian subregion of Oceania. The state's ocean coastline is consequently the fourth longest in the U.S., at about 750 miles (1,210 km). The eight main islands, from northwest to southeast, are Ni'ihau, Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lāna'i, Kaho'olawe, Maui, and Hawai'i, after which the state is named; it is often called the "Big Island" or "Hawaii Island" to avoid confusion with the state or archipelago. The uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands make up most of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the nation's largest protected area and the third largest in the world.
Settled by Polynesians some time between 1000 and 1200 CE, Hawaii was home to numerous independent chiefdoms. In 1778, British explorer James Cook was the first known non-Polynesian to arrive at the archipelago; early British influence is reflected in the state flag, which bears a Union Jack. An influx of European and American explorers, traders, and whalers arrived shortly thereafter. As a strategically valuable U.S. territory, Hawaii was attacked by Japan on December 7, 1941, which brought it global and historical significance, and contributed to America's decisive entry into World War II. Hawaii is the most recent state to join the union, on August 21, 1959.
Two-thirds of the population lives on O'ahu, home to the state's capital and largest city, Honolulu. Hawaii is a unique melting pot of Southeast Asian, East Asian and North American cultures, in addition to its indigenous Hawaiian heritage.
Historically dominated by a plantation economy, Hawaii remains a major agricultural exporter due to its fertile soil and uniquely tropical climate in the U.S. Its economy has gradually diversified since the mid-20th century, with tourism and military defense becoming the two largest sectors. The state attracts tourists, surfers, and scientists from around the world with its diverse natural scenery, warm tropical climate, abundance of public beaches, oceanic surroundings, and active volcanoes.
The state of Hawaii derives its name from the name of its largest island, Hawai'i. A common Hawaiian explanation of the name of Hawai'i is that it was named for Hawai'iloa, a legendary figure from Hawaiian myth. He is said to have discovered the islands when they were first settled.
There are eight main Hawaiian islands. Seven are inhabited, but only six are open to tourists and locals. Ni'ihau is privately managed by brothers Bruce and Keith Robinson; access is restricted to those who have their permission. The island is also home to native Hawaiians.
In addition to the eight main islands, the state has many smaller islands and islets. The Northwest Hawaiian Islands is a group of nine small, older islands to the northwest of Kaua'i that extend from Nihoa to Kure Atoll; these are remnants of once much larger volcanic mountains. Across the archipelago are around 130 small rocks and islets, such as Molokini, which are either volcanic, marine sedimentary or erosional in origin.
Hawai'i's tallest mountain Mauna Kea is 13,796 ft (4,205 m) above mean sea level; it is taller than Mount Everest if measured from the base of the mountain, which lies on the floor of the Pacific Ocean and rises about 33,500 feet (10,200 m).
The Hawaiian islands were formed by volcanic activity initiated at an undersea magma source called the Hawai'i hotspot. The process is continuing to build islands; the tectonic plate beneath much of the Pacific Ocean continually moves northwest and the hot spot remains stationary, slowly creating new volcanoes. Because of the hotspot's location, all currently active land volcanoes are located on the southern half of Hawai'i Island. The newest volcano, Lō'ihi Seamount, is located south of the coast of Hawai'i Island.
The last volcanic eruption outside Hawai'i Island occurred at Haleakalā on Maui before the late 18th century, possibly hundreds of years earlier. In 1790, Kīlauea exploded; it was the deadliest eruption known to have occurred in the modern era in what is now the United States. Up to 5,405 warriors and their families marching on Kīlauea were killed by the eruption. Volcanic activity and subsequent erosion have created impressive geological features. Hawaii Island has the second-highest point among the world's islands.
Several areas in Hawai'i are under the protection of the National Park Service. Hawaii has two national parks: Haleakalā National Park located near Kula on the island of Maui, which features the dormant volcano Haleakalā that formed east Maui, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the southeast region of the Hawai'i Island, which includes the active volcano Kīlauea and its rift zones.
There are three national historical parks; Kalaupapa National Historical Park in Kalaupapa, Moloka'i; Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park in Kailua-Kona on Hawai'i Island; and Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, an ancient place of refuge on Hawai'i Island's west coast. Other areas under the National Park Service include Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on Hawai'i Island and the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor on O'ahu.
The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument was proclaimed by President George W. Bush on June 15, 2006. The monument covers roughly 140,000 square miles (360,000 km2) of reefs, atolls, and shallow and deep sea out to 50 miles (80 km) offshore in the Pacific Ocean—an area larger than all the national parks in the U.S. combined.
Hawai'i is one of two states that were widely recognized independent nations prior to joining the United States. The Kingdom of Hawai'i was sovereign from 1810 until 1893 when the monarchy was overthrown by resident American and European capitalists and landholders. Hawai'i was an independent republic from 1894 until August 12, 1898, when it officially became a territory of the United States. Hawai'i was admitted as a U.S. state on August 21, 1959.
The 1778 arrival of British explorer Captain James Cook marked the first documented contact by a European explorer with Hawai'i. Cook named the archipelago "the Sandwich Islands" in honor of his sponsor John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, publishing the islands' location and rendering the native name as Owyhee.
After Cook's visit and the publication of several books relating his voyages, the Hawaiian Islands attracted many European and American visitors: explorers, traders, and eventually whalers, who found the islands to be a convenient harbor and source of supplies.
During the 1780s, and 1790s, chiefs often fought for power. After a series of battles that ended in 1795, all inhabited islands were subjugated under a single ruler, who became known as King Kamehameha the Great. He established the House of Kamehameha, a dynasty that ruled the kingdom until 1872.
After Kamehameha II inherited the throne in 1819, American Protestant missionaries to Hawai'i converted many Hawaiians to Christianity. During the reign of King Kamehameha III, Hawai'i turned into a Christian monarchy with the signing of the 1840 Constitution.
In 1887, Kalākaua was forced to sign the 1887 Constitution of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. Drafted by white businessmen and lawyers, the document stripped the king of much of his authority. As the 1887 Constitution was signed under threat of violence, it is known as the Bayonet Constitution. King Kalākaua, reduced to a figurehead, reigned until his death in 1891. His sister, Queen Lili'uokalani, succeeded him; she was the last monarch of Hawai'i.
The center of population of Hawaii is located on the island of O'ahu. Large numbers of Native Hawaiians have moved to Las Vegas, which has been called the "ninth island" of Hawaii.
Hawaii has the highest percentage of Asian Americans and multiracial Americans of any state.
The aboriginal culture of Hawaii is Polynesian. Hawaii represents the northernmost extension of the vast Polynesian Triangle of the south and central Pacific Ocean. While traditional Hawaiian culture remains as vestiges in modern Hawaiian society, there are re-enactments of the ceremonies and traditions throughout the islands. Some of these cultural influences, including the popularity (in greatly modified form) of lū'au and hula, are strong enough to affect the wider United States.
The cuisine of Hawaii is a fusion of many foods brought by immigrants to the Hawaiian Islands, including the earliest Polynesians and Native Hawaiian cuisine, and American, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Polynesian, Puerto Rican, and Portuguese origins. Plant and animal food sources are imported from around the world for agricultural use in Hawaii. Poi, a starch made by pounding taro, is one of the traditional foods of the islands. Many local restaurants serve the ubiquitous plate lunch, which features two scoops of rice, a simplified version of American macaroni salad and a variety of toppings including hamburger patties, a fried egg, and gravy of a loco moco, Japanese style tonkatsu or the traditional lū'au favorites, including kālua pork and laulau. Spam musubi is an example of the fusion of ethnic cuisine that developed on the islands among the mix of immigrant groups and military personnel. In the 1990s, a group of chefs developed Hawaii regional cuisine as a contemporary fusion cuisine.
Surfing has been a central part of Polynesian culture for centuries. Since the late 19th century, Hawaii has become a major site for surfists from around the world. Notable competitions include the Triple Crown of Surfing andThe Eddie. Likewise, Hawaii has produced elite-level swimmers, including five-time Olympic medalist Duke Kahanamoku and Buster Crabbe, who set 16 swimming world records.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Hawaii" which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0