Hawaii Travel Guide

Hawaii is the US gone tropical - volcanic islands of beaches, reefs, rainforest and surf, each with its own character.

Why go / don’t miss: the surf and history of Oahu (Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor), the beaches and road-to-Hana of Maui, the active volcanoes of the Big Island, and the emerald cliffs of Kauai.

Areas: Oahu (Honolulu, the hub); Maui (resorts and scenery); the Big Island (volcanoes, diversity); and Kauai (the lush, wild ‘Garden Isle’).

Getting around: fly into Honolulu (and on to the outer islands); rent a car on each island.

When to go: the islands are warm year-round; Apr-May and Sep-Oct are quieter and cheaper.

Where to stay: Waikiki on Oahu, or a resort area on Maui or the Big Island.

Dining: poke, plate lunch, kalua pork, shave ice and fresh tropical fruit.

Local tips: island-hop by short flights - each island is distinct, so pick two rather than rushing all four.

The Hawaiian Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the central Pacific, where emerald rainforests, black lava fields, white-sand beaches and alpine summits sit within a few hours of each other - a dramatic landscape shaped by fire, sea and wind. From the bustling urban sprawl of Honolulu to the quiet jungle coves of Kauai, the state’s character swings between lively resort hubs and remote island refuges.

Hawaii’s signature places include the surf and skyline of Waikiki, the moving World War II memorial at Pearl Harbor and the restored royal residence Iolani Palace in Oahu, plus volcanic drama on the Big Island at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the vast alpine crater of Haleakala National Park on Maui. Maui’s resort towns like Kaanapali and Lahaina and Oahu’s windsurfing magnets such as Hookipa Beach are world-famous, while verdant spots like Hilo and Kona on the Big Island, and the deep red gorge of Waimea Canyon on Kauai, reward travelers who stray off the main roads.

Outdoor life is the main attraction: you can hike rainforest trails and rim walks, snorkel or scuba among coral reefs, surf or windsurf world-class breaks, kayak along rugged coasts, and - at higher elevations - even see snow on the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in winter. Volcano viewing, whale-watching (in season) and scenic drives like the Road to Hana are quintessential island activities.

Hawaiian food blends native, Asian and American influences - expect fresh ahi poke, plate lunches, shave ice and rich Kona coffee; each island has its own local specialties and vibrant farmers markets. There’s also a thriving craft-beer and farm-to-table scene in towns across the islands, and many restaurants focus on locally sourced seafood and tropical produce.

Visit Hawaii for an unbeatable mix of dramatic volcanic landscapes, world-class beaches and unique island culture - whether you want to hike the crater at Haleakala National Park, watch lava flows at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or simply relax on the sands of Waikiki and explore vibrant local food and music.

Hawaii’s climate is warm year-round, but conditions vary widely by island, elevation and whether you’re on a wet windward coast or a dry leeward shore; higher summits are much cooler and can see snow in winter. Pick the season that best matches your plans - beach time, whale watching, hiking or surfing.

Visitors typically combine inter-island flights or ferries with renting a car on individual islands, where driving is the most convenient way to explore beyond resort areas.

Major Highways

On Oahu, Interstates H-1, H-2 and H-3 link Honolulu with suburban and windward areas; the Big Island is served by the Hawaii Belt Road system (notably Routes 11 and 19) that circles the island; Maui’s famous Hana Highway (Route 360) connects Kahului to Hana; Kauai’s main coastal route is Kuhio Highway (Route 56).