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Hawaii Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 15, 2024

Hawai’i is a post-card-perfect group of islands located 2,500 miles off the west coast of mainland USA.

It’s a popular getaway for surfers, honeymooners, hikers, and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the slower pace of island life. The beauty of Hawai’i lies in the land (or Aina ), people, and indigenous culture. As a visitor, it’s essential to understand Hawai’i’s complex and painful history and, as with all places, treat this place with an abundance of respect.

With several islands to choose from, Hawai’i has something for every traveler. From the surfing on O’ahu, to the wonders of Maui, to the beauty of Honolulu, to the hidden gems on Lana’i, Hawai’i is a boundless tropical escape. There are beautiful beaches, amazing jungles, stunning waterfalls, excellent diving, and world-class waves.

I love the relaxed atmosphere, the fresh tropical fruit and delicious seafood, and the endless supply of outdoor activities. Hawai’i is the paradise you think it will be. Owing to its Asian and Polynesian roots, Hawai’i offers an intriguing balance of feeling like you’re in a foreign land while also being in the United States . It’s a balance between the three that makes Hawai’i feel like a cultural waystation.

This travel guide to Hawai’i can help you plan an affordable and enjoyable trip — no matter what island you choose!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Hawai’i

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Hawai’i

1. Visit Pearl Harbor

The Japanese attack on the American navy in Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II in 1941. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial on O’ahu is centered around the wreckage of the USS Arizona, the bombed ship that marks the resting place of 1,102 marines and sailors. To see the sunken ship and visit the memorial built over top of it, you’ll need to take a scheduled ferry that requires advance reservations at a $1 fee. Book these early as they fill up fast and lines for a day-of ticket can be hours long. Admission to the memorial, visitors center, and museums is free.

2. Explore Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park

The Big Island is home to two of the worl’’s largest volcanoes, including the very active Kilauea (also known as the home of fire goddess Pele and very sacred to Native Hawaiians). It’s one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, and you can see its glow at night from the Halema’umau crater. Don’t miss N?huku, or the Thurston lava tube (a cave formed by lava that you can explore 24 hours a day) near the parking lot. The Chain of Craters is a scenic drive as it passes by several historic and active eruption sites. Just be sure to check the daily report on the condition of the road beforehand as it is frequently covered in ash. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve in recognition of its unique natural value. Admission is $30 USD per vehicle, which gives you access to the park for 7 days. I suggest you start your visit at the Kilauea visitor center for a map, updates on the conditions of the day, and a schedule for guided tours.

3. Explore Honolulu

Honolulu, which means “sheltered harbor” in Hawaiian, is the state’s capital and largest city. It offers a unique blend of Asian, Hawaiian, and American cultures, making it a great foodie city, with tons of cheap noodle joints and fresh seafood places. If you’re in town for First Friday (the first Friday of the month), you can join one of the many street parties all over Chinatown. While based in Honolulu, hike Diamond Head, visit the historic Iolani Palace, stroll the cool Kaka’ako district, and hang out on the beach. Just avoid Waikiki, where the beach is man-made, overpriced, and the tourist crowds are overwhelming. If you’re ready to get out of the city Honolulu is a great base to take day trips out of and enjoy the scenic drives to the North Shore for a surf or to spot whales and through central Oahu for more vistas and to visit farms like the Dole pineapple plantation.

4. Stargaze at Mauna Kea

This dormant volcano is Hawai’’’s highest peak at 13,796 feet (4,207 meters), technically the world’s tallest mountain (just half of it is underwater) and a sacred site for native Hawaiians. It is over 1 million years old, and last erupted 4,000-6,000 years ago. Mauna Kea boasts a number of observatory domes that are home to the greatest collection of telescopes in the world, including one which played a big role in capturing the first image of a supermassive black hole in 2019. Stop at the visitor center to stargaze through the telescopes there or attend a free stargazing session held once a month. If you want to reach the summit, you must either rent a vehicle with 4WD or join a tour .

5. Go snorkeling or diving

Other things to see and do in hawai’i, 1. explore the waipi’o valley.

The lush wilderness of the Waipi’o Valley (Big Island) was once home to Hawaiian kings. Today, it’s covered with taro fields. Waipi’o is named for the river that cuts between the valley walls, giving way to waterfalls until eventually flowing into the ocean at a black sand beach. There are many trails here, but the main hike down into the valley takes you to the black sand beach and back up again. It’s 6.5 miles (10 kilometers) and strenuous but worth it.

2. Night dive with manta rays

On the Big Island, take a sunset cruise along the Kona coast to the Manta Ray Village. Here, you can swim with giant manta rays — some of which measure 18 feet (5.5 meters) in length and weigh up to 1,600 pounds (725 kilograms)! It’s one of the best spots in the world to swim with mantas. The manta rays feed off the phytoplankton and zooplankton, and they appear to glow underwater due to bioluminescence. Snorkel tours start at $115 USD while single-tank night dives start at $149 USD.

3. Go on a helicopter tour

For a birds-eye view of the islands in all their scenic beauty, take a helicopter tour. Fly over the lush rainforests and stark volcanic landscapes and admire the turquoise ocean from above. They aren’t cheap but they make for a fun once-in-a-lifetime experience to splash out on. Rides are usually 45-60 minutes long and focus on a single island. Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i and the Big Island all have incredible scenery to soak up. Helicopter tour prices start at $250USD per person. Paradise Helicopters and Blue Hawaiian are two of the biggest and longest-running tour operators. You can also do a scenic flight in a small plane with AirVentures for $155 USD.

4. Experience Merrie Monarch Week

The world’s biggest hula competition goes down in Hilo annually and is a week-long celebration of Hawaiian arts, language and culture. It’s named in honor of King David Kalakaua who revived hula and other art forms during his reign in the 1800’s when many were near extinction earned him the nickname “The Merry Monarch”. The festival is split between non-competitive events like fairs, markets and concerts around town which are free to attend, and the main hula competition where the top halau (schools) and individuals from all over the Pacific and even the mainland US battle for titles. It all ends in a huge royal parade around Hilo town. Tickets for the competition start at $10 and require a bit of work to get – you’ll have to mail a ticket request and your payment to the festival office before December for the April event, just like it has been for decades.

5. Hike the Waimea Canyon and Napali Coast

If you want to see why they call Kaua’i “The Garden Isle,” hike one of the many trails along the west side of the island. The trails are well marked and offer spectacular views of the canyon and coast as well as interesting tropical plants. Walk the 1.8-mile canyon trail in Waimea Canyon Park for breathtaking views along the canyon’s rim and end up at the Waipio’o Falls. North of the canyon,the Kalalau Trail is considered the most beautiful hike in Hawai’i, with 22 miles (35 kilometers) of trails across valleys, streams, and coastline. To do the entire trail, you’ll need to apply for a camping permit for Ha’ena State Park. Permits are $35 USD per person per day. Only 60 permits are given out per day and they get snatched up fast (reservations go up 90 days in advance). You can also get a day-use pass for the park which grants you access to a 6-hour parking time slot ($10 per timeslot plus $5 entry/person, with limited parking available). If that’s sold out, you have to take the shuttle which costs $40 USD but includes park entry.

6. Check out the Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum on O’ahu is a Polynesian anthropological institute that showcases Hawai’i’s cultural art and artifacts. You could easily kill 3-4 hours here – it’s the largest museum in Hawai’i and home to the world’s largest collection of Polynesian artifacts. The Hawaiian Hall covers Hawaiian mythology (it has a stunning interior with beautiful wooden architecture). There’s also a science center for children and a planetarium with exhibits about early Hawaiians navigating the Pacific Ocean using the stars, and more recent work on astronomy on the islands. Admission is $33.95 USD. If you want to visit the planetarium, tickets are an additional $3 with your admission to the museum.

7. Go river tubing in Kaua’i

On Kaua’i, you can go backcountry river-tubing. You’ll drive through abandoned sugar cane plantations into the lush forests of the interior and then float down a series of canals in an old irrigation system from the 19th century. You’ll catch views of Mt. Wai’ale’ale, the second highest mountain on Kaua’i before you even get into the water. As you travel down the river, you pass through dark tunnels and lush rainforest landscapes. The entire journey will take three hours as you float for 2.5 miles. The day ends with a picnic and a chance to enjoy one of the islands natural swimming spots. Kaua’i Backcountry Adventures offer tours starting from $156 USD and last around three hours. Drinks and lunch are included.

8. Drive the scenic road to Hana

If you’re on Maui, driving the winding road to Hana is a must. It’s a twisty, hairpin-turn journey along the coast with lots of scenic viewpoints,waterfalls, hiking trails, and food stalls. Make sure you stop at the Oheo Gulch and spend time hiking the Pipiwai Trail to the 400-foot (121-meter) Waimoku Falls. It’s just a four-mile (6.5-kilometer) trek and you get to see some massive banyan trees along the way. You can either start early in the day and give yourself 8-9 hours to cover a few stops, or stay a night or two in Hana to break up the drive (if you’re self-driving). Tours with experienced drivers and guides are also available to book if you prefer to sit back and sight-see. (For another scenic drive, check out the Kahekili Highway. It’s less busy, has hairpin turns, and has plenty of sights to see too (such as the Nakalele Blowhole).)

9. Tour a coffee plantation

Hawai’i is one of the few places in the USA where coffee is grown. For an in-depth coffee plantation tour, head to the Kuaiwi Farm in Kona on Big Island. You’ll learn all about the coffee process from beginning to end, as well as how a variety of other organic staples are grown, including cacao, pineapples, and bananas. Tours are $35 USD and include samples. Several other farms like Hala Tree and Kona Coffee Living History Farm offer different tours and tasting experiences that start at $20.. There’s even a 10-day annual coffee festival in Kona every November featuring music and dance performances, a cupping competition, farm experiences and more to celebrate the island’s long and unique coffee culture.

10. Learn to surf

Surfing is huge in Hawai’i. O’ahu North Shore is especially popular with surfers of all levels and major competitions are often held here. November through February is considered big wave season on the North Shore and is a great place to see the pros. Beginners will want to start on the South Shore where the waves aren’t quite so large. If you want to learn how to surf, sign up for some classes (or even a multi-day surf camp). Group classes are generally around $100 USD . North Shore O’ahu Surf School has some great instructors and offers private classes for both beginners and advanced surfers. You can expect to pay $200 for a two-hour lesson. You can find surfboard rentals around the islands for around $25-40 USD per day or $125-150 USD per week.

11. See the sunrise at Haleakala

Haleakala is a 10,023-foot (3,055-meter) dormant volcano on Maui offering one of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll ever see. It’s really, really cold at the top (bring gloves and a hat) and the drive up is precarious but the views over Maui at the top are worth it. You can also do the challenging 12-mile (19-kilometer) volcano hike across flower farms, pine forests, and pebbly volcanic landscapes. It’s super easy to do on your own, however, tours are also available (they last 9 hours and start at $220 USD). If you’re traveling from the mainland, do this on one of your first days as your jetlag will work in your favor so you can wake up early with ease.

12. Hike Diamond Head

Located on the eastern end of Waikiki, Diamond Head is O’ahu’s most famous landmark. This dormant volcano and its extinct crater were created during a volcanic eruption over 300,000 years ago. You can hike to the scenic lookout point at the top for panoramic views over Honolulu. The trail is just .8 miles (1.2 kilometers) long, but it’s incredibly steep, so wear your most comfortable shoes. The hike is so popular that you’ll want to start as early in the morning as possible (before the busloads of tourists show up). It’s just $5 USD to visit and parking is $10 USD per vehicle, but you must make reservations (you can reserve up to 14 days in advance).

13. Hike the Ka’iwa Ridge

This hike is better known as the Lanikai Pillbox Trail because you’ll hike by military observation stations from the 1940s (they’re not actually pillboxes as they were never used for defensive purposes). It’s a moderately steep, 1.8-mile (2.9-kilometer) hike that takes you to the ridge overlooking the crystal blue waters of Lanikai and Kailua beaches. There’s no shade so it’s best to do this hike in the early morning or late afternoon. While Diamond Head may be more convenient if you’re staying in Waikiki, the drive out to this hike is well worth it.

14. Hit the beach

It’s hard to find a bad beach to hang out on in Hawai’i. Most of them have powder-white sands, swaying palm trees, and epic sunsets. Check out Papakolea Beach/Green Sand Beach (Big Island), Kailua Beach (O’ahu), Ala Moana Beach Park (O’ahu), Makena Beach (Maui), Hanalei Beach (Kaua’i), Polihua Beach (Lana’i), and Kaanapali Beach (Maui), to name a few. There’s so much stunning coastline in Hawai’i and you can often just pull your car over and relax on any random beach without it getting too overcrowded.

15. See Hilo

Hilo is the busiest town on Big Island and its historic downtown area is chock full of galleries, museums, shops, and restaurants. Spend a few hours at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center or the Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art for regular exhibitions. The Hilo Brewing Company has a tasting room for craft beer fans to try out their brews made on site and serves cocktails too. One of the town’s must-see highlights is the Farmer’s Market, which is open seven days a week but there are especially large markets every Wednesday and Saturday. You’ll find everything from fresh fruit to smoothies to handmade jewelry here, and there are often musicians and street performers too. Be sure to walk around the Liliuokalani Gardens and enjoy its Japanese rock gardens and pagodas (admission is free). Also, don’t miss Two Ladies Kitchen, which has some of the best and freshest mochi (Japanese rice cake) you’ll find outside of Japan.

16. Explore Lana’i

Known as Pineapple Island, Lana’i is the 6th smallest island in Hawai’i. It’s also the smallest publicly accessible inhabited island too (just over 3,000 people live here). The island is a 45-minute ferry from Maui and is home to beautiful beaches, scenic nature trails (Munro and Naha are two popular trails), and a couple of golf courses. It’s a relaxing place to get away for a day or two if you want to avoid the crowds. Consider renting a 4×4 jeep or hiking the Kealia Kapu-Kaunolu Village Heritage Trail. If you’re visiting on a day trip, take the first ferry in and the last one out to maximize your time.

17. Visit Moloka’i

This is the 5th smallest island and arguably the “most” Hawai’ian as it’s home to the highest number of native Hawai’ians per capita. With only 8,000 people here, it has a very rural feel and is very different from the tourist hubs of the larger islands. Located just north of Maui, it’s a short flight or ferry ride away – some people even take day trips to the island from Maui or Lanai. Don’t miss Kepuhi Beach, a popular spot to swim and surf and the famous hot bread from Kanemitsu Bakery. If you stay a few days the Halawa Valley guided hike and cultural tour is a must to get to know this sacred heart of the island with its cascading waterfalls, dramatic cliffs and astonishing views over black sand beaches.

Hawai’i Travel Costs

Hostel and camping prices – A bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs $50-70 USD per night. For a room with 8 beds or more, expect to pay around $50-60 USD. Private rooms with a shared bathroom start around $100 USD per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast, free shuttles to the beach, and free tours. Prices don’t vary much throughout the year.

Hawai’i also has lots of campgrounds. To stay at any of Hawai’i’s state parks (camping.ehawaii.gov), apply for a permit ($30 USD per night for non-residents for a campsite that can accommodate 4 people) at least a month in advance. Otherwise, you might not get a spot.

You can also find private campgrounds for as little as $10 USD per person. Some people recommend wild camping on beaches for free, but this isn’t actually allowed in most places due to the delicate environment. Plus, it’s too easy to wander onto sacred grounds, which is a big no-no.

Budget hotel prices – Hotel prices vary depending on where you are. Expect higher prices in the more touristy areas of Hawai’i, especially along Waikiki Beach and around Maui. Nightly rates for a budget two-star hotel room start at about $165 – 200 USD for places in Waikiki and Maui and go up from there. You can find rooms for $150-175 USD if you stick to the less touristy areas.

There are lots of Airbnb options around Hawai’i. Private rooms start at $70-90 USD per night while an entire home or apartment start at $150-200 USD per night. Expect to pay double if you don’t book well in advance.

Note : There are strict laws around short-term rentals in Hawai’i and each island has its own rules. Be mindful of this when booking.

Food – Hawai’ian food is a mix of Polynesian and mainland US influences, with other Asian influences (especially Japanese) thrown into the mix as well. Seafood is the main staple, with tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo being some of the most popular offerings. Pork and chicken are common as well (especially Kalua pig, which is slow-roasted pork cooked underground).

Poke (diced or cubed raw fish) is one of the most popular dishes as it mixes well with all kinds of fresh salads. Of course, you can also find numerous Spam dishes here as well. Spam was served to soldiers in World War II, owing to its long shelf life and the fact it didn’t need to be refrigerated. It evolved into a cultural staple from there.

For food on the go, hot dogs cost around $6 USD. A meal of poke or a hearty salad from a deli costs about $11 USD while a half-chicken is $10 USD. A classic Spam musubi starts at $3 USD. Drop by a 7-11 for a similar experience to a Japanese konbini with Hawai’ian delicacies.

You can find plates of chicken, rice, and salad (what locals call a “plate lunch”) for $10-15 USD. A big plate of garlic shrimp costs $15 USD. Vegetarian dishes cost about the same. Buffets on the islands start at $25 USD.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs $13 USD for a combo meal. A piña colada or wine costs $12-16 USD while a beer costs $8-12 USD. For a latte or cappuccino, expect to pay around $6 USD. Bottled water costs $2.50 USD.

At a typical sit-down restaurant serving Hawai’ian food, a main course starts at $30 USD for seafood or steak while pasta or vegetarian is only slightly cheaper at $20 USD for a dish. Burgers are $16-19 USD and soup and salad starters are about $12 USD.

A main dish at a Chinese takeout restaurant costs $12-14 USD while the same at a Thai place costs $15-17 USD.

If you have a bigger budget, a whole prix-fixe menu with three courses costs at least $50 USD, while a luau costs between $120-200 USD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay $75-80 USD per week for groceries that include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic staples. You can save money if you shop at discount stores such as Cost-U-Less (Big Island and Kaua’i), Don Quijote (O’ahu), and Big Save (Kaua’i), which offer reasonable prices for food and alcohol.

Backpacking Hawai’i Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Hawai’i, plan on spending around $85 USD per day. On this budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, do free activities like hiking and walking tours, limit your drinking, and take public transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of $255 USD per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for most meals out at inexpensive restaurants serving traditional cuisine, do some surfing or diving, have a few drinks at the bar, and take the occasional taxi.

On a “luxury” budget of $490 USD per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out at nicer restaurants and have some drinks, take private guided tours, snorkel or dive, rent a car to get around, and do as many activities and excursions as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Hawai’i Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Hawai’i is expensive. It’s a tourism hotspot, most of its food is imported, and there’s a LOT to see and do. But if you want to lower your costs, here are some ways to save money in Hawai’i:

• Pick an Island – On a budget, it’s unlikely you can realistically spend time on more than one or two islands in one trip. Inter-island flights can get expensive and there are only ferries between Maui-Lanai and Maui-Molokai, so you might need want to prioritize.
• Stay at Maui’s Banana Bungalow for free tours – The Banana Bungalow on Maui runs daily free tours, covering most of the island’s highlights. Cut costs by staying here.
• Travel off-season – Traveling during low seasons (mid-April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-December) can save you money on lodging and flights. Prices are usually about 20-30% cheaper.
• Buy local – Due to high import costs, many products and groceries can be expensive. Instead, take advantage of the plethora of local produce and goods. A great way to find them is at farmers’ markets all across the islands. Not only do they sell fresh produce to cook at your hostel, but many local food purveyors also set up shop so you can stock up on pre-made meals. Check these websites for different market options.
• Visit the discount groceries – Discount stores such as Cost-U-Less (Big Island and Kaua’i), Don Quijote (O’ahu) and Big Save (Kaua’i) offer inexpensive food and alcohol. Note that locally-grown produce is significantly cheaper than imported stuff, so stock up on local food as much as possible.
• Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. Many of the nice resorts here are owned by big hotel chains where you can stay for free with points.
• Stay with a local – If you’re on a tight budget, stay with a local via Couchsurfing . You’ll not only get free accommodation but you’ll get access to an insider who can share their tips and advice with you.
• Rent a bike – If you’re on O’ahu, download the Biki app to access the island’s bike-sharing platform. Single rides start at $4.50 USD, a one-day pass with unlimited 30-minute rides is $12 USD, and a 300-minute pass is $30 USD.
• Be smart with your car rental – If you want to rent a car just for a few hours, the Hui Car Share app has vehicles available in many tourist hot spots for an hourly rate. It may be cheaper than a full-day rental depending on your needs. Prices start at $12 USD per hour or $125 USD per day, which includes gas.
• Skip the taxis – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared/pool option (where you share a ride with other people) offers even better savings.
• Get a Go Oahu pass – This discount pass offers discounts to over 40 O’ahu attractions. Passes are available from 2-7 days, starting at $184 USD for a two-day pass. There is also a pass that lets you choose between three and seven attractions. That pass starts at $159 for three choices. If you’re seeing a lot of attractions covered by the pass, the pass will end up saving you money.
• Take a free walking tour – I love free walking tours. They’re a great way to get oriented and see the major sights without breaking the bank. Try the tour of Honolulu with Hawaii Free Tours. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe to drink so skip the bottled water. You’ll save money and reduce your environmental footprint. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter that ensures your water is always clean.

Where to Stay in Hawai’i

Hawai’i has lots of hostels. Here are my recommended places to stay in Hawai’i:

• The Beach Boutique Hostel (O’ahu)
• Banana Bungalow (Maui)
• Aloha Surf Hostel (Maui)
• My Hawaiian Hostel (Big Island)

How to Get Around Hawai’i

How you get around Hawai’i depends on which islands you’re visiting. Some islands (like Maui and O’ahu) have better infrastructure for getting around compared to places like Kaua’i.

Bus – Buses are the only public transportation option in Hawai’i (though Lana’i and Moloka’i do not have buses). O’ahu has the most extensive transit system, with decent coverage and frequent buses. It’s simply called The Bus, and a single ride fare is $3 USD, which includes 2.5 hours of unlimited free transfers.

Your daily fare will be capped at $7.50 USD providing you have a HOLO Card, which you can get for a one-time fee of $2 USD at transit centers, supermarkets, and convenience stores around the island. The bus company’s official website is terrible for trip planning so you’re better off using Google Maps.

Maui Bus, Kauai Bus, and Hele-On Bus (Big Island) also operate island-wide, with prices starting at $2 USD and daily passes costing $4-5 USD. Again, none of these websites are very user-friendly so use Google Maps to plot your route.

Flying – Flying is the main (and often only) way to travel between the islands. Flights are generally cheap, quick, and super casual (most of the time, you don’t even get assigned seats). Hawai’i’s domestic airlines are Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines. Southwest also has some flights between islands as well.

Flights are generally affordable. For example, one-way flights from Maui to Honolulu start around $60USD while Kaua’i to Maui is $60-90 USD. Honolulu to Hilo (Big Island) also start around $60USD.

Car Rental – While not usually the cheapest option, having a car in Hawai’i is the best way to get around. Prices start from about $50 USD per day (if you rent for a week or more). For shorter rentals, expect to pay $65 USD or more per day. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

Ferry – You can only take a ferry between Maui and Lana’i. Everywhere else, you’ll need to fly. The ferry is about $30 USD each way. You can reserve a ticket on go-lanai.com.

Taxis – Taxis are expensive. Everything is meter-based and starts around $3.50 USD and then costs an additional $3 USD per mile. Skip the taxis if you can!

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. They’re available on most of the islands.

When to Go to Hawai’i

Peak season in Hawai’i starts in the middle of December and lasts until the end of March/mid-April, as that is when mainland Americans are trying to escape the colder winter months. The average daily temperature during this time is 78°F (26°C).

Traveling during low seasons (mid-April to mid-June/mid-September to mid-December) offers nice weather and fewer crowds (and slightly cheaper prices). The average daytime summer temperature is 85°F (29°C).

It’s always hot and sunny here so there’s never really a bad time to visit! Ocean temperatures are great for swimming and other water activities all year.

Advanced surfers will want to spend the winter months (November – April) in the north shores of the islands for the big, awe-inspiring waves that have made Hawaii a surfer’s ultimate test. In the summer (May – October) the inverse is true, with calmer waves all around but bigger swells on the south shores, typically.

There are a variety of events throughout the year, so if you have specific interests keep an eye on those. Both the Hawai’i International Film Festival and the Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival happen every October. The Prince Lot Hula Competition happens in July and the Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival happens in November. Check out the tourism website (gohawaii.com) to see a full list of events throughout the year.

How to Stay Safe in Hawai’i

Hawai’i is a safe place to visit. Violent attacks are rare and tend to be confined to certain areas of Honolulu (specifically where drug and gang violence are a problem). As a general rule, however, avoid walking alone late at night in the city.

You may encounter petty crime, like theft, so keep your valuables secure. The islands are notorious for car break-ins so make sure yours is always locked. Never leave any valuables in your vehicle overnight.

Heed any warnings or alerts about severe weather or volcanic eruptions (although they’re rare). Always check the weather before you go hiking and stay on the trails.

Look out for warning signs and notice boards on roads, hiking trails, by rivers and streams and at beaches to alert you of possible dangers or restrictions. Don’t ignore them!

If you’re not a strong swimmer, stay out of the ocean or at least stick to beaches where a lifeguard is present. NEVER swim alone — the rip tides here are strong.

Above all: respect the land. Much of Hawai’i is considered sacred. You will show enormous disrespect if you trespass onto any sacred, private property, or litter anywhere on the islands. Do NOT do it.

Bring a refillable water bottle and skip single-use plastics like straws and cutlery. Plastic bags are banned so be sure to bring a reusable tote for groceries or shopping.

Lastly, the Hawaiian sun can be very intense so respect it and your skin by making sure you wear ample sunscreen. All sunscreen must be reef safe to protect the habitat. This local brand works well and is safe for kids too.

Solo female travelers are generally safe but should follow standard safety cautions. For more specific information, there are a number of great solo female travel blogs on the web. They can give you advice and tips that I can’t.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones, so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Hawaii Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Hawai’i Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

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First time visitors’ guide to Hawaii

So, you’ve decided to book a Hawaii vacation. That’s exciting! Now you’re wondering where to start your travel planning. Well, you’ve found the right spot for tried-and-true advice to begin planning your perfect Hawaii vacation. By using this first time visitors’ guide, you’ll take the stress out of planning your first Hawaii vacation.

Before we dive into the good stuff, it’s a good idea to briefly let you know a little about us. At Go Visit Hawaii, we completely understand all the challenges of planning a Hawaii vacation, because we are travelers to Hawaii just like you. We fell in love with Hawaii in 2003 and have visited Hawaii dozens of times since then. Through our many trips we’ve become expert Hawaii travelers. We’ve even been referenced by USA Today and other prominent media outlets for our Hawaii expertise several times.

We’re not travel agents and we’re not trying to sneakily sell you anything. We write the very same unbiased advice at Go Visit Hawaii that we would give to our closest friends and family!

We’ve organized this guide based on the stages of planning — from “Help! I have no idea where to start,” to “I’m ready to pack my bags for Hawaii!”

Advice for choosing when, where and how much money to budget:

The first articles you should read are:

– How to pick the best Hawaiian Island(s) for your vacation . This article provides lots of resources to help you find the Hawaiian island(s) that best fits what you’re looking for in a Hawaii vacation. (Pssst: If you have a difficult time choosing, just go to Maui. Of all the Hawaiian Islands, Maui seems to always win more awards from the travel magazines and surveys. It’s a crowd pleaser.)

– Determine how many islands you will visit – When time is limited, you need to make the most of your stay. In our “how many islands” article we provide advice on how many islands you should consider visiting based on your available vacation days.

– Best time to visit Hawaii – Anytime is a good time to visit Hawaii, but some months are better than others for sunny weather, cheaper prices and low crowds. In this article, you’ll be able to quickly pick the ideal time to go to Hawaii that fits into your vacation schedule.

– How much money do you need to budget for a Hawaii vacation?  How much will a trip to Hawaii cost you? This article will help you quickly calculate your own budget for traveling to Hawaii.

Advice for choosing the best flights to and around Hawaii:

We’ve got three great articles to help you get to and around Hawaii with ease.

– How to choose the best airport for your Hawaii destination  – Most of Hawaii’s islands have more than one airport. This guide gives you advice on how to choose the best airport for your flights based on your island destination.

– Strategies for finding the lowest airfare to Hawaii — This article provides advice on how to find the best Hawaii flight cost and options for you.

– Guide to Hawaii inter-island travel — This article helps you to easily navigate how to island hop in Hawaii.

Advice for choosing where to stay, dine and play:

After you’ve gone through the process of picking the Hawaiian island(s) for your vacation, where do you stay, what do you need to know and how will you get the most out of your vacation? The following pages should help you answer those important questions.

Our island guides are designed to be a great starting point to help you plan where to stay, what to do and where to dine. Follow these links to each individual Hawaiian island guides:

– Oahu vacation guide

– Maui vacation guide

– Kauai vacation guide

– Hawaii, the Big Island vacation guide

Need a Hawaii vacation itinerary that includes all the must-see and do attractions and activities? See our page with what we believe are the very best Hawaii vacation itineraries .

Regarding selecting your accommodations, see our article: How to choose the best Hawaii hotel, condo or villa .

We love helping readers stretch their Hawaii vacation budget to get the most out of their stay. Here’s our popular series of Hawaii vacation money saving articles:

–  How to save money on your Hawaii accommodation

– How to save money on tours and activities

– How to save money on dining in Hawaii

– How to save money on a Hawaii rental car

Things to know before you go to Hawaii:

– What to pack for a Hawaii vacation  — With this packing checklist, you’ll be prepared for all the fun and adventures you’ll enjoy in Hawaii.

– How to be comfortable on the long flight(s) to Hawaii .

– Hawaii vacation safety tips

– Hawaii weather — This page provides information on weather patterns as well as the upcoming Hawaii weather forecast. On the topic of weather, lots of people have questions and concerns about rain, be sure and read these FAQs about rain on your Hawaii vacation .

– Hawaii vacation etiquette  — This article covers all you need to know for being a polite first-time visitor to Hawaii.

– Most surprising things about visiting Hawaii — This article helps you to be prepared for what you may encounter as a first time Hawaii visitor.

– Hawaiian words to know for your vacation

We hope this guide to your first time visiting Hawaii will be useful. We’ve written over 3,000 articles here at Go Visit Hawaii, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for, use the search box at the top of the page.

Sign up for our free email newsletters that are issued two to three times per week to keep up to date with Hawaii deals, travel news and tips. Use this link to enter your email address.

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• March 27, 2024

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19 of the best places to visit in Hawaii

Mar 5, 2024 • 13 min read

Narrow down your Hawaii hit list with these top places to visit © Fly View Productions / Getty Images

No matter what you're looking for in a vacation – adventure, relaxation, romance, cultural experiences, food – Hawaii has it all.

Every island has its own kind of vibe, from the laid-back serenity of Kauaʻi to the bustling beach towns of Maui. There are so many unique experiences , too, like hiking to an active volcano on Hawaiʻi Island and watching monster surf crash on Oʻahu's North Shore.

With so many options, here's a shortcut to the best experiences you can have in the Aloha State.

1. Waikiki, Oʻahu

Waikiki on Oʻahu's sunny south shore is the state's most famous resort town. Over the years, the neighborhood has evolved to be less kitschy and more authentic. Hotels offer lei-making classes in their open-air lobbies, and traditional hula is showcased on the tiki torch-lit hula mound on Kuhio Beach . Take surfing lessons from modern-day beach boys or indulge in afternoon tea at the historic Moana Surfrider . Some of the island's best restaurants are located in Waikiki, too.

Planning tip : The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort has been putting on a fireworks show every Friday night since 1988 (bar the pandemic years). Bring a picnic dinner and find a spot on the beach to watch the skies light up. The show starts at 7:45pm during the winter and 8pm in the summer.

Explore more of O'ahu with this ultimate long weekend itinerary

2. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiʻi Island

The 323,431-acre Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island is a place unlike anywhere else in Hawaii (or the US). This is one of the few places in the world where you can drive up to safely view an active volcano. Kilauea , an active shield volcano, had been, up until 2018, continuously erupting and altering the landscape since 1983. It's currently not active , but that can change any day. The national park – one of five on the Big Island – stretches from sea level to the summit of the 13,679ft Mauna Loa , one of the largest volcanoes in the world. Trek along one of dozens of hiking routes in the park and see old lava flows and tubes, steam vents, and native trees and birds.

Detour : Stop at Volcano Village, a rustic town in the middle of a lush rainforest filled with native hapuʻu fern and 'ōhiʻa trees just outside the park. You can find quaint vacation rentals here, a handful of restaurants, a farmers market on Sundays, a small winery that sells locally produced wine, an orchid farm and the Volcano Art Center , a working arts studio and gallery.

Save our complete first-timer's guide to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

3. The Island of Molokaʻi

Undeveloped and often overlooked, Molokaʻi offers some of the most unique experiences of any of the Hawaiian Islands. Spanning 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point, this island – the fifth largest in Hawaii – is home to the world's tallest sea cliffs, the longest waterfall in the Islands and one of the state's largest white-sand beaches, Papohaku Beach . 

There are no big resorts or traffic lights here; instead, you'll find the windswept Moʻomomi Dunes, the 2744-acre Kamakou Preserve with its unique montane bog, and the secluded Kalaupapa Peninsula, once an isolated community of patients with Hansen's disease. Stop at Kanemitsu Bakery in Kaunakakai for freshly made Molokaʻi sweet bread right out of the oven.

4. Hana, Maui

The 53-mile Hana Highway – also known as the Road to Hana – is as scenic as it is winding. The road twists across 59 mostly one-lane bridges, along plunging cliffs, past waterfalls and around 620 turns to the unspoiled town of Hana on Maui's northeast coast. The drive itself – which can take several hours – is part of the journey. Once in Hana, enjoy hala tree-lined Hamoa Beach , sunbathe at Waiʻānapanapa State Park's black-sand beach, or hike to the 400ft Waimoku Falls in the Kīpahulu end of Haleakalā National Park . 

Planning tip : If you're planning to visit Waiʻānapanapa State Park,  you'll have to book reservations , which can be made up to 30 days in advance. It costs $5 per person and $10 for parking per non-commercial vehicle.

5. Nāpali Coast, Kauaʻi

The towering green cliffs of the fabled Nāpali Coast rise 2000ft from the ocean and stretch 15 miles along Kauaʻi's rugged northern coastline. You can experience these verdant valleys and razor-edged cliffs aboard a catamaran, on a kayak, from a helicopter or along the 11-mile Kalalau Trail.

Planning tip : To get to Keʻe Beach , the start of the Kalalau Trail, you'll need to make advance reservations to enter Hāʻena State Park. It costs $5 for out-of-state visitors to enter the park, $10 for each car.

6. North Shore, Oʻahu

In winter – from November to February – some of the world's best surfers (and thousands of spectators) flock to Oʻahu's North Shore and its 7 miles of famous breaks, from Banzai Pipeline to Sunset Beach . Once in a while, the waves are big enough (consistently larger than 40ft, measured from the front of the wave) at Waimea Bay to hold the prestigious, invite-only Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitation. Summer brings calmer ocean conditions, great for swimming and snorkeling. The colorful beach town of Haleʻiwa features cute boutiques, eateries and the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice shop.

Detour : To get a bird's-eye view of this famous coastline, take the 2-mile ʻEhukai Pillbox hike. The trail climbs the side of the northern Koʻolau Mountains to WWII bunkers that offer panoramic views of the entire North Shore coastline.

7. Haleakalā National Park, Maui

Catching the sunrise at the top of Haleakalā, a dormant volcano that rises to 10,023ft above sea level, is one of the most popular activities on Maui. Reservations are required for sunrise – and the fee doesn't include entrance into the national park – and can be hard to get. Consider viewing the sunset instead and staying for the night sky. The park also has numerous hiking trails through otherworldly landscapes and the chance to see the endangered ʻāhinahina (silversword) and nēnē (Hawaiian goose), the state bird.

Planning tip : The park offers pristine dark skies – with minimal light pollution – perfect for stargazing. Temperatures can drop quickly at the summit, so dress warmly and bring layers. You'll also want to bring your own snacks, as there are no food or drinks available in the park.

8. Hanalei, Kauaʻi

On Kauaʻi's quiet north shore is the sleepy town of Hanalei , marked by emerald green mountains, kalo loʻi (flooded taro fields) and some of the island's best beaches, including the breathtaking Hanalei Bay with its historic pier. Browse art galleries and boutiques, eat fresh poke from Hanalei Poke and plant-based taro doughnuts from Holey Grail, and walk around a farmers market.

Detour : About 2 miles west of Hanalei Bay is Lumahaʻi Beach , made famous by the 1958 classic film South Pacific . This is where Mitzi Gaynor spent her time "washing that man right out of her hair."

9. Maunakea, Hawaiʻi Island

Maunakea , or "white mountain," is, at 13,802ft above sea level, the world's tallest mountain when measured from its base. (More than half, or 19,698ft, of Maunakea lies underwater, making it 33,500ft from base to summit.) It's considered one of the most sacred of all Hawaiʻi volcanoes and is known by Native Hawaiians as a region of the gods. It's also a hub of astronomical observation with more than a dozen massive telescopes from around the world. You can book guided stargazing tours with outfitters like Hawaiʻi Forest & Trail .

Detour : In April,  Hilo , which is about 30 minutes west of Maunakea, hosts the annual Merrie Monarch Festival , a competitive hula festival featuring some of the state's best dancers and performers. You have to book tickets in advance to attend the event, but the craft show, which is a huge draw, is open to the public.

10. Pearl Harbor, Oʻahu

Known for the 1941 attack on the USS Arizona , which launched the US into WWII, Pearl Harbor draws millions of visitors each year to the memorial erected in honor of the 1102 men who are still entombed in the metal hull of the battleship. You can catch a boat to the USS Arizona Memorial , tour the aircraft hangars of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum , and stand on the decks of the "Mighty Mo" battleship where Imperial Japan formally surrendered in 1945. Pearl Harbor was once known as Wai Momi, or pearl waters, because of its abundant oyster beds.

11. Upcountry Maui, Maui

On the slopes of Haleakalā are the quaint towns of Kula and Makawao, collectively known as Upcountry Maui. Up here, the air is crispier, and the vibe is slower. Pick fresh strawberries in season at Kula Country Farms , wander around the fragrant Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm , or feed goats at Surfing Goat Dairy. This area is famous for its paniolo , or Hawaiian cowboys.

Detour : Not many visitors know that grapes are grown here. Open since 1974, MauiWine produces wines made from estate-grown grapes, pineapples and raspberries. Visit its tasting room at the picturesque ʻUlupalakua Ranch.

12. Waimea Canyon, Kauaʻi

Called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon, with its buttes, crags and earthen colors, stretches 10 miles long, is 1 mile wide and is more than 3600ft deep. Stop at the Waimea Canyon Lookout for sweeping views of the canyon and the 800ft Waipoʻo Falls . But you can also experience the canyon via numerous hiking trails, on horseback and from a helicopter. Any way you see it, it's breathtaking.

Detour : The best trails are located within the 4345-acre Kōkeʻe State Park . The cost is $5 per person (nonresident) and $10 per car. From the park, you can stop at the Kalalau Lookout at 4120ft above the Nāpali Coast, with commanding views of the lush, amphitheater-headed Kalalau Valley. Camping is available, and the restaurant is worth a stop (but note: it only serves breakfast and lunch.)

13. South Kona, Hawaiʻi Island

Head south from Kailua-Kona, and you'll be in coffee country. This area – Kaʻawaloa (Captain Cook), Hōnaunau, Kāʻu – is known for its high-quality coffee grown exclusively in this high elevation and volcanic soils on the slopes of Hualālai Volcano. There are hundreds of farms here, and many offer guided tours and free tastings. Hōlualoa is a small artsy town with cute shops. Kealakekua Bay in the region of Captain Cook provides some of the island's best snorkeling. And Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is a sacred place of refuge that you wander on a half-mile walking tour.

Detour : In Keauhou, you can dive at night with the gentle manta rays that swim along this coastline. Seeing these graceful giants glide and twirl in the water with you is an experience you won't likely forget.

14. ʻIolani Palace, Oʻahu

Built in 1882 under King David Kalākaua, ʻIolani Palace in Downtown Honolulu is the only royal residence in the US. It took three years to complete at a cost of $343,595, with Hawaiʻi's first electric light system, flush toilets and intra-house telephones. The last two monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom – King Kalākaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliʻuokalani – resided here until the overthrow of the kingdom in 1893. You can tour this American Florentine-style palace and see its throne rooms, dining rooms and the private living quarters of the royal family.

Detour : Walk to nearby Chinatown and browse the markets or eat at one of the many restaurants – ranging from Korean takeout to poke bowls to restaurants run by James Beard Award-winners and nominees – in this neighborhood.

15. Molokini, Maui

Three miles off shore from Wailea on Maui is Molokini Crater, known for its deep, crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. This crescent-shaped islet is a marine preserve, home to more than 250 species of tropical fish. The only way to get to this popular snorkeling and diving site is by boat.

Planning tip : While the boat ride out to Molokini is typically smooth, the journey back can be tumultuous. If you're prone to seasickness, either sit in the center of the boat where it's more stable or take some motion-sickness remedies.

16. Kailua, Oʻahu

A quick 15-minute drive from Honolulu, Kailua seems like a world away. The beach town is built around Kailua Beach , a powdery-white stretch of sand that runs 2.5 miles long. People fish, surf, kayak, swim and paddle canoes in these waters. Nearby Lanikai Beach , with its unobstructed views of the Mokulua Islands, is another popular stop for beach lovers. It's smaller and more secluded than Kailua Beach, but often more crowded because of its reputation for calm waters and gorgeous vistas. The town itself boasts popular restaurants, boutiques, local breweries and a great locally-owned independent bookshop called Bookends.

Planning tip : Consider exploring Kailua town by bike. You can rent one from The Bike Shop . (There's no city-run bike-sharing on this side of the island.) The shop has a range of cruisers, mountain bikes and road bikes for rent, complete with helmets and bike locks. Electra cruises – the most popular bikes – start at $18 for up to four hours. You can book online and pick it up at the shop.

17. Old Lahaina Lūʻau, Maui

Open in 1986, the locally owned Old Lahaina Lūʻau on Maui has been a favorite lūʻau for decades, showcasing traditional hula , music and food. It's located right on the ocean off Front Street in Lahaina with great sunset views. Tickets include live entertainment, an open bar, historical storytelling and chanting, and an all-you-can-eat buffet with Hawaiian staples like lau lau, kālua pig, poi and poke .

18. Hanauma Bay, Oʻahu

This protected nature preserve in East Honolulu is one of the best spots to snorkel on Oʻahu . About 400 species of fish inhabit this bay, along with honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) and the occasional endangered Hawaiian monk seal. There are restrictions for access to this popular bay: online reservations are required , and it costs $25 per person for non-Hawaii residents 13 years and older. Parking is another US$3 per car. The bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Planning tip : You can rent snorkel gear at the bay, so you don't have to lug your own. While you can walk down the steep road to the beach, you can also opt to take the free tram (we recommend that on the way back to your car).

Least known of all the Hawaiian Islands – and the smallest inhabited island – Lanaʻi is an ideal escape. Stay in luxurious resorts with world-class amenities fronting the beautiful and secluded Hulopoʻe Beach , a designated marine preserve filled with colorful fish and sometimes spinner dolphins. Or explore the rest of the island – the wild and windswept 8-mile Shipwreck Beach (complete with an actual shipwreck), the ancient fishing village of Kaunolū , or visit the strange landscape of Keahikawelo (Garden of the Gods).

Planning tip : If you want to venture outside the resorts of Lanaʻi City, you'll need to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle. There's no public transportation or ride-sharing on the island.

This article was first published Jun 18, 2021 and updated Mar 5, 2024.

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Eight unique islands., six destinations to explore., one remarkable experience.

Hawaii provides you with six unique islands to choose from, four of which we cover in detail in our three  2024 Hawaii Travel Planner & Visitor Guides due to their popularity with travelers like yourself. Once you know which island (or islands) best suits you, then you can really begin to plan.

Don't miss out on our inside Hawaii knowledge, tips, and recommendations . In these Hawaii Travel Guides, we'll help you select an island, or islands, for your trip if you're still undecided. If you already know which island(s) you're visiting, excellent; we've included a lot of pertinent information for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii that should help you plan the perfect trip! Our travel guides are updated twice a year (or more) to ensure they're entirely up to date with the latest Hawaii details and information.

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Grab your copy today  and take advantage of our  destination expert's Hawaii insights . We've just updated and released our latest three Hawaii Travel Planner & Visitor Guides for 2024. These new travel guides contain over 40 visual pages (Intro version),  over 60 visual pages (Highlights version),   and over 100 visual pages (Deluxe Essential version)  of pertinent Hawaii travel information  to assist in planning your perfect Hawaii trip.

The islands of  Kauai ,  Oahu ,  Maui , and the  Big Island  are covered in detail. A complete table of contents is additionally included within each travel guide. The top attractions are included for each island (top 5 in the Intro guide, top 9 in the Highlights guide, and top 11 in the Deluxe guide). The Highlights and Deluxe planner also include our Best Places to find Authentic Hawaii food guide.

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Hawaii is a destination that attracts a unique mix of tourists from all over the world. There are  resorts and hotels  all over the major islands, but there are also many free-standing hotels and vacation rentals, which allow you to choose from a wide range of accommodations. We provide a  list of these top favorable destinations by island , according to the popularity of each area.

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Know what you're likely to experience weather-wise on your trip by reading through our Hawaii Weather summary. Our weather information additionally includes a rainfall map , a precipitation chart (for each month of the year), and a high/low-temperature graph/chart so you can plan accordingly for your trip.

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Discover which time of the year is the best time to visit for local Hawaii festivals and events , or when hiking conditions are prime for hitting Hawaii's incredible plethora of trails. We've also covered when to go whale watching , take a Hawaii cruise , and much more.

Individual Hawaii Islands in Detail

Each of the four major Hawaiian Islands is covered in our Hawaii Travel Guides, including Kauai , Oahu , Maui , and the Big Island of Hawaii .

A general introduction to each island is also provided, along with our recommendations for each island . If you haven't decided on which island(s) to visit yet, these sections should help you narrow down your choices to a favorite or two.

Detailed Overview of Each Island's Regions

Learn more about each of the regions of Hawaii's major islands in our detailed region section for each respective major Hawaiian Island.

This section covers the basic geography of each island, the top attractions within each region, along with tips on the best nearby attractions to visit.

Highlights Guides

Hawaii Road & Beach Maps

Our travel guides wouldn't be complete without detailed high-resolution Hawaii Road Maps for each island. For Maui, we've added a bonus road map for the Road to Hana (Hana Highway), the premier drive on the island.

We've additionally included Beach Maps for each island, so you can quickly and easily determine which beaches are best to visit during your trip; not to mention which are closest to your hotel.

Discover Hawaii's Top Attractions

For each of the major four islands, we've covered their top attractions  in detail, including how to visit and where each attraction is located on the island.

Photos and details are provided for each top attraction, so you can quickly decide which sights , beaches , and/or hiking trails are right for you during your visit.

Top Local Grindz - Best Eats

Sun, sand, and surf are not all Hawaii is known for. Sure, we travel to islands for a relaxing time that will incorporate all these things, but you  gotta eat too , right? Hawaii certainly doesn’t let us down on that issue. Hawaii offers some of the  best culinary experiences  in the world.

In this section, we cover some of our  favorite places for authentic Hawaii food on each island , the best 'ono grindz (delicious food) that can be found in Hawaii.

Select a Hawaii Travel Guide

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Ultimate Hawaii Travel Guide

Hawaii  is located in the Pacific Ocean off the West coast of the United States of America .   The capital is Honolulu and the state is a tropical paradise that is completely unlike the mainland.

Technically part of Polynesia, the culture here is unique and very different than you will experience anywhere on the mainland. Our Hawaii Travel guide is designed to help you plan and prepare for your trip to the islands.

There are active volcano, dream beaches, jungles and more palm trees than you can imagine. This state is full of adventure and the ultimate tropical vacation for those that don’t want to exercise their passports from the USA.

The state of Hawaii is comprised of 8 islands; Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Lanai, Molokai, Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe.

Each one offers a treasure trove of landscapes and experiences and the most difficult part of your planning will be choosing which Hawaiian Islands to visit during your trip.

Destinations

Hawaii travel: quick tips, don’t visit hawaii without:.

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

HAWAII BUCKET LIST

Hike the kalalau trail.

This 22-mile round trip hike along the coast of Kauai is one of the most spectacular hikes in the USA. It is graded difficult and takes at least 2 days to complete if you’re just looking to hike it. More intrepid adventurers will extend their time here for several nights, camping out among the rainforest.

WHALE WATCHING

Every year hundreds of Humpback whales migrate into the waters around the Hawaiian Islands during the winter months. The whale watching in Maui from January to April is spectacular. Due to the ocean topography off the islands, the whales actually get very close to shore. It is not uncommon to see whales breaching out of the water while you stand on the beach.

ATTEND A LUAU

Attending a luau in Hawaii is one of the best ways to learn about Hawaiian culture, history and folklore. Traditionally, luaus offer a feast that is typical of Polynesian earth pit preparation followed by a performance.. We never leave Hawaii without attending at least one luau when we visit and you shouldn’t either!

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN HAWAII

There is no shortage of great  things to do in Hawaii  during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each island has its own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our island guides once you decide where you’re itinerary will take you.

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

When you’re visiting Hawaii, you can find a vast range of international cuisines all over the state.

The food these days is a real fusion of Asian, Pacific, and European dishes. There are Mexican, Chinese, Korean, and plenty of fast-food chains. 

If you want to try traditional Hawaiian food, head to a Luau – or feast. You’ll be fed great food, cocktails, and other beverages all night while immersing yourself in the local culture.

The centerpiece will be the Kalua Pig, which is slow-cooked below ground after being wrapped in banana leaves.

HAWAII FESTIVALS

Plenty of festivals and events are held throughout the year in Hawaii, so the chances are high that something interesting will be happening no matter what time of year you arrive!

Big events include the Honolulu Festival, held in March to celebrate Hawaiian culture, the Merrie Monarch Festival held over Easter celebrating Hula dancing, and Lei Day, on the first day of May. 

On top of this, there are food, wine, and music festivals, and plenty of surfing competitions.

Pack like a pro on your trip to Hawaii!

Popular regions in hawaii.

Oahu might not be the largest island in Hawaii, but it is home to the state capital Honolulu , and it’s where most first-time visitors will travel to. Honolulu is where the city meets the sand, and you can start your Hawaii travel vacation in style by staying at the resorts along Waikiki Beach. History buffs can pay their respects at Pearl Harbor and visit the memorial and museum that’s dedicated to the Japanese attack in 1941 that drew the USA into World War II.  Hikers can climb Diamond Head, an epic volcanic crater with stunning views over the island. Snorkelers will love a dip in the Pacific Ocean at Hanauma Bay, where the waters are teeming with coral and marine life.

Beautiful Molokai is the place to travel in Hawaii if you’re looking for supreme natural beauty mixed with culture.  Molokai has seen little development, and you can still find a traditional way of life in the rural villages often lost on the larger islands.  Most travelers visit Molokai as part of their Hawaii travel itinerary, to see the dramatic sea cliffs. They are some of the tallest in the world, and the best way to see them is by helicopter. You can also enjoy the white sand Papohaku Beach or hike through Kalaupapa National Historical Park.

If you’re looking to travel to Hawaii for surfing, road tripping, beaches, parties, volcanoes, waterfalls, resorts, or culture, then nothing quite beats Maui.  The laid back island has it all. You can spend one day surfing on the North shore and the next road tripping along the beautiful eastern Hana Highway .  There are dramatic black sand beaches, stunning white-sand beaches, superb snorkeling and diving, and of course, the epic Haleakala National Park, where you can find a volcanic landscape that’s unnervingly otherworldly, alongside some of Hawaii’s tallest mountain peaks.

Escape the larger islands when you travel to Hawaii by taking a trip to Lanai, the smallest island in the archipelago, easily accessible by tourists. Lanai is a world away from the rest of Hawaii (although just a few miles by boat from Maui). It’s home to both high-end resorts and undeveloped wilderness. Ride ATVs along the dirt tracks to secluded beaches, snorkel with turtles in the Pacific Ocean, then spend the night in luxury at a fancy Hawaiian resort.

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest island you can include in your Hawaii travel plans. Although it’s the largest island by area, it’s not nearly as populated or developed as Oahu and Maui; it’s the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for an adventure. If you want to travel to Hawaii for volcanoes, this is the island to visit. Hawaii is home to the incredible Volcanoes National Park, where geothermal energy can be seen exploding from the earth around you.   Mauna Kea is Hawaii’s largest mountain peak, while the Kohala Coast is a dramatic and historical place – this was the birthplace of many famed Hawaiian kings in centuries past.

Finally, there’s Kauai, one of the best islands to add to your Hawaii travel itinerary. Vast tracts of Kauai remain untouched by development, and the island is often called the Garden Isle for its serene, green beauty. There’s rainforest, tall cliffs, and dramatic volcanic peaks awaiting you on Kauai. The Waimea Canyon State Park is where you’ll find all the outdoor action. This ten-mile long canyon is surrounded by rainforest and dotted with hidden waterfalls connected by intrepid hiking trails.

HAWAII TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for your Hawaii travel itinerary is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere in Hawaii on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxurious as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel around Hawaii. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION:  The cheapest accommodation in Hawaii will be hostels, which can be found for between USD 20 and UD 30 per night. Basic hotels are likely to cost up to USD 100 for private rooms, and anything more luxurious above this price.

FOOD:  Food generally costs more in Hawaii than anywhere else in the USA, as much of it has to be imported. In larger towns and cities, you can eat out at cheap restaurants and spend around USD 10 per meal. You can find buffets at resorts for around USD 25 per person, which can be good value.

TRANSPORTATION:  Transport is expensive when you travel to Hawaii. Inter-island flights can cost up to USD 200 per person, while car hire will set you back at least USD 75 per day.

ACTIVITIES:  Activities vary in price, of course, but a snorkeling day trip can cost around USD 100 per person, while Scuba diving is likely to cost USD 100 per dive.

100 USD PER DAY

Not including the flights to get here, budget travelers will still be looking at spending USD 100 per day if they want to do more than just sit around the hostel. 

This will get you a few day trips, plenty of beers, and surfboard or snorkeling hire from the hostel you’re staying at, but it will be money well spent!

300 USD PER DAY

Travelers with a budget between USD 100 and USD 300 per day, will be able to spend their Hawaii travel vacation enjoying the sun, sea, and sands from the comfort of a holiday resort in Oahu or Maui. 

They’ll enjoy plenty of food and drink, and great day trips around the island they’re staying on!

500 USD + PER DAY

With a budget above USD 300, luxury travelers can enjoy the finest hotels in Hawaii, as many day trips as they can fit into their schedule, and the best food and drink during their stay.

You’ll be able to splurge on luaus, helicopter rides, diving trips, 5* dining, private whale watching and much more.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAWAII

Below you will find some of the places we have stayed during our travels in Hawaii. These are individual properties that we enjoyed and would recommend to other travelers.

For more specific advice, check out Best Area to Stay In Maui – Best Hotels & Travel Tips

HOW TO GET AROUND IN HAWAII

Anyone looking to travel to Hawaii will need to fly into Oahu and connect to the other airports across the archipelago. Despite this being an island state, there are few public ferry connections, aside from the regular service between Maui and Lanai.

There are private boat charters , or you can join day trips by helicopter or boat to explore other islands. On the islands themselves, there’s limited public transport . Most travelers will choose to rent a car if they want to get off the beaten track and not have to join day tours all the time.

TOP HAWAII TOURS

Oahu & maui adventure.

8 Days Waikiki to Kahului Visits: Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Road to Hana & Maui

BEST OF BIG ISLAND & KAUAI

7 Days Kapa’a to Kailua-Kona Visits: Kauai, Waimea Canyon, Hilo, Volcano National Park & Big Island

HAWAII MULTI-ISLAND

14 Days Waikiki to Kailua-Kona Visits: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island & their many highlights

WHEN TO VISIT HAWAII

When planning your travel to Hawaii, it’s important to consider when to visit the state. As a tropical archipelago, the islands experience distinct wet and dry seasons , which can seriously affect the experience you have while on vacation. 

The dry season is April to October , while the wet season is November to March. The busiest time to travel to Hawaii is generally between June and August when many people arrive during the school holidays for their vacations. Prices are much higher at this time of year, and the beaches can be really crowded. 

Christmas and New Year are busy too. Despite it being the wet season, it’s still hot, and storms are rare. Expect higher prices this time of the year. 

If you can, try to time your trip to coincide with the shoulder seasons, before or directly after the peak months during the dry season. You’ll still enjoy great weather, but you’ll beat the bulk of the crowds!

For more information, check out the  Best Time to Visit Maui: Month by Month Breakdown

DO YOU LIKE TO BEACH HOP?

Safety in hawaii.

Hawaiian culture is very friendly, and the islands are well used to having tourists around. That being said, the cities and popular beach resorts can see waves of crime hit them through the tourist season, so be aware of petty thieves when you travel to Hawaii. 

Travelers should also keep abreast of the weather situation and watch out for Pacific storms, as well as the threat of volcanic eruptions across the archipelago – although these are both rare, at least on a dangerous scale.

As with any destination, we recommend learning and adhering to certain safety practices when you travel. Be sure to read our personal  travel safety tips , compiled from our travels across 7 continents.

HAWAII TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Hawaii travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Hawaii and start planning your dream trip.

The Best of the Road to Hana in Maui (Top Stops, Waterfalls, Tours & Hikes)

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The Ultimate Hawaii Travel Guide

Plan your dream vacation with our extensive Hawaii travel guide. Discover islands, attractions, dining, activities, culture, eco-friendly tips, and much more.

• Introduction

The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of eight major islands, several atolls, numerous smaller islets, and undersea seamounts in the North Pacific Ocean. Each island has its own distinct personality, adventures, activities, and sights.

This travel guide aims to give you an in-depth look into the magic that is Hawaii, providing all the information you need to plan and enjoy the Hawaiian vacation of your dreams.

Why Visit Hawaii

Hawaii is not just a place, but a feeling. A feeling of tropical sun warming your skin, of soft, golden sand beneath your feet, of the rhythmic lullaby of the Pacific ocean.

It’s a place where towering waterfalls plunge down cliffs in the heart of lush green jungles, where the scent of tropical flowers fills the air, where every sunset paints a breathtaking picture in the sky.

But beyond its physical beauty, Hawaii is a place with a rich cultural heritage, a unique cuisine, a relaxing atmosphere, and the Aloha spirit that’s infectious. Visit Hawaii for the adventure, the relaxation, the culture, the food, and above all, for the memories that will last a lifetime.

The Unique Hawaiian Experience

The Hawaiian experience is like no other. Here, you can surf the majestic ocean waves, explore the mystical volcanic landscapes, dance to the rhythm of the hula, taste the rich flavors of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, and feel the warmth of genuine Island hospitality.

Every moment spent in Hawaii is a step into a world where nature, culture, and adventure blend seamlessly, creating an experience that’s profoundly unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Island guides, travel planning, accommodations, cuisine & dining, attractions, tours & activities, transportation, culture & history, environment, safety & health, sustainable travel.

Hawaii consists of several islands, each with its own unique charm and personality. This section will provide a comprehensive guide to the four major islands – Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Big Island.

The Big Island

The Valley Isle

The Gathering Place

The Garden Isle

Which Island Should You Visit?

Deciding which Hawaiian island to visit depends on your personal preferences, desired activities, and travel goals. Each island offers a unique experience and cater to different types of vacations.

Remember that you can’t go wrong with any island – it’s more about matching your interests with what each island has to offer. Many visitors also choose to island-hop, experiencing the best of multiple islands in one trip.

The Island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, is the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is famous for its diverse landscape, which ranges from black and green sand beaches to lush rainforests, and from the snowy peaks of Mauna Kea to the active volcano of Kilauea.

Why Visit Big Island

The Big Island offers an adventurous Hawaiian experience. With its unique natural phenomena like active volcanoes, it’s the only island in Hawaii where you can see lava flows. Additionally, the Big Island has some of the best astronomical observing sites in the world.

Big Island’s Highlights

The Big Island captivates with its active volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, towering Mauna Kea Summit, enchanting Akaka Falls, idyllic Hapuna Beach, and culturally-rich Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park.

2 Tank Night Manta Dive Charter

Brown’s Beach House

Hau Tree at Mauna Kea

Umauma Falls

Kohala Waterfalls Adventure

Hapuna Beach Park

Expedition South Kona

Historical Dinner Cruise

Captain Cook Snorkel & Dolphin ~ 12pm

Manta at Mauna Kea

Maui, the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, is famous for its diverse landscapes. From the heavenly beaches to the picturesque valleys and the summit of Haleakala, Maui’s beauty is both dramatic and diverse.

Why Visit Maui

Maui is the perfect destination for those seeking beach relaxation, outdoor adventures, and natural beauty. With the scenic Road to Hana, the stunning sunrises and sunsets at Haleakala National Park, and the migrating humpback whales, Maui offers a quintessential Hawaiian experience.

Maui’s Highlights

Maui enchants with its vast dormant volcano at Haleakala National Park, the verdant journey along the Road to Hana, historic charm in Lahaina, the stunning Kaanapali Beach, and the majestic Iao Valley State Park.

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

Grand Wailea Maui

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

The Ritz-Carlton Maui

Makena State Park

Fairmont Kea Lani Maui Villa Experience

Haleakala National Park

Four Seasons Resort Wailea

Sunset Live!

Lunch Performance Sail – Ma’alaea

Oahu, the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, holds a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. Its southern shore is home to the city of Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital, and the popular tourist area, Waikiki. While the cityscape offers shopping, dining, and historical attractions, the rest of the island offers lush mountains, a beautiful coastline, and world-class surf breaks.

Why Visit Oahu

Oahu should be on your list if you’re looking for a blend of city attractions, bustling nightlife, and natural beauty. It’s home to the iconic Waikiki Beach, historic Pearl Harbor, and the surf mecca of the North Shore. The island offers cultural experiences through its food, art, and historical sites, making it an ideal destination for a broad range of travelers.

Oahu’s Highlights

Oahu delights with its lively Waikiki, historic Pearl Harbor, famous surfing North Shore, diverse marine life in Hanauma Bay, and panoramic views from the Diamond Head hike.

Trump International Hotel Waikiki

La Mer at Halekulani

natuRe waikiki

The Ritz Carlton Residences

USS Arizona Memorial

Banzai Pipeline (‘Ehukai)

Dolphins and You

UMI by Vikram Garg

Nuuanu Pali State Wayside

Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline

Ocean and You

Whales and You

Often referred to as ‘The Garden Isle’, Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and is characterized by its lush greenery, jagged cliffs, and idyllic beaches. It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise with numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints.

Why Visit Kauai

Kauai is a nature lover’s dream, known for its rugged landscapes, outdoor adventures, and tranquil beaches. With more than 60 beaches, the famous Na Pali Coast, and the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, Kauai offers a more laid-back, less commercialized Hawaiian experience.

Kauai’s Highlights

Kauai’s natural splendor features the dramatic Na Pali Coast, the grand Waimea Canyon, picturesque Hanalei Bay, the navigable Wailua River, and the historic Kilauea Lighthouse.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Waialeale Falls (Blue Hole)

Eating House 1849

Napali Sunset Boat Tour

Red Salt at Ko’a Kea Resort

Aina Kauai Restaurant

Old Koloa Sugar Mill

Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls)

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

Waipo’o Falls

Visiting the beautiful islands of Hawaii is a dream for many, and with the right planning, this dream can be a fantastic reality. Each stage of planning, from deciding the best time to visit, to understanding the costs involved, to knowing what to pack, plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless and memorable travel experience.

Additionally, understanding local customs and etiquette can deepen your connection with this unique destination, enhancing the cultural richness of your journey. This section provides a comprehensive guide to planning your Hawaiian getaway, covering essential topics to help you prepare for your island adventure.

Best Time To Visit

Hawaii is a year-round destination, but there are some differences in the seasons:

• Winter (December – February) : This is the peak tourism season, with higher prices and bigger crowds, particularly around the holidays. However, it’s also the best time for surfing on the north shores and whale watching.
• Spring (March – May) : This is a shoulder season, with pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices.
• Summer (June – August) : The weather is warmer and drier, and it’s a popular time for families to visit due to school vacations.
• Fall (September – November) : This is another shoulder season, with warm weather, fewer tourists, and potential for lower prices.

Cost And Budget

The cost of a trip to Hawaii can vary widely depending on factors like the time of year, accommodation preferences, dining habits, and desired activities. Here’s a rough estimate:

• Flights : Depending on where you’re flying from and when, flights can range from $300-$800 per person round-trip.
• Accommodations : Budget for anywhere from $150 for a mid-range hotel to $500+ for luxury resorts per night.
• Food and Drink : Expect to spend around $50-$75 per person per day for meals if eating at restaurants.
• Activities and Tours : Most tours (helicopter tours, boat tours, etc.) cost around $100-$200 per person.

Essential Packing List

Here are some essential items you should pack for a trip to Hawaii:

• Beach essentials : Swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, beach towel, and a hat.
• Outdoor gear : Hiking shoes, reusable water bottle, and a backpack.
• Light clothing : Bring lightweight, breathable clothing, but also pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or higher elevations.
• Travel documents : Passport (for international travelers), driver’s license, and any reservation confirmations.

Local Customs And Etiquette

Respect for the local culture is important in Hawaii. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Aloha Spirit : This is the coordination of mind and heart, and is expressed by treating others with deep care, respect, and humility.
• Lei Greetings : It is considered rude to refuse a lei if it is offered to you, or to remove it in the presence of the person who gave it to you.
• Sacred Sites : Many places in Hawaii have spiritual significance for the native Hawaiian people. Always respect these sites and follow any posted rules.

Travel Checklist

Before you leave for your trip to Hawaii, make sure to:

• Check your travel documents : Make sure your passport is valid (for international travelers), and you have all necessary IDs and reservation confirmations.
• Check the weather : While Hawaii’s weather is generally consistent, it’s always a good idea to check closer to your departure date.
• Notify your bank : Let your bank know that you’ll be traveling to avoid any issues with your credit or debit cards.
• Pack accordingly : Use the essential packing list to ensure you don’t forget anything important.
• Check in for your flight : Do this 24 hours before your departure time.

Choosing the right place to stay can significantly enhance your Hawaiian vacation. From luxury resorts with breathtaking ocean views to cozy boutique hotels nestled in lush tropical landscapes, each island offers a variety of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets.

Big Island’s Best Hotels

Big Island’s accommodations provide guests with a variety of unique experiences, from rooms overlooking an active volcano to oceanfront cabanas. Top picks include the ‘Four Seasons Resort Hualalai’, the ‘Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’, and the ‘Hilton Waikoloa Village’.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Hilton Waikoloa Village

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Kona Village a Rosewood Resort

Maui’s best hotels.

Maui’s resorts are renowned for their lavish amenities, stunning settings, and world-class service. The island’s top accommodations include the ‘Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea’, the ‘Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort’, and the ‘Fairmont Kea Lani’.

Oahu’s Best Hotels

Oahu’s accommodations are diverse, ranging from the luxurious high-rise hotels of Waikiki to the more laid-back beachfront rentals on the North Shore. Top choices include the historic ‘Royal Hawaiian’, the ‘Moana Surfrider’, and the ‘Ritz Carlton Residences’.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

The Royal Hawaiian

Moana Surfrider Resort & Spa by Westin

Turtle Bay Resort

Kauai’s best hotels.

Kauai offers an array of accommodations, from luxury resorts in Poipu to charming cottages in Hanalei. Notable accommodations include ‘1 Hotel Hanalei Bay’, ‘Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa’, and the boutique ‘Koa Kea Hotel & Resort’.

Koloa Landing Resort

Koa Kea Resort

Hawaiian cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavors influenced by the many cultures that call these islands home. Each island offers unique dining experiences, from luxurious fine dining establishments to casual beachfront eateries serving fresh local fare.

Big Island’s Best Restaurants

Big Island’s vibrant culinary scene ranges from AAA Four Diamond awarded ‘Brown’s Beach House’ to island dining at ‘Hau Tree at Mauna Kea’, and Japanese-inspired ‘CanoeHouse’.

Kuleana Rum Shack

Beach Tree Restaurant

Maui’s best restaurants.

Maui’s gastronomic paradise features sushi from ‘Vana Paia’, California-Hawaiian fusion at ‘Wolfgang Puck’s Spago’, and contemporary Japanese fusion at ‘Morimoto Maui’.

The Restaurant

Wolfgang Puck’s Spago

Banyan Tree

Oahu’s best restaurants.

On Oahu, ‘La Mer’ offers Neoclassic French cuisine, while ‘natuRe Waikiki’ highlights Island French cuisine, and ‘UMI by Vikram Garg’ presents an international array.

Moku Kitchen

Morimoto Asia

Kauai’s best restaurants.

Kauai’s dining variety includes ‘Aina Kauai Restaurant’s’ Japanese fusion, oceanfront ‘Oasis on the Beach’, and Hawaii-flavored ‘Eating House 1849’ by Chef Roy Yamaguchi.

Oasis on the Beach

Beach House Restaurant

Each Hawaiian island offers a unique array of attractions, from lush rainforests and active volcanoes to historical sites and stunning beaches. Let’s dive into the top attractions on each island:

Big Island’s Best Attractions

Big Island showcases natural wonders from the active Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to lush Akaka Falls State Park, cultural insights at Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, and the celestial Mauna Kea Observatory.

Pololu Valley Trail

Kailua-Kona

Green Sand Beach Trail (Papakolea)

Captain Cook

Waipio Valley Lookout

Waialea (Beach 69)

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Akaka Falls

Maui’s best attractions.

Maui entices with the scenic Road to Hana, breathtaking sunrises at Haleakala National Park, historic Lahaina District, and hiking in Iao Valley State Park.

Twin Falls Maui Hike

Wall of Tears

Lahaina Historic District

Maui Ocean Center

Ka’anapali Beach

Ka’anapali

Wai’anapanapa State Park

Sliding Sands (Keoneheehee) Trail

Iao Valley State Monument

Oahu’s best attractions.

Oahu’s attractions range from the poignant Pearl Harbor National Memorial, lively Waikiki Beach, vibrant snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, to panoramic views from Diamond Head.

Byodo-In Temple

Lanikai Pillbox Hike

Diamond Head State Monument

Bishop Museum

Diamond Head Summit Trail

Waimea Valley Trail

Waikiki Beach

Waimea Falls

Kauai’s best attractions.

Kauai, the Garden Isle, boasts rugged Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, panoramic Waimea Canyon State Park, scenic Hanalei Bay, and recreational Wailua River State Park.

Sleeping Giant Trail

Koke’e State Park

Princeville

Wailua Falls

Hanalei Bay

Tunnels Beach (Makua)

Hawaii offers a vast array of activities and tours that cater to adventure seekers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts alike. From thrilling water activities to land tours that immerse you in Hawaii’s stunning landscapes, there’s something for everyone.

Big Island’s Best Tours

From the stunning overhead perspectives offered by helicopter tours to sea-based adventures like sunset cruises and whale watching, there is no shortage of ways to explore the island’s natural beauty.

Volcano Unveiled

Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Free Photos

Magical Waterfalls Helicopter Tour

Night Manta Experience

Zip N Dip Combo

Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch

Kohala Zip & Dip

Maui’s best tours.

Whether it’s soaring over the island’s stunning features like Haleakala Crater and the Road to Hana via helicopter, exploring the ocean through whale watching or snorkeling excursions, Maui ensures a rich, well-rounded experience.

West Maui Dolphin Sail & Snorkel Tour

Adventure Sunset Sail

Original Sunset Cocktail Cruise

North Shore Zipline Tour

Sunrise Deluxe Snorkel

Premium Sunset with Dinner

Lunch Performance Sail – Lahaina

Xpress Snorkel

Signature Deluxe Snorkel

Halfway to Hana + Garden of Eden Tour

Oahu’s best tours.

Between nature, culture, and adventure, there’s something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking aerial views of iconic sights like Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and Waikiki Beach via helicopter tours, or venture out on the ocean with a sunset cruise or snorkeling tour in Hanauma Bay.

Helicopter Photo Flight

Island and You

Pearl Harbor USS Arizona

North Shore Adventure Tour

Turtles and You

Sunset Sail

Twin Islands Guided Kayak Tour

Catamaran Snorkel Sail – Midday

Ka Moana Luau

Kauai’s best tours.

Whether it’s taking to the skies in a helicopter to experience Kauai’s breathtaking landscapes, exploring the Na Pali Coast via boat tour, attending a traditional luau, or hiking the legendary Kalalau Trail, Kauai offers myriad ways for visitors to connect with its unique charm.

Ultimate Ranch Tour

Photography Helicopter Flight

Niihau + Napali Super Tour

Secret Falls Tour With Lunch

Napali Snorkel Sail

Waterfall Triple Trail Expedition

Na Pali Coast Tour on the Makana

Na Pali Coast on the Seiko I & II (Private Tour)

Discover Scuba Diving – Ocean Experience

Leila Napali Sunset Sail

Hughes 500 Doors-Off Helicopter

Navigating the Hawaiian Islands involves various modes of transportation. From flying between islands to cycling around town, understanding your options can help make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Inter-Island Travel

Flights are the most efficient way to travel between islands. Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines operate regular inter-island services. There are also ferry services between some islands, notably the Maui-Lanai and Maui-Molokai ferries.

Public Transportation

Each island has its own public bus service. TheBus on Oahu has the most extensive network, covering Honolulu and other key areas. Maui Bus, Kauai Bus, and Hele-On Bus in Big Island have limited coverage but can be useful for getting to certain destinations.

Car Rentals

Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore the islands at your own pace. Major rental companies operate at airports and key tourist areas. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Cycling And Walking

Cycling can be a great way to explore the more urban areas like Honolulu and Lahaina, and there are many beautiful hiking trails across the islands. Always ensure you have maps and are aware of local conditions and regulations.

Transportation Tips

Here are some tips for getting around Hawaii:

• Book Early : Car rentals can sell out during high seasons. Booking flights and ferries in advance can also save money.
• Bus Schedules : Public buses don’t run as frequently as in larger cities, so check the schedules and plan accordingly.
• Road Conditions : Be aware of road conditions, particularly if you’re driving on less-developed roads. Some attractions may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
• Cycling Safety : Always wear a helmet and follow local traffic laws. Keep in mind that some areas have hilly terrain and roads can be busy.
• Walking : Be prepared for Hawaii’s warm climate if you’re walking long distances. Carry water and sun protection.

Hawaii boasts a rich cultural heritage and fascinating history that are deeply entwined with its stunning natural landscapes. From ancient Polynesian traditions to pivotal historical events, understanding Hawaii’s culture and history can greatly enhance your appreciation of the islands.

Native Hawaiian Culture

The Native Hawaiian culture is a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of spirituality, social hierarchy, and traditional practices:

• Aloha Spirit : The concept of Aloha is central to Hawaiian culture, encompassing love, peace, compassion, and a mutual understanding of respect between people and the land (‘āina).
• Hula and Mele : Traditional Hawaiian dance and chant, often performed at luaus, are ways of storytelling and preserving history.
• Kapu System : The ancient Hawaiians followed a complex system of laws and societal rules known as the kapu system.
• Arts and Crafts : Native Hawaiian arts include lauhala weaving, lei making, kapa (bark cloth) making, and tattooing.

History Of Hawaii

Hawaii’s history spans from the arrival of Polynesians, through the era of the Hawaiian Kingdom, to becoming a U.S. state:

• Polynesian Arrival : Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands were the first to inhabit Hawaii, arriving around 400 A.D. They were later joined by Tahitians.
• Unified Kingdom : King Kamehameha I united the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810 after years of conflict.
• Overthrow and Annexation : In 1893, Queen Lili’uokalani was overthrown by a group of businessmen and sugar planters. Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898.
• Statehood : Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959.

Hawaii’s Culture & History

Engage with the nuances of local customs and delve deep into a rich cultural tapestry woven by centuries of history.

The Role of Hawaii in the Pacific Theater of WWII

The Significance of ‘Ohana in Hawaiian Culture

The Evolution of Education in Hawaii

Hawaiian Myths and Legends: Stories from the Pacific

Traditional Hawaiian Navigation Techniques

Aloha Spirit: Understanding its Meaning and Importance in Hawaii

Understanding the Role of Missionaries in Hawaii’s History

The Role of Whaling in Hawaii’s History

Hawaii’s History: From Polynesian Settlement to Modern Day

Colonization’s Impact on Hawaii’s Native Population

Traditions of Hawaiian Childbirth and Naming

The Iolani Palace: America’s Only Royal Palace

Hawaii’s environment is a unique blend of biodiversity and endemic species, yet it faces several challenges due to increased human activities. As visitors, understanding these environmental aspects can help us contribute positively.

Hawaiian Flora And Fauna

Hawaii’s isolation has led to the evolution of a multitude of endemic species:

• Flora : Notable native plants include the Hawaiian silversword, ‘ōhi’a lehua, and the hala tree. The islands are also famous for hibiscus and orchids.
• Fauna : Endemic animals include the Hawaiian monk seal, green sea turtle, and various bird species like the Hawaiian honeycreeper. The waters around Hawaii are home to numerous marine life forms, including humpback whales.

Environmental Challenges

Hawaii faces several environmental issues:

• Invasive Species : Non-native plants and animals threaten the survival of native species.
• Climate Change : Rising sea levels and increased storm intensity pose risks to Hawaii’s ecosystems and communities.
• Pollution : Land-based pollution, including plastic waste, can harm marine environments and the broader ecosystem.

How To Be An Eco-Friendly Tourist

As a visitor, you can help preserve Hawaii’s unique environment:

• Respect Wildlife : Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, especially endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal.
• Leave No Trace : Follow the “leave no trace” principles – take only photographs, leave only footprints.
• Minimize Plastic Usage : Use a refillable water bottle, bring your own shopping bags, and refuse single-use plastic whenever possible.
• Stay on Marked Trails : When hiking, always stay on marked trails to avoid damaging sensitive habitats.
• Choose Eco-friendly Tour Operators : Support businesses that practice sustainable tourism.

Hawaii’s Environment

Gain a deeper understanding of the unique ecosystems that make these islands a true paradise on Earth.

Climate Zones of Hawaii: An Island for Every Season

Hawaii’s Sea Level Rise Vulnerability

The Science Behind Hawaii’s Spectacular Sunsets

Hawaii’s Butterfly Species: Colorful Island Inhabitants

The Science of Hawaii’s Bioluminescent Marine Life

Impact of Climate Change on Hawaiian Coral Reefs

How Hawaii Deals with Invasive Plants

Rock Types of Hawaii: From Basalt to Coral Sand

Exploring the Diverse Ecosystems of Hawaii

The Impact of Tourism on Hawaii: The Balance of Economy and Ecology

Hawaii’s Unique Creepy Crawlies: Insects of the Islands

The Impact of Climate Change on Hawaii

While Hawaii is generally a safe destination, being mindful of health and safety precautions can help ensure a worry-free vacation. From respecting the ocean to protecting yourself from the sun, here’s what you need to know.

Health Precautions

Maintaining your health during your vacation is essential:

• Travel Insurance : Consider obtaining travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
• Stay Hydrated : Hawaii’s warm climate, especially when coupled with physical activity, can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Dengue Fever and Zika Virus : While rare, these diseases can be present in Hawaii. Use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and pants when possible.

Ocean Safety

Respect for the ocean is a key part of Hawaiian culture and an essential aspect of safety:

• Rip Currents : Be aware of the possibility of rip currents, especially on beaches without lifeguards.
• Marine Life : Keep a safe distance from marine life, including coral reefs. It’s illegal to touch or harass sea turtles and monk seals.
• Surfing and Water Sports : If you’re new to surfing or other water sports, consider taking a lesson from a certified instructor

Sun Protection

Hawaii’s tropical location means strong sun exposure:

• Sunscreen : Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days.
• Cover Up : Wear a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, and seek shade during the sun’s peak intensity (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Drink Water : Stay hydrated to help prevent heat-related illnesses.

Emergency Contacts

In case of emergency, here are some important contacts:

• Emergency Services : For police, fire, or medical emergencies, dial 911.
• Coast Guard: If you’re on the water and need help, call the U.S. Coast Guard at (800) 323-7233.
• Poison Center : If you need information about poisons, or in case of poisoning, call the Poison Center at (800) 222-1222.

Sustainable travel in Hawaii is all about minimizing our impact on the islands’ delicate ecosystems and contributing positively to local communities. It means traveling with sensitivity, responsibility, and respect.

Respect For Nature

Hawaii’s natural beauty is its greatest asset, and it’s our responsibility to protect it:

• Stay on the Path : Always stick to marked trails while hiking to avoid disturbing local flora and fauna.
• Leave No Trace: Never leave trash behind. Pack out everything you pack in.
• Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals and never feed them.
• Don’t Disturb the Land : Do not take sand, rocks, or any natural materials from the beaches or parks.

Eco-Friendly Practices

Make your trip greener with these practices:

• Use Public Transportation:  Minimize your carbon footprint by using public transport or shared ride services.
• Reuse and Recycle:  Refuse single-use items, bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bag, and recycle whenever possible.
• Choose Sustainable Accommodation : Support hotels and resorts that prioritize sustainability and give back to the local community.
• Support Local : Choose local businesses and restaurants to support the local economy.

Volunteering Opportunities

Give back to Hawaii during your visit:

• Beach Cleanups : Participate in organized beach cleanups to help protect marine life.
• Forest Restoration : Join local organizations in their efforts to restore native forests.
• Voluntourism : Consider vacation options that incorporate volunteering with local nonprofits or community groups.

Exploring Hawaii offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. From its mesmerizing landscapes, warm tropical climate, diverse activities, to its mouthwatering cuisine, the Hawaiian islands truly offer something for everyone.

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Your Ticket to Hawaii: the Best Guide Books to Bring on Your Trip

There are an endless amount of activities and adventures to be had when you visit Hawaii. This island chain may be one of the most remote and isolated locations in the world, but it’s also packed full of unique attractions and unreal natural beauty. It’s a top destination for travelers across the globe thanks to world-class beaches, amazing surf, and active volcanoes. 

But with so much to see, it’s hard to know how to best spend your time here. That’s why many people turn to a guide book for quick advice on the best beaches, activities, and attractions in Hawaii. High numbers of visitors coming to the major islands every year mean that there are many different guides out there as well.

Let’s take a look at some of the best guide books out there to help you plan your trip and make the most of a magical stay.

How to Use a Guide Book

Just as there is no one way to travel, there is no one way to use a guide book. With that in mind, I would suggest using any of the books you’ll find here as just that – a guide. While they can provide you with some great information and point you in the right direction, the real magic to any trip is when you allow some adventures to develop on their own. 

And Hawaii is certainly full of magic. Put the top attractions and activities you want to see or do while you visit on your itinerary, but be sure to leave some time open just to get out and explore. Ask locals their favorite locations. Learn about the history and culture of the islands. Be more than just a tourist. Step outside of your comfort zone and really get a feel for the place. You’ll be happy you did. 

Best Overall Hawaii Guide Books

These guide books all cover a lot of ground and explore each of the major Hawaiian islands. Any of these will make a good travel companion and are packed full of tips and suggestions to help you enjoy your time here. 

The Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook

If you only bring one thing to the Big Island THIS is what you want to bring along. This one book made our first vacation 10 times better. When we created this site to help bring the treasures of the Island to the web, this book was the benchmark. If it’s on the island its in the book. It has the authors’ personality and obviously is their opinion but we found most of their assessments were spot on. Some of the other books below are nice add ons but this has to be the first book you start with in your guidebooks. We know you’ll thank us later.

Lonely Planet Hawaii

Lonely Planet is one of the best-known names in the guide book game for good reason – they always put out quality information that will lead you to unique and memorable destinations all across the world. This guide book is focused on all things Hawaii and is recommended because it takes both a budget and luxury approach to travel here. 

The book features many full-color detailed maps, sample itineraries for each island, and reviews of hotels, restaurants, and a whole lot more. If you only read one guide book before or during your trip to Hawaii, this would be the one. It also provides a good background on the islands’ history and culture, which is essential to understand before coming here. 

Fodor’s Essential Hawaii

This is another excellent guide book for your Hawaiian adventures. A nice feature about this book is that locals wrote a large portion of the content. That means you’ll get genuine insight from the people that live here, not just a summary of other traveler’s experiences. This comes in useful when you want to venture off the beaten path or discover some of the best food or experiences away from the resort crowd. 

It’s also packed full of beautiful photos, over 40 maps, and sample itineraries. You’ll also get a crash course in some Hawaiian phrases to use that can help you show thanks and respect to the locals you meet during your stay. Fodor provides you with another in-depth resource that will give you more than enough to explore throughout this book’s 592 pages. 

Frommer’s Hawaii 2020

This is another option from one of the big names in travel publishing. Frommer’s Hawaii 2020 is a recent edition with plenty of quality information to keep you busy on your trip. It covers a wide range of attractions and activities, from the best beaches and hikes to some fine dining and world-class lodging across all of the major islands. This one is a bit more adventure-oriented with tips for exploring the jungles, oceans, beaches, and forests.

Another highlight of Hawaii 2020 is a section on money-saving tips. This can be useful for any traveler to Hawaii whether you are trying to camp or staying at a 5-star resort. Many maps and itineraries are scattered across the book, and though it lacks in the historical department a bit compared to the other options above, it’s still a useful resource. 

Best Hawaiian Island Specific Guide Books

If you have the chance to visit multiple islands during your trip to Hawaii, consider yourself lucky. If you only have time for a single island, don’t fret, you’re still in for a fantastic experience, and these island-specific guide books can help you out. 

Fodor’s Big Island of Hawaii

The island of Hawaii is also known as The Big Island. It’s by far the largest of the islands and has a smaller population than Oahu or Maui. Fodor’s guide gives you an inside look at all the great activities that can found here. From watching a volcanic eruption at the summit of Mauna Kea to the Kohala Coast’s iconic beaches and everything in between, this book will have you covered. 

We mentioned it before. It is THE must-have book if you come to the island. Don’t forget this book

Lonely Planet Honolulu Waikiki & O’ahu

O’ahu is the most populated Hawaiian island and is well known for its vibrant nightlife and legendary surf. But there are plenty of other attractions and sights to see across the island as well and this Lonely Planet guide will walk you through some of the best attractions from the city to the sea. You’ll get trusted travel advice, high-quality maps, and reviews of some of the most popular lodging and dining locations. 

The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed 

Kauai is the least populated and oldest island. It has some rugged terrain and hard to access beaches, making it a top destination for active travelers looking for adventure. This guide will give you access to those adventures and much, much more. It’s an accurate insider’s look at majestic Kauai and all of its inherent beauty. It’s one of the least visited major islands, so use the guide book to your advantage if you find yourself here. 

Best Hawaii History Books

I’m going to include a few good books here to serve as a guide to the unique history and culture of the Hawaiian islands. Learning about Hawaii before visiting is thoroughly recommended to provide you with essential background and increased respect. 

Captive Paradise: A History of Hawaii

This is a great look into the history of Hawaii and its current culture. James L. Haley paints a vivid picture of these islands and how they have changed over the years. From the rule of King Kamehameha I to the controversial annexation of Hawaii into the United States, this book is well-written and informative. It’s a highly recommended read for any visitor wishing to understand these islands and their people better. 

Hawaii: A Novel

This a book that is intimidating in size but enlightening in scope. It’s an epic look at the history of Hawaii, as told by James Michener. The book reads like a novel but paints an accurate historical picture of the first settlers of Hawaii with their beliefs and tribulations fueling a journey into unknown seas under unknown stars. It follows this history into more modern times, and even though this was written in 1959, it still holds up strong. 

If you take the time to read a few of these books before your trip to Hawaii, you’ll be better informed and be able to take full advantage of everything the land and sea here have to offer. Be sure to bring at least one of the above along with you as well – a good guidebook is essential reading for every island adventure.  

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Best Hawaii Travel Guide Books: Planning a trip to Hawaii :: itinerary for hawaii

So you’ve got Hawaii on your mind!

And you’re almost certain that you’re headed to Hawaii for your next vacation… or thinking pretty hard about it!

So in addition to all the free information available online, which Hawaii travel guidebooks may be worth getting?

Here is the quick list of travel guides to help plan your trip to Hawaii for the best vacation ever:

• Free travel guides from the Hawaii tourism department
• Guide to choosing the best Hawaiian island for you
• Possibly the best selling Hawaii travel guidebooks

Hawaii travel guidebooks with PDF

what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling

Free travel guides from Hawaii tourism department

Among the best resources for planning your trip to Hawaii just might be the state tourism department!

Although here’s a good spot to find the best short hikes on Oahu. 😉

The Hawaii tourism department of course wants you to visit their state, and they’ll give you plenty of goods reasons to do so!

They have a number of travel guides available that are free. One for each of the islands. The travel guides for the main islands are magazine-style. (That’s for Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.) For the smaller islands, it’s a smaller brochure. (That’s for Molokai and Lanai.) For the magazine-style travel guides, this means you can expect gorgeous blown up images that will make you dream of Hawaii even more!

You can order the free guides here.

This link will prompt you to download an electronic version of the Hawaii travel guide as a pdf. At the bottom, you can also order your free printed copy of the Hawaii travel guide by mail too. It might take a few weeks to arrive.

If that link doesn’t take you to the right place, try a search on the official Hawaii tourism department’s website .

Best selling Hawaii travel guidebooks

One of the most popular series of Hawaii guidebooks for each of the main Hawaiian islands is this series of guidebooks .

The books in the Hawaii Revealed series give you a lot of information about your chosen island, and you’ll be given loads of ideas of things to do to stay active in Hawaii.

One of the negatives about this series is that you may find recommendations for trespassing in order to get to certain places. It may be best to not follow this kind of advice, or if you do so, do so at your own risk! Hawaii does have a lot of areas that are deemed off limits but seem to be frequently visited by locals, and even some tourists. Use your best judgement, and always respect the land and the people.

That said, it’s very possible that you can have the best Hawaii vacation ever with a Hawaii Revealed book! These guidebooks often receive high praise from visitors.

Read the reviews of the Hawaii Revealed series.

The Hawaii “Revealed” series includes the following islands:

• Big Island (Hawaii Island)

Now, one of the things about guidebooks is that they can be bulky.

What if you want a Hawaii guide, but you don’t want the weight or space required in your carry-on bag that goes with it?

There’s an e-book for that! 😉

There’s a good chance that you’ve heard of the Lonely Planet series of travel guidebooks. Lonely Planet is known for providing high quality and useful information for travelers planning trip to destinations around the world. And they also have some Hawaii travel guides too.

In addition to the print version, these all come with the option of getting the book as a pdf:

• Honolulu, Waikiki, Oahu

There is also the Discover Hawaii Travel Guide if you’ll be visiting more than one island, or you’re still deciding which Hawaiian island to visit. This doesn’t come with a pdf option though.

See all Lonely Planet travel destinations here.

Things to do on Oahu: Kailua Beach

HAPPY TRIP PLANNING WITH YOUR HAWAII GUIDEBOOK!

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I went to Hawaii for the first time. My trip would've been better if I'd known these 5 things before I left.

• I visited Hawaii for the first time, and there are things I wish I'd known before the trip. 
• Figuring out that there's more than one Leonard's Bakery on Oahu would've saved me some stress.
• I also wish I'd known how easy it would be to get around the island — I could've explored even more.

Well over 1 million people have already visited the Hawaiian Islands this year, and I was lucky enough to be one of them.

I went on a nine-day trip to Oahu that included a stay at Disney's Aulani Resort in Ko Olina.

Because this was my first time visiting Hawaii, I tried to do as much research as possible before my trip. But after arriving, I still wished I'd known a few things.

I thought it would be much harder to get around the island.

Before leaving for Oahu, I'd heard from friends and read on social-media groups that getting around could be difficult. My fears of sitting in traffic for the whole week set in before I even stepped foot off the plane.

In reality, my family and I never got stuck in gridlocked traffic over our six days on the island.

A hotel worker we met said no matter what part of the island you were on, the big secret was to head out after 9 a.m. and try to make your way back either before 3 p.m. or after 6 p.m.

My family and I followed this rule every day of our trip and never had much traffic to deal with while we traveled from Ko Olina to Pearl Harbor and Ko Olina to the North Shore.

We also found the drivers to be much more courteous than we're used to back in Florida. No one weaved in and out of the cars around us.

The kind of sunscreen you pack matters.

My packing list for Hawaii was long, but one of the most important items was sunscreen. Hawaii is close to the equator, so the UV rays are even stronger on the islands.

But I wished I'd known more about the islands' rules around reef-safe sunscreen before I started packing.

Hawaii passed a law banning the sale of sunscreens with the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate that went into effect in 2021. And some counties allow only mineral-based sunscreens.

I ended up using Sun Bum sunscreen throughout my stay, and now that I know more, I'll continue to use it in Florida to help protect coral reefs.

I wish I'd known there's more than one Leonard’s Bakery on the island.

One of the most talked about spots on Oahu is Leonard's Bakery , known for its Portuguese-style doughnuts named malasadas.

The main store is near Honolulu, which was about a 40-minute drive from where we were staying. I'd pretty much accepted that we'd have to budget a few hours one day to try the sugary treats.

But once we landed on Oahu, we noticed a Leonard's Bakery food truck — lovingly named Malasadamobiles — about 10 minutes from the resort.

The truck dished out hot malasadas to order, but it didn't offer the main bakery's extended menu. That was the only real trade-off for us, but it was worth it to save on driving time.

The weather can change depending on what side of the island you’re on.

The weather can be drastically different around Oahu. For instance, when my family left Ko Olina on the western side of the island to drive to the North Shore, the sun was out, and it was very warm.

About an hour into our drive, we passed by Kualoa Ranch (a filming location for "Jurassic Park"), and it was suddenly cooler and cloudy.

Once we got to the North Shore, the sun was back out, and we were able to enjoy our day of beach hopping.

Learning a few key Hawaiian phrases goes a long way with locals.

Knowing some key sayings and phrases in a native language goes a long way with locals, no matter where you're traveling. I knew some basic Hawaiian words — such as "aloha" (hello) and "mahalo" (thank you) — but I wish I'd learned a few more.

While I was there, one new phrase I learned that came in handy was "a hui hou," which means "until we meet again."

We stayed in some spots for a few days, so it was nice to say that to the people we'd connected with on our way out.

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The Ultimate Kauai Travel Guide: Plan Your Best Trip

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For adventure seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, and beach bums, Kauai is the island to explore.

From the Grand Canyon of the Pacific to hiking remote valleys to sunset cruises along the Na Pali Coast, you will not regret a trip to the Garden Isle.

You’ll find everything you need to know about planning your trip to Kauai here.

Take a shortcut with these helpful planning resources: – Check out the  best times to visit Kauai – Pick  what part of the island  is the best fit for your group – You won’t have to worry about what you’re forgetting with our Packing List – We’ve got you covered with 35 Best Things to Do on Kauai

Want to hop around? Use our handy table of contents below to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the kauai itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Kauai.

Kauai Travel Guide: The Facts

• Kauai’s Mt. Wai’ale’ale is the wettest spot on Earth, averaging 450 inches of rain per year.
• With a coastline of 111-miles, Kauai has more accessible beaches than any other island.
• Over 90% of the land on Kauai is used for Conservation and Agriculture and 70% of the island is inaccessible by foot.
• Chickens run wild on Kauai after Hurricane Iniki destroyed many of the chicken coops. You will get an early start in the morning as the roosters may wake you up.

• Kauai Coffee is the largest coffee plantation in the United States
• You cannot drive around the island. The Na Pali Cliffs and Waimea Canyon make it nearly impossible to build a road to connect west Kauai with the North Shore.
• Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Once rising more than 10,000 feet above sea level, Olokele Volcano has since eroded down to two main peaks — Waiʻaleʻale (5,148 feet) and Kawaikini (5,243 feet).

Kauai Travel Guide: Geography

Kauai, the Garden Isle, is Hawaii’s fourth-largest island. Like all of the Hawaiian islands, there are two sides: a leeward side and a windward side. The leeward side of the island is drier and the windward side is wetter. 

The island is divided into four main regions: the East Side (including Lihue), the West Side, the North Shore, and the South Shore. 

Also known as the Coconut Coast, the east side is home to groves of coconut trees (hence the name), and is the most populated area of the island. Sights here include the town of Kapa’a, the Wailua River, and ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls. If you’re looking for slightly cheaper accommodations, you’ll find some better value hotel deals on the east side.

There’s plenty to keep you busy in Kapa’a and around Lihue !

The west side feels like you’re miles away from everyone else on Kauai. Gone are the big resorts and traffic. Instead, you have dry landscape, very small towns like Hanapepe and Waimea, and some must-see sights. The most popular attractions here are Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park.

North Shore

Escape to the beauty of the north shore. This is truly an experience. The jagged cliffs, lush landscape, and beautiful beaches are dramatically breathtaking. Summer here is ideal and the charming town of Hanalei is bustling. Winter brings significantly more rain and large waves.

Two towns you’ll hear mentioned often on the North Shore are Hanalei and Princeville. Princeville is located on a bluff overlooking Hanalei Bay, but you’ll need to drive across Hanalei bridge to reach the town.

When you’re planning your trip, be sure to check out our list of the best things to do in Hanalei.

South Shore

Picture perfect beaches and the best resorts are located on the sunny south shore. You’ll find famous Poipu Beach here as well as historic Koloa Town. And don’t forget Spouting Horn and the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail. 

This is a great place to stay, especially in the winter months, if you’re hoping for a beach vacation where you can walk from your accommodations to a swimmable beach. In Poipu, there are also plenty of restaurants to enjoy, lots of places to snorkel, and activities galore. It might not be as green and as lush as the north shore, but it has more mild weather year-round.

Check out our favorite things to do in Poipu to help plan your trip.

What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Kauai?

While you may be visiting from a place that has four seasons each year, in Hawaii there are just two: summer (kau) and winter (hooilo). Summer runs from May to October and winter lasts from November to April. 

As with all the Hawaiian islands, the lowest prices, best weather, and smallest crowds are during the shoulder seasons of September to mid-November and March to May. But one thing to note is that Kauai has warm weather year-round but it does get significantly more rain than the other islands.

You can check out the average rainfall by month and average temperature by month for Hanalei (north shore) and Poipu (south shore). It’s easy to see that Hanalei consistently gets more rain than Poipu all year and is a bit cooler as well.

If you are planning to visit outside of the summer months, staying on the North Shore will mean a lot more rain and rough ocean conditions. If you decide to visit Kauai outside of the summer months, you might want to plan your stay on the South Shore for your best chance of sunny skies and calmer ocean conditions. 

We dive into this more and help you pick the best time to visit Kauai .

Our favorite month to visit Kauai is September. It checks all the boxes for the cheapest time to go, great weather, and it’s less crowded. 

If you can’t get away during the school season, then late May and June are good times to go during the busy season.

And if you’re curious about ocean temperatures and conditions, we have good news. The ocean temperature is always between 75 to 80 degrees, year-round. That means you can swim comfortably in January and in June.

But aside from temperature, consider waves. During the summer months, you can usually find calm water in many places around the island. The exception is if there is a storm (or remnants of a storm) passing by or if the island is getting a south swell. 

In the winter, north swells can bring choppy water and large waves to the north and east sides of the island, while Poipu and the south shore stay a bit calmer. 

This site from the Hawaii Department of Health gives a great overview of when you typically see swells in what areas of the island. 

Kauai Travel Guide: Getting to Kauai

There is one main airport on the island, Lihue Airport (LIH) , which welcomes overseas and inter-island flights. Located on the south-east side of the island, it’s approximately 50 minutes from Princeville on the North Shore, 25 minutes from Poipu on the South Shore, and 10 minutes from the Royal Coconut Coast resort area on the east side. 

Planning on island hopping while here? Read our full guide on inter-island travel . Or if you’re arriving by cruise ship, we have everything you need in our Cruise Travel Guide !

Renting a Car and Getting Around Kauai

Should you rent a car on Kauai? Most likely, yes. While Kauai does have a bus system and has uber and taxis, renting a car makes traveling around on your vacation easier. 

Our favorite tip for anyone visiting Hawaii is to book with Discount Hawaii Car Rental . When we travel inter-island or we have friends in town, we use them 95% of the time. They offer the most competitive rates, they work with national agencies, you don’t have to pre-book, and you can cancel at any time. We also have some great local companies listed on our rental car recommendations page. 

For the most part, the roads on Kauai are well paved and easy to navigate with any type of car — no 4-wheel drive required! Though if you want to rent a jeep…it really is fun. 

Lihue Airport (LIH) is located in the capital city of Li’hue. In a centralized location, it is easy to hop in a rental car and head south to Poipu (25-minute drive) or north to Princeville and Hanalei Bay (45-minute drive).

Kauai Travel Guide: Where to Stay on Kauai

Think of Kauai as a compass when considering where to stay:

The most popular resort areas are Poipu (south shore) and Princeville (north shore). They have the best beaches and activities nearby. 

For the best year-round weather, look to Poipu and the South Shore as these beaches stay relatively calm during the winter months while the North Shore gets the big surf. 

There is so much more to consider so take a deep dive before you book your accommodations:

Related Articles:

• Where to Stay on Kauai
• Princeville vs Poipu: Finding the Best Place to Stay on Kauai

If you’re searching for the perfect hotel or vacation rental, we have you covered. Our Where to Stay database is where we post reviews of our favorite resorts on the island. You can search by price or type and we’re adding to it every week!

Some of our favorites that we love to highlight are:

• Kiahuna Plantation Resort: condos right on Kiahuna Beach — a gorgeous spot!
• Koloa Landing resort : our favorite hotel on the south shore
• Poipu Kapili: great gardens and just a short walk to the beach
• Waipouli Beach Resort : our pick for the east side

Should you stay in a hotel or vacation rental on Kauai?

Go for a hotel if you’re looking for the traditional resort experience with big pools, nearby beaches, and restaurants within walking distance. Opt for a vacation rental if you want access to a kitchen, are looking for space, or are looking to save money. 

We routinely stay in both. We’ll book a vacation rental for the majority of our stay so we have access to a kitchen and a little more space for the kids. Then we’ll treat ourselves to a great resort for a few days to enjoy the pool and other amenities. This has been a winning combo for us recently. 

If you’re still not sure what you want to do, we break down the difference between choosing a hotel and a vacation rental in Hawaii .  

What part of Kauai should you stay on?

Most visitors to Kauai plan to stay in one of three areas: Princeville (on the North Shore), Poipu (on the South Shore), or the Royal Coconut Coast (on the East side). Where you decide to stay will depend on the time of year, the vibe you’re going for, and your budget. 

We help you make sense of this big decision with our full where to Stay on Kauai guide . 

If you’re coming with kids, check out of list of the best family friendly resorts on Kauai . And if you’re coming to Kauai for your honeymoon, don’t miss our favorite honeymoon resorts . 

How Many Days Should You Spend on Kauai?

How much time do you have? Kauai isn’t a large island but there is a lot to do and see so deciding how long to stay can be a challenge. 

According to Hawaii Tourism Authority data, visitors spend an average of 8 days on the island. Ideally, spending at least a week on Kauai will give you time to balance relaxation with adventure. If you’re island-hopping while in Hawaii, you might feel comfortable visiting Kauai for a few less days but make sure you prioritize your time to see all that you want to (we help you do that in the sections below!).

Read more about why we think a week on Kauai is a good idea . And don’t miss our Hawaii packing list as you’re getting ready to go.

Honestly, there is so much to do on Kauai, check out our list of the top things to do on Kauai before you decide how long you want to stay.

The Best Beaches and Snorkeling Spots on Kauai

When you are heading to Kauai, you’re in for a treat. The island has plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from, including our favorites: 

• Ke’e Beach: Yes, heading to this beach requires a lot of advanced planning (in the form of a reservation ), but it’s worth it. This is our favorite beach on Kauai for summer swimming thanks to the crystal clear water and the stunning cliffs as a backdrop. The start of the famous Kalalau trail departs from here, but you’ll also need another permit to access that hiking trail.
• Poipu Beach: This south shore beach has been named one of the best in America, and we don’t disagree. Golden sand crescents make this a beautiful spot for beachgoers and snorkelers. Plus, with plenty of parking, heading here is enjoyable.
• Makua (Tunnels) Beach: This beach is stunning, especially in the summer. It’s also a very popular snorkeling spot. But parking here is very limited. Your best bet is to arrive early and park at Ha’ena Beach and make the walk to Tunnels. Ha’ena Beach has a larger parking lot, lifeguards, and showers.

We have a few resources to help you pick the best beach on Kauai.

• The 10 Best Beaches on Kauai: stunning spots you don’t want to miss!
• The 9 Best Beaches on Kauai for Swimming
• The 7 Best Beaches on Kauai in the Winter
• Top Kauai Snorkeling Spots
• Our 7 Favorite Kid-Friendly Kauai Beaches

And if snorkeling is high on your to-do list, check out our five favorite snorkeling spots on Kauai and our favorite snorkeling tours on Kauai . 

Remember that while the beaches in Hawaii are beautiful, they are not without risk. Currents, dangerous shore break, and changing ocean conditions make swimming in any ocean dangerous. Practice beach safety by swimming on beaches with lifeguards, obeying lifeguard flags, and when in doubt, don’t go out. This website has more excellent information to help keep you safe. 

Things to do on Kauai

There’s no shortage of fun to be had on Kauai. Explore our 35 Best Things to Do on Kauai for ideas to plan your trip. But, to help you get started making your list, these are some highlights that you won’t want to miss:

• See the Napali Coast: This stunning coastline is inaccessible by car. Want to catch a view of it? You can only get there by foot, by air, or by boat. We love boat rides along the Napali Coast. Check out our pick for the best Napali Coast Boat Tours .
• Waimea Canyon: The Grand Canyon of the Pacific makes for a fantastic day trip. Take a view, enjoy the views, and don’t forget to keep driving up the road to Koke’e State Park. On a clear day you can get a stunning Napali Coast view.  
• Ha’ena State Park: Whether you’re coming for hiking or the beach, this state park offers it all. While you do need reservations to get in, it’s worth the effort and is high on our list of can’t miss experiences.
• Poipu Beach: two crescent-shaped beaches come together to welcome sea turtles at sunset. We recommend going during the day as there is snorkeling , surf lessons , and 20 more things to do in Poipu .

Don’t forget to eat well while you’re there! You can check out our five favorite spots for shave ice as well as our favorite Kauai food trucks . 

Want help seeing how to fit all of the best sights into your vacation? Our Kauai itinerary was created just for that. The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. With the download, you’ll get five carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t-miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

The Best Tours & Activities on Kauai

While we embrace DIY travel, there’s something to be said for a great tour when you’re in Hawaii. Not only are you supporting a local business, but you’re getting time with a guide who truly knows the island. Whether they’re teaching you the history of the islands during a canoe tour or they’re educating you on marine life during a snorkeling trip, a good tour experience can stick with you for years. 

• Napali Coast Snorkel with Holo Holo Charters : Take in the beautiful Napali Coast and snorkel off the coast of the forbidden island, Niihau on this snorkeling day tour. 
• Mountain Tubing Adventure : Head into the backcountry with this very popular tour, tubing down a former irrigation system. 
• Wailua River Kayak Tour : Enjoy kayaking and a hike up the Wailua River to a waterfall. 

We’ve done the hard work for you by finding the best of the best tours on the island. Here’s a sampling of our favorites to get started, but don’t forget to check out our full list . 

Popular Kauai Videos

Get to know Kauai and see some of our best recommendations with our popular Kauai videos.

Or, explore our full library of videos on Hawaii .

Full Library of Kauai Articles

Want to binge-read everything we’ve written on visiting Kauai? Pour yourself a Mai Tai and browse all Kauai articles here .

The Kauai Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Kauai, we’ve got you covered. Our island itineraries help you navigate the planning process and make your trip smooth once you’re on-island.

Thousands of customers have loved them, whether they were planning for a trip that was a year away or a trip that was a day away.

We hope you have an amazing trip!

~Jordan & Erica

Love our Kauai Travel Guide? Pin it and follow us for more!

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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Vote for your favorite helicopter tour!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Whether it’s the majestic layers of the Grand Canyon, flashing neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip, or beautiful rainforests and beaches of Hawaii, top destinations across the United States often look even better from the air. An expert panel has nominated these 20 companies for offering the best helicopter tours in the Untied States. Which helicopter tour company would you most like to take flight with? Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, May 27 at noon ET. The 10 winners will be announced on Wednesday, June 5. Read the official  Readers' Choice rules . 

Whether it’s the majestic layers of the Grand Canyon, flashing neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip, or beautiful rainforests and beaches of Hawaii, top destinations across the United States often look even better from the...   Read More

Best Helicopter Tour Nominees

Photo courtesy of Thomas Doering / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Air Kauai Helicopter Tours

Lihue, Hawaii

With doors on or doors off, Air Kauai Helicopter Tours offers unobstructed 180-degree views of some of the most scenic spots in Kauai. Even better, pilots provide a wealth of information on Kauai's landscape, geology, and history.

Photo courtesy of 1001Love / E+ Getty Images

Alaska Helicopter Tours

Anchorage, Alaska

Alaska Helicopter Tours offers breathtaking aerial views of glaciers, wildlife, and the mountainous terrain of "The Last Frontier." You'll see some of Alaska's remote areas, untouchable by other forms of transportation, as well as learn more about Alaska's rich culture and history from pilots/guides who possess great knowledge of the area.

Photo courtesy of christiannafzger / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Alaska Shore Excursions

Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty that is Alaska's mountainous and glacial terrain with Alaska Shore Excursions. They'll chart an unforgettable adventure for you in your choice of Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and several other locations across the state. You can even pair a helicopter tour with a dog-sledding adventure.

Photo courtesy of Atomic Helicopters - Guest photographer

Atomic Helicopters

Seattle, Washington

With tours highlighting the spectacular beauty of King County, Atomic Helicopters offers some of the finest Seattle skyline views in all the city. While a classic city tour is perfect for getting an incredible view of the Space Needle, nature lovers should be sure to book a flight along the Cascade Mountains.

Photo courtesy of BHH

Black Hills Helicopters

Keystone, South Dakota

Passengers aboard a Black Hills Helicopters flight get to see two of the world’s largest sculptures — Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse — from a new perspective. These flights also show off the unique geology of South Dakota’s Black Hills.

Photo courtesy of Charm Aviation

Charm Aviation

New York City, New York

See New York City’s iconic landmarks from the air in one of Charm’s helicopters. Enjoy a romantic flight for two or take the entire family to appreciate this experience of the city from the best possible vantage point.

Photo courtesy of zoranm // Getty Images

Chattanooga Helicopter Tours

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga Helicopter Tours has been offering top-tier skyline viewing since February 2021. For a quick jaunt above the city, a Downtown Tour is the perfect choice, but for a more in-depth overview of the surrounding Appalachian beauty, be sure to book the Lookout Mountain Tour.

Photo courtesy of SWKrullImaging // Getty Images

Colorado Vertical

Canon City, Colorado

Colorado Vertical provides helicopter tours for the Royal Gorge and Pikes Peak regions in Colorado. Experience Bighorn Sheep Canyon, Cripple Creek, and more from the air. Guests will enjoy incredible views of three mountain ranges from flights of 9,500 or 11,000 feet above sea level.

Photo courtesy of Fly Key West Helicopters

Fly-KeyWest Helicopter Tours

Key West, Florida

With numerous flights ranging from 10 to 60 minutes, Fly-KeyWest Helicopter Tours offers guests the most exciting way to experience this famous Florida city and its environs. View the city’s most well-known and historical landmarks and get a bird’s-eye view of sea life and sunken boats. Or take a relaxing flight over backcountry lands and see dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays in their natural habitat. For a romantic experience for two, book the scenic sunset flight, complete with complimentary champagne. 

Photo courtesy of Guidance Air

Guidance Air

Sedona, Arizona

Among the most popular outdoor activities in Sedona is a helicopter flight above the magnificent red rock formations. Guidance Air offers scenic flights to natural landmarks like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte, as well as special tours to the Grand Canyon.

Photo courtesy of Starcevic // Getty Images

Helicopter Tour Boston

Norwood, Massachusetts

For a truly impressive perspective on the Bay State coastline, a flight with Helicopter Tour Boston is tough to beat. Whether you opt for a sunset tour, a cruise along the Harbor Islands, or a thrilling doors-off adventure, you’re in for a truly memorable experience along the eastern edge of New England.

Photo courtesy of Island Helicopters Kauai

Island Helicopters Kauai

There are few things more scenic than seeing the world from a helicopter, and the splendor of Kauai provides an ideal backdrop. Experienced pilots with Island Helicopters share facts about Kauai as you enjoy a bird's-eye view of lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, coastlines, and famous landmarks.

Photo courtesy of 400tmax / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Magnum Helicopters

Honolulu, Hawaii

Magnum Helicopters offers doors-off tours over the island of Oahu. Every seat has an excellent view, and every passenger enjoys two-way communication with the pilot. From the air, you’ll be able to spot downtown Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and Kaawa Valley.

Photo courtesy of Andrea Izzotti / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours

Kauai, Oahu, and Big Island

Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours shows off the Hawaiian Islands with scenic flights over Kauai (Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast), Oahu (Waikiki and the famous North Shore), and the Big Island (active volcanoes and cascading waterfalls).

Photo courtesy of Maverick Helicopters

Maverick Helicopters

Multiple locations

Maverick Helicopters operates in Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Hawaii, offering a wide range of experiences. See the sparkling lights of the Strip or Mother Nature’s masterpiece at the Grand Canyon, or hover above the Hana Rainforest of Maui.

Photo courtesy of Isaac Brekken

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

Las Vegas, Nevada

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours has been flying visitors to the Grand Canyon since 1965. The fleet includes oversized windows for better views, and the company enjoys access to exclusive landing sites on Hualapai and Navajo Nation lands.

Photo courtesy of DrMaestro / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours

Niagara Falls, New York

If experiencing Niagara Falls and the Horseshoe Falls from the sky is on your bucket list, look no further than Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours. This memorable journey sits you above one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and touts itself as a "limousine to the sky."

Photo courtesy of helivideo / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Safari Helicopters

Big Island and Kauai

Catch stunning aerial views of some of the most awe-inspiring spots on Kauai or the Big Island with Safari Helicopters. With state-of-the-art helicopters and well-trained pilots, the company prides itself on exceptional customer service and creating unforgettable memories while flying above the canyons, waterfalls, and volcanoes of Hawaii.  

Photo courtesy of Wirestock / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Temsco Helicopters

Temsco Helicopters provides helicopter tours of Alaska from Juneau, Skagway, and Denali. Guests can enjoy the beauty of remote waterfalls and glaciers from the air, then land and experience guided glacier walks and dog sledding. 

Photo courtesy of Vertical Ventures Aviation

Vertical Ventures Aviation

Whitefield, New Hampshire

The staggering natural beauty of the Granite State is on full display with Vertical Ventures Aviation, an aerial tour company that showcases some of New England's most stunning mountain ranges. On a one-hour Spectacular Tour, guests can bask in the splendor of Franconia Notch, while the half-hour Executive Tour is perfect for gaining some new perspective on New Hampshire's iconic White Mountains.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Chez chesak.

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She...   Read More

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for   Insider,   Fodor's Travel ,   Yahoo ,  the Huffington Post , the  Washington Post,   Viator  and  Reviewed  among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer.    Jamie can be reached at  [email protected]  and can be found on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok .

Marla Cimini

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is:  www.marlacimini.com  

Melanie Reffes

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Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

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Rob Taylor is the author of  The Road Trip Survival Guide  (being released May 25, 2021) and  the founder of 2TravelDads , the original LGBT Family Travel blog. Focusing on ecotourism and education, 2TravelDads inspires LGBT families (and traditional families also) to go beyond their usual getaways and use travel to learn about and be part of a bigger world. 2TravelDads blazes the way for other two-dad and two-mom families to travel to previously overlooked destinations or places we as gay people would normally avoid. We share the struggles we've faced and the surprising gems and welcomes we've had along the way. Traveling as a family is one thing, traveling as an LGBT family is completely something else.

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Who are the Chase transfer partners? Everything to know

Ultimate Rewards points are the currency of most Chase-branded credit cards. You can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points for everyday spending and then redeem them for a wide range of rewards.

Despite increasing competition from American Express Membership Rewards points , Citi ThankYou Rewards points and Capital One miles , Chase Ultimate Rewards points have maintained their place as one of the most valuable and useful points currencies — especially with valuable products like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card .

Transferring Ultimate Rewards to travel partners is often the most valuable way to redeem your hard-earned points. With 14 different transfer partners, you have plenty of options, since you can keep your Chase points in your Ultimate Rewards account until you can transfer them.

Related: The best Chase credit cards

Here is everything to know about Chase Ultimate Rewards' transfer partners.

What are the Chase transfer partners?

You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to 11 airline programs:

• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• British Airways Executive Club
• Emirates Skywards
• Iberia Plus
• JetBlue TrueBlue
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
• United Airlines MileagePlus
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Chase also partners with three hotel programs:

• IHG One Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy
• World of Hyatt

All transfer ratios are 1:1 (though there are occasional transfer bonuses ), and you must transfer points in 1,000-point increments.

How long do Ultimate Rewards transfers take?

Most transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to its partner programs are instantaneous , with two exceptions. In our testing, transfers to both Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Marriott Bonvoy can take up to two business days.

We've heard anecdotal stories of delays with other programs, but as long as the name on your Ultimate Rewards account matches that on your loyalty program account, these should process immediately.

Note that transfer bonuses can also be inconsistent. For example, when TPG's Nick Ewen recently transferred points to Aeroplan to take advantage of a 20% bonus, the base points arrived immediately, but it took three days for the bonus points to post.

How do I transfer Chase points to partners?

You can easily transfer Chase points online. First, log in to your Chase account and navigate to the Ultimate Rewards portal. Under the Travel drop-down, select "Transfer to Travel Partners" to access the main transfer page.

You will then see the list of transfer partners. Any current transfer bonuses will also be shown (note that the screen shot below may show outdated offers). Select your desired transfer partner, link your external account if you have not already done so, select the number of Ultimate Rewards points you wish to transfer and then submit the transfer.

Remember, Ultimate Rewards transfers cannot be reversed, so it's best to wait until you have a specific use before transferring them.

What are the best Chase transfer partners?

Given the low award chart rates of the World of Hyatt program, many TPG staffers believe Hyatt is the best hotel transfer option for Ultimate Rewards points.

If you would prefer to transfer to one of the 11 different airline program partners, the best option may depend on which airlines fly to and from the destinations you wish to travel, who the program partners with and which airlines you like to travel with.

There are sweet spots to be found in most airline transfer options, especially those programs that have retained award charts .

Here are some of our favorite Ultimate Rewards sweet spots .

Top-tier Hyatt hotels

The World of Hyatt award chart has two appealing factors. First, its mere existence is notable, given most other hotel programs (including IHG One Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, the other Chase hotel partners) have shifted to dynamic pricing .

Beyond that, Hyatt award rates can be incredibly low compared to some competitors. You can book some of the fanciest Park Hyatt properties in the entire portfolio, including the Park Hyatt New York and Park Hyatt Sydney , for just 35,000 points per night during off-peak dates. TPG values Hyatt points at 1.7 cents each, so 35,000 points are worth $595.

That's a great deal for hotels that sell for close to $1,000 per night, even when demand is low.

There's also great value at the lower end of the Hyatt award chart. Category 1 hotels range from 3,500 to 6,500 points per night, depending on whether you travel on peak, standard or off-peak dates.

Iberia flights to Madrid

Round-trip, off-peak flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Spain's capital will only set you back 34,000 Avios in economy, 51,000 in premium economy or 68,000 in business when you transfer your Chase points to Iberia Plus. Considering that most airlines charge at least 60,000 miles for a one-way business-class award to Europe, you're essentially getting a 50% discount.

Related: 7 of the best airline award chart sweet spots

Flights to Hawaii with Alaska and American

By transferring your Ultimate Rewards to British Airways, you can book awards with Oneworld partners American Airlines and Alaska Airlines . As long as your nonstop flight distance is under 3,000 miles each way (and saver-level award space is available), you can leverage British Airways' distance-based award chart to fly from any West Coast gateway to Hawaii for only 32,000 Avios round-trip — after a December 2023 devaluation that saw prices increase by up to 32%.

ANA flights booked through Virgin Atlantic

For just 145,000 miles, you can fly round-trip in All Nippon Airways first class between the West Coast and Tokyo. Flights from other U.S. gateways only cost an extra 25,000 miles (170,000 miles round-trip). Business-class redemptions are an even better deal, costing just 90,000-95,000 miles round-trip, depending on your U.S. departure airport. If possible, you'll want to route through New York-JFK and fly ANA's new industry-leading "The Room" business class , which is only available on select routes.

However, availability can be difficult to come by.

Short-haul flights to Canada

Aeroplan stuck to an award chart for partner redemptions but added dynamic pricing for Air Canada flights. As a result, you can often find super-cheap short-haul tickets from the U.S. to Canada. For example, New York to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) can be booked for under 6,000 miles one-way on many dates.

However, you can also find very reasonable award rates on Star Alliance partners through Aeroplan — including Lufthansa, Swiss and EVA Airways.

Related: Your complete guide to Star Alliance benefits

What are Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth?

TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents apiece in our monthly valuations, and we believe you will receive the best value by transferring the points to partners.

However, you'll get varying values for Chase points if you pursue other redemption opportunities. For example, Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1.5 cents apiece through the Chase travel portal for Sapphire Reserve cardholders or 1.25 cents for those with the Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred . You'll also have access to Chase Pay Yourself Back as a cardholder of any of the above cards, and there are occasionally offers to use Chase points for Apple products or gift cards at an enhanced value.

Finally, Chase points are worth 1 cent apiece if used for simple cash back.

How do I earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points?

There are many ways to earn Chase points at 1-10 points per dollar spent, depending on the specific Chase credit card you carry.

The first three cards below earn fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points by themselves, while the remaining four are technically billed as cash-back credit cards .

However, if you have an Ultimate Rewards-earning card, you can effectively convert your cash-back rewards into Ultimate Rewards points. For this reason, having more than one Chase card can make sense to maximize your earning and redeeming potential.

Here are the cards that allow you to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Welcome bonus: 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: This is a fantastic all-around travel credit card . It earns points at the following rates:

• 5 points per dollar on Lyft (through March 2025)
• 5 points per dollar on all travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
• 3 points per dollar on select streaming services
• 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
• 2 points per dollar on all other travel
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

The Sapphire Preferred has no foreign transaction fees and has many travel perks , including delayed baggage insurance, trip interruption/cancellation insurance and primary car rental insurance .

Annual fee: $95

Application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Welcome bonus: 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: The Sapphire Reserve offers earning power paired with travel perks that can easily cover the annual fee. It earns points at the following rates:

• 10 points per dollar on Lyft (through March 2025)
• 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining booked through Ultimate Rewards
• 10 points per dollar on hotel and car rental purchases through the Chase Travel
• 5 points per dollar on airline travel booked through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar on travel not booked through Chase
• 3 points per dollar on other dining purchases
• 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Other perks include an easy-to-use $300 annual travel credit , a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100 once every four years) and Priority Pass Select lounge access as well as the growing list of new Sapphire lounges . This is one of the few cards that allow you to use your Priority Pass membership for discounted meals in airport restaurants . Cardholders also get primary car rental coverage , trip interruption/cancellation insurance and other protections .

Annual fee: $550

Application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Welcome bonus: 100,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: This is one of the best credit cards for small-business owners , earning 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, advertising made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. You earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, and points don't expire as long as your account is open.

Application link: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Cash-back Chase credit cards

Four Chase credit cards are technically billed as cash-back products. However, suppose you have one of the three cards noted above. In that case, you can combine your points in a single account, converting these cash-back rewards into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.

Even better? None of these cards charge an annual fee.

Here are the four cards that offer this functionality:

• Chase Freedom Flex : Earn $200 after you spend $500 in the first three months of account opening. Earn 5% back on select bonus categories, which rotate every quarter and apply on up to $1,500 in combined spending (activation required). Plus, earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel , 3% on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and 3% on drugstore purchases.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited : Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year), worth up to $300 cash back. Plus, earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel , 3% on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and 3% on drugstore purchases. Earn 1.5% on all other purchases.
• Ink Business Cash Credit Card : Earn up to $750: $350 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year (then 1%). Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year (then 1%).
• Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card : Earn $750 cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash-back rewards on every purchase.

Note that Chase also issues the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card . However, the earnings on this card can't be combined with others in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem.

Read more: Your guide to the Chase Ink Business credit cards

Bottom line

If you value the flexibility of choosing from 11 airline partners and three hotel partners, Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of our favorite credit card programs at TPG.

In the age of no-notice devaluations by some loyalty programs, it is smart to earn Ultimate Rewards via the range of credit card welcome bonuses, category bonuses and everyday spending, and then keep your Ultimate Rewards points until you are ready to transfer and book with an airline or hotel partner.