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Hawaii Travel Guide

Hawaii travel advice, things to do, accommodations, tours, and activities, aloha - e komo mai, welcome to hawaiiguide.

Hawaii is a land of great  diversity , beauty, and many contradictions. The permeating spirit of Aloha , the rich culture of the people, and the sacred and historical traditions passed down for generations continue to define these isolated islands. Mother Nature pulled out all the stops when forming this incredible place. 

From lush rainforests to barren deserts , Hawaii is as eclectic a place as you'll ever visit. A favorite getaway for people worldwide, Hawai'i has become famous for its miles of beaches , erupting volcanoes , lush rainforests , exquisite food , and exotic flora and fauna .

— article continued below —

Makua ‘Tunnels’ Beach on the North Shore of Kauai

At HawaiiGuide.com , we understand that planning a trip to Hawaii can seem a bit overwhelming. From which island to visit , when to travel , what tours and activities to try, what to pack , where to visit, and what to expect once you get there- it can all make your head spin!

That's why we've assembled this website and organized it accordingly; to help make your Hawaiian vacation seamless - from start to finish . If you're just getting started, we recommend you begin your journey here .

Explore the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai | Oahu | Molokai | Lanai | Maui | Big Island

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Hawaii-Guide.com (HawaiiGuide.com) was developed by John & Victoria Derrick, two certified Hawaii destination experts , to provide Hawaii visitors with everything they’ll need to create the perfect Hawaii trip. Each year, we currently help as many as  15 million travelers  with planning their ideal Hawaii trip(s). Since 2002, our Hawaii website has assisted tens of millions of additional visitors in the process of planning and booking the Hawaiian vacation of their dreams. For 20 years now, this website, and our team have been dedicated to being the  one-stop resource for all things Hawaii . We'd genuinely love to be your virtual guide to the islands of Hawaii; Plan, Book, Pack, and Go with Hawaii Guide! Now, more than ever, we believe in the promotion of  responsible travel and sustainable/regenerative tourism . Be a pono traveler and malama Hawaii !

Kilauea Eruption on the Big Island

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Our products are designed to help you make the most of your time in Hawaii - from the most popular attractions and activities to the hidden gems. With our products, you can plan the perfect vacation, from which beaches to visit to which restaurants to try. We offer most of our Hawaii Visitor Planners in two formats, digital (for on-the-go use) and print (a physical hard copy). Our travel guides & planners are produced by John and Victoria Derrick, two certified Hawaii Destination Experts.

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Makalawena Beach on the West Coast of the Big Island

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In our Hawaii blog, we'll cover everything from the best places to visit, to the most exciting festivals and events, to the most interesting attractions and landmarks. We'll also provide updates on major news stories or developments so that you can stay informed on the go.

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Hawaii sights, beaches, hikes, and more....

Plumeria - Hawaii's most popular lei flower

EXPLORE HAWAII

Which island & when to visit.

What is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?

When is the best time of year to travel to hawaii.

Ultimately, in our honest opinion - there isn't an inopportune time to go to Hawaii. Visiting Hawaii is a dream come true for many visitors, and who can blame them? The weather is  fantastic  nearly year-round, there's  something to do  for  everyone , and the food is  phenomenal  (try laulau, trust us!).

In this article, we'll tackle a number of important topics to help you decide when to visit, including monthly Hawaii Hotel & Airline Rates, the Best Time for FAQ (Whalewatching, Hiking, Getting Married, etc.), Weather through the year, and we even have a quiz to help select your top four months!

Best time to visit?

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Which Hawaii Island should you visit?

Take our quiz to find the best hawaiian island for you....

Like many visitors to Hawaii, you're probably wondering  which Hawaii island to visit  and thinking about which one would be best for you and your travel party. Unlike many destinations, Hawaii is not really one destination - but six unique, eclectic, and diverse island destinations that all happen to be within the same state.

The islands are very diverse, and each one has its own unique offerings, making choosing an island rather difficult, especially for first-time visitors. And once you've started visiting the islands, coming back to a different island can often feel like a totally different place with a whole new set of experiences, sights, and attractions. Like us, we’re sure you’ll soon have a personal favorite. But until you know from experience, take our handy ' Which Island to visit Quiz ' to determine your best match.

Which Island?

Endemic Iiwi - Native Hawaiian Honeycreeper

Nene - Hawaiian State Goose

Brazilian Cardinal on the Big Island of Hawaii

Moa - Red Jungle Fowl (a.k.a. Kauai Chicken)

Things To Do On Each Island

Maui - The Valley Island

Travel guide to maui.

Maui has been a favorite tourist destination for decades because it represents the quintessential tropical getaway . With its beautiful coastal views, eclectic volcanoes, wildlife sanctuaries nearby, and a vast majority of the island left wild and free from rampant development; there are countless things to do in Maui that will leave you authentically charmed!

With its resorts along the coastline, picturesque beaches, majestic palm trees, and rich agriculture, it's no wonder that people from all over the world flock to this verdant island to get a taste of what Hawaii is really all about.

Maui is the second-largest landmass in the Hawaiian island chain, at approximately 727 square miles, and the second-most visited island in Hawaii. In our opinion, it makes for a great choice for those who are first-time visitors.

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Maui Attractions »

Oahu - The Gathering Place

Travel guide to oahu.

Known as the "Gathering Place," Oahu is Hawaii's most populous island; and many believe it the perfect representation of paradise. Oahu is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and the world-famous Waikiki Beach. These areas host thousands of tourists daily. To say Oahu is brimming with amazing things to see and points of interest is a massive understatement. Nearly anywhere you go on Oahu, you're bound to find something fascinating.

Oahu is the third-largest island in the state of Hawaii, but it is definitely ranked first in population. Nearly a million people share Oahu's 600 square miles of mountains and beaches - that's a full three-quarters of the state's population.  Oahu is also the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands.

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Oahu Attractions »

Kauai - The Garden Island

Travel guide to kauai.

Kauai is an island full of splendor, raw beauty, and culture; an island that, like no other, represents the true spirit of aloha. The island really is a true hidden gem of sorts . Over 90% of the island cannot be reached by road. In fact, the most beautiful part of the whole island, the majestic Na Pali Coastline, has no road near it - and most Kauai lovers like it that way. The island, arguably we'll admit, also boasts more coastline filled with amazing beaches than any other island in the chain. If you love verdant scenery, enjoy hiking, and are looking for a more rural Hawaiian vibe, this is the island for you!

Kaua'i is the oldest of all the main Hawaiian Islands, dating back some 5.1 million years. The island is nearly circular in shape with a land area encompassing 533 square miles. Kauai is both the fourth-largest island in the Hawaiian chain and is the fourth most visited island in Hawaii.

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Kauai Attractions »

Hawaii - The Big Island

Travel guide to hawaii island.

The Big Island of Hawaii seems determined to break the norm; the stereotype of the average tropical island, that is. Here you'll find the ongoing battle between green forests, black lava fields, the ocean, and the rain almost incomprehensible; the  diversity  is simply stunning . On the Big Island, it's always best to expect the unexpected. Even the beaches don't follow the rules here. It's almost easier to find a black sand beach than a white one, and if you're adventurous enough, you can even sink your toes into one of the world's few green sand beaches.

The Big Island of Hawaii is the third most popular Hawaiian island among visitors and is, of course, the largest island in the state. The landmass of the Big Island is approximately the same size as the state of Connecticut, about 4,050 sq. miles, and still growing regularly thanks to Kilauea Volcano on the eastern coast of the island.

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Big I Attractions »

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Honopu Valley - West Kauai

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HawaiiGuide ('Hawaii-Guide') offers personalized Hawaii travel advice and vacation tips on the top attractions and things to see and do within the Hawaiian islands. HawaiiGuide features all of the best attractions in Hawaii — plus you can explore our handpicked Hawaii tours, activities, and accommodations - each vetted by our team of Hawaii experts.

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HAWAII TRAVEL RESOURCES

Information for all hawaii visitors, visiting hawaii, upcoming months of travel.

We think it is safe to say that any month of the year you will not be disappointed when you visit the Hawaiian islands. Here's an overview of what to expect in the coming months. Not sure when to visit? Read about the  Best Month to Visit , where we present an overview of each month OR take the quiz on our Best Time to Visit Hawaii page.

Near Kalalau Lookout on Kauai

Explore each Hawaiian Island

Explore the spectacular Hawaiian Islands, each a unique paradise waiting to be explored. From the emerald valleys of Kaua'i to the sun-kissed beaches of Maui, from the dramatic landscapes of the Big Island to the iconic waves of Oahu, each island offers its distinctive allure. The beauty of Hawaii is as diverse as it is profound. Uncover the secrets of these enchanting isles - their vibrant culture, breathtaking nature, rich history, and so much more.

Gecko - common on all the main Hawaiian Islands

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Pride of Maui Local Travel Blog

Your guide to the best things to do on your vacation in Maui and Hawaii

Top 30 Best Videos About Maui

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Best Maui Whale Watching | Incredible Footage

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Throughout planet earth, the Island of Maui is recognized as the most beautiful island in the world. Daily, visitors and residents can appreciate the raw natural beauty of the Valley Isle, discover adventure, relax, and absorb the gorgeous energy of the Hawaiian Islands.

Enjoy this carefully curated selection of Maui videos… A Hui Hou !

All who lay foot on Maui are surely blessed. For videographers, Maui is a dream come true that offers inspiration and creativity to unfold with a backdrop that supersedes all! From whale watching to hiking, exploring beaches, and enjoying ocean activities, Maui is a paradise for travelers.

WARNING: The following Maui videos are intended for all audiences. Side effects may include a strong desire to book the next available plane ticket to Maui.

One of the most popular activities to enjoy on the Valley Isle is whale watching. The North Pacific humpback whales visit Maui’s waters every year for their annual winter migration.

If you want to watch one of the most inspiring and emotion-inducing Maui whale watching videos, here you go! There’s nothing compared to a Maui whale watching tour, and journeying on the Pride of Maui catamaran to see these majestic creatures is all you’ll ever hope for and more.

In this video, you’ll see the God-like North Pacific humpback whales in their natural West Maui habitat during their annual migration to Maui’s waters (roughly November to late-March). Watch them frolic, and gracefully swim through Maui’s oceans with their dolphin counterparts. Listen to their whale song and see these glorious prehistoric mammals glide through the ocean, demonstrating the whale behavior that they’re known for; blowing, tail slaps, breaching, fluke-up dives, pectoral slaps, spy hopping, and more.

Video by Pride of Maui

Pride of Maui Whale Watching Tour

More than exciting.

Imagine what it would be like to travel through Maui in a VW Westfalia Van. With three friends and three hammocks, the video tells the story of their eight-day journey with epic footage of the Valley Isle. Climbing coconut trees and slicing a pineapple with a machete is a bonus!

See Maui’s oceans, breathtaking coastlines, and lesser-known beaches. Watch them travel the Road to Hana towards East Maui locales, and take a break to skateboard Hana’s winding roads for part of the way. They longboard in West Maui and hike through the Haleakala Crater. We especially love their underwater footage as they snorkel and swim with Maui’s tropical fish and the incredible Hawaiian green sea turtles.

There’s a super sweet vibe to this video, and even more enchanting with the low-key track they chose to accompany the film.

Video by Beacon Media Group

Watch what three days of exploring looks like on Maui in 4K. The edits to this video are so cool, and the videographer truly captures the gorgeous little details of Maui’s natural elements; Hawaii flora and fauna, land to sea.

Friends adventure through Maui with coastline and jungle hikes, snorkeling, waterfall adventures, deep-sea diving, cliff jumping, spear-fishing, relaxing, and taking in Maui’s beautiful nature along the way. See a skin-crawling Maui garden spider, hear wild parrots, and enjoy watching Maui’s turtles swimming through the ocean.

By Justin Kauffman

Here’s some very cool, and very rare Jaws-Peahi drone footage! The entire film takes an aerial perspective, allowing viewers to almost feel like a bird soaring above Peahi’s mammoth-sized waves.

We love the vibrant colors of Maui’s North Shore coastline, and how they are highlighted by crashing waves and rainbow reflections throughout the short film.

The imagery is powerful, full of grace, and decorated by a fantastic track selection by Odesza & R YX. Watch world-renowned big wave surfers appear like tiny little ants in the vast waters of Peahi. See tow footage, wipeouts, and successful rides.

Surfers featured in this film include Albee Layer, Coconut Willy Hunt, D.K. Walsh, Francisco Porcella, Kai Barger, Kai Lenny, Mark Healey, Shane Dorian, Tyler Larronde, and Yuri Solidade.

Video by Karim Iliya

‘Maui: The Valley Isle’ is such a beautifully captured video! Videographer Eve Meighen has branded this video as a “Vegetarian’s Journey” of Maui. We’re not taking a stand on people’s dietary choices, but just sayin’, this Maui video exudes a serious Maui-likeness with the true sense of calm that you’ll feel when on island. From the scenes captured to the tone of the music, this video is spot on for experiencing quintessential Maui moments.

Here, you will see some of Maui’s most popular sites and in-the-know locales as if you are on a meditative pilgrimage. Maui is known as No Ka Oi (the best) for so many incredible reasons that are not easily put into words. It’s something that you just have to experience for yourself. This video does the island a well-deserved justice in just 3-minutes.

From South Maui’s Makena Beach to Hana Highway, Haleakala Crater, serene waterfalls, and snorkeling at Honolua Bay , this is a truly inspiring video of the Island of Maui.

Video by Eve Meighen

With some incredible Maui footage, videographer Amir Zakeri captures the glorious scenery of a handful of the most beloved and beautiful sights on Maui.

Shots include scenes from Makena’s “Big” Beach, the Haleakala Crater, Iao Valley, Wai’anapanapa State Park, and so much more. This video is just one more awesome reminder that Maui island life is like waking up in a postcard every day!

Video by Amir Zakeri

Whether you’re researching Maui’s many ocean activities or jonesing to explore more, this video about the Top 15 Maui Activities is perfect!

When on Maui, residents, and visitors can explore Maui’s beautiful coastlines and its underwater world on a daily basis. See what it’s like to snorkel at Molokini Crater, watch SNUBA and surfing, sailing, outrigger canoeing, and marvel in the beauty that’s witnessed when booking a Maui whale watching tour .

All types of ocean adventure can be experienced on Maui! Learn more about the unique activities that can be enjoyed on all corners of Maui; North Shore, South Maui, West Maui, East Maui, and beyond.

Learn what travel ‘feels’ like on Maui when a videographer adventures to the Valley Isle for his 30th birthday!

Throughout this awesome video, you’ll see a visitor’s approach to Maui’s unique insider’s perspective. With a well-executed edit, watch a step-by-step approach to what happens after you book a trip to Maui. From packing luggage to cruising through an airport, the videographer arrives on Maui just in time to enjoy a magical Maui sunset, and the vacation commences!

See Maui’s beautiful coastline, adventure down the Road to Hana, find waterfalls and enjoy gorgeous aerial videography at its best. Here is a video that truly captures the feel of discovery and Maui’s natural elements.

By Matti Haapoja

With over 34k views, this Maui drone video is obviously amazing! Drone Maui in 4K is a Jordon Nagasaki film, and HI FOCUSED produced the Maui aerial cinematography.

Without a doubt, all viewers will be almost moved to tears by the beauty of this Maui film. For those that live in Maui, expect your heartstrings to be pulled. For those headed to Maui on vacation and those that consider Maui to be a home away from home, you will love this video!

See Maui’s incredible scenery, watch live action with surfers at Jaws-Peahi, explore coastlines, and the vast Pacific Ocean. We also adore the North Pacific humpback whale footage!

Video by HI FOCUSED

When on Maui, visitors will quickly learn that there are a ton of fun activities and things to explore! How will you decide how to spend your vacation days on Maui?

With so many cool activities and adventures to find, this video highlights Maui’s Top 50 Activities. From ocean activities to hiking, rainy day activities, and golfing , there’s no lack of things to do.

Here’s a great Maui video for all to enjoy! Whether you’re visiting Maui with kids, celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary, here’s the best and biggest selection of activities to do on Maui captured on film.

By Pride of Maui

In the ancient Hawaiian language, ‘Haleakala’ translates to ‘House of the Sun.’ Throughout the Hawaiian Islands, Maui’s Mt. Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano.

At a towering 10,023 feet, this Maui landmark is one of the best places in the world to witness a sunrise or sunset thanks to its awesome summit above the clouds. With a dramatic and desert-like landscape, visitors will literally be on top of the clouds!

By capturing over 5,000 images from four separate cameras, videographer Dan Douglas created a jaw-dropping account of what you can expect from a Maui sunrise or sunset atop Mt. Haleakala.

Make sure to add this to your bucket list, and mark it off on your next trip to Maui! Visitors are now required to book a reservation before venturing to a Maui sunrise at Mt. Haleakala. Reserve your spot here: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/253731

Video by Dan Douglas

If you’re seeking the very best Molokini snorkel tour , look no further than this video! Visitors travel from all around the world to witness the magic and natural wonder of snorkeling at Molokini Crater.

Molokini is one of three volcanic islets of its type in the world! Within the crater, snorkelers of all levels can explore Maui’s reefs with an abundance of tropical fish, marine life, and rare coral species.

Located off the coast of South Maui, this crescent-shaped snorkel destination is world-renowned. Only reached by boat, do your due diligence to book a Molokini Snorkel Tour prior to arriving on Maui. Molokini snorkel tours are available in the morning and early afternoon.

Molokini Crater

Discover Amazing Undersea Life

This epic Maui video was created by Captain Dave Anderson, a Maui videographer with over 20+ years of experience in leading ocean tours. This powerful Humpback Whale video offers some truly stunning aerial footage of a mother, baby, and male escort seen swimming off the coast of Maui. The footage is a truly gorgeous account of the bond between a mother and her calf, and since being posted in February of 2014, it has over 14-million views. Wow!

As a special note, Anderson states, “Attention any would-be whale videographers: please only attempt this if you are extremely familiar with whale behavior, as it is illegal to do anything that causes the whales to change their normal behavior with big fines – and the authorities do watch YouTube. Different areas have different laws on approaching whales. I am a whale watch captain with nearly 20 years of experience. All laws were obeyed by us during filming. In Maui, we sat watching whales from a distance for hours before they moved closer to us. You can never approach them closer than 100 yards. The Mom and calf, as you can see in the film, were completely undisturbed by the small drone. NOAA is currently reviewing drones and may create laws or guidelines for using them around whales.”

Video by Captain Dave Anderson

Here is a sweet Maui video created by a visitor that spent a week on Maui with his family! The videographer is honest and shares his unique adventures and Maui travel suggestions with his viewers. We love how he starts the video off by apologizing for his not-so-great pronunciations of Hawaiian words; a moment that instantly shows his appreciation for Hawaiian culture and his time spent exploring Maui.

Throughout the video, you can see what it’s like to travel the Road to Hana, explore freshwater swimming holes, and travel with a birds-eye perspective on a Maui helicopter tour.

In less than 10-minutes, the videographer expresses a pretty good grip on how to travel to Maui and maximize on your vacation. Without a doubt, he has some great ideas!

On the Valley Isle, ziplining has become one of the most popular activities to enjoy! See what it’s like to zip through the air like a flying fox with Skyline Eco-Adventures.

Explore Maui’s incredible scenery with a bird’s eye view, and feel like you are on top of the world! In this video, you’ll watch a brief overview of a zipline tour on Haleakala with all steps that lead to flight.

No matter what Maui zipline tour company you choose, you, your family, and friends are sure to have an adventurous time!

Video by Skyline Eco Adventures

Hosted by Kalani Prince, it’s difficult not to love watching this dude cruise around the Island of Maui. With totally radical graphics, beautiful scenes, great tunes, and local vibes, you’ll be booking a ticket to paradise in no time.

In just under 5-minutes, Kalani does an overview of the best beaches, attractions, and activities to do in Maui. Along with Mr. Prince, you’ll experience a mini-tour of Makena’s Big Beach and Little Beach, stop for some yummy tacos at Coconuts Fish Cafe, explore a cool hiking trail, look for humpback whales, and even find a mermaid! He continues on by cruising to secret Maui beaches, scuba diving, looking for honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), and exploring the island on a Maui helicopter tour.

Video by Kalani Prince

Although these stunts are not suggested for amateur cliff divers, definitely enjoy this thrill-seeking Maui video!

With that said, these guys display some serious acrobatic skills in their cliff jumps. This Maui video features some pretty epic jumps (even some double gainers) into various freshwater pools in Hana and East Maui. So strap yourself in and enjoy this visual ride. Maui No Ka Oi!

Video by Maui Cliff Diver

One thing is for certain, Makena ’s Big Beach is incredibly beautiful, and offers tons of room for Maui beach-goers!

Commonly considered one of the most incredible beaches in Maui (and most photographed), Makena’s Big Beach offers great swimming, vast stretches of sand, bodyboarding, skimboarding, and shore fishing for all visitors and residents.

Locals and tourists alike flock here for some much needed beach therapy on a daily basis. Makena’s Big Beach is also known for some powerful rogue waves, so make sure to never turn your back on the ocean here.

Surely, Big Beach is a great place to chill in the warm Maui sunshine. Here, you’ll enjoy epic coastline views, and the relaxing sounds of Maui’s waves reaching the South Maui shoreline.

Video by Alohilohi Media – Video Productions

This aerial view of the Maui to Molokai stand-up paddle race is amazing! Considered by some as the ‘little brother’ of the Molokai to Oahu race, paddlers can experience some of the longest and most arduous bumps in the world.

From race start to the journey, experience what Maui County’s big blue ocean is like when battling for a paddling title. Here’s something you don’t get to see every day!

It would be a crime not to mention Connor Baxter, an athlete that’s becoming synonymous with the race as a unique highlight. Enjoy the view!

Video by EPIC Aerial Productions

This fantastic 11-minute Maui video shows the uploader’s honeymoon with some stunning visuals!

Enjoy watching as he highlights attractions and activities at Wai’anapanapa Park’s Black Sand Beach, Waimoku Falls, Pipiwai Trail (Road To Hana), and more. Prepare to be wowed, and see what’s it’s like to enjoy an adventurous Maui honeymoon in style.

We love his edits, and we love the soundtrack! This film is playful, and certainly captures Maui’s innate nature through adventure, exploration, and a lot of good times!

Video by Matic Karpe

Originally hailing from Brazil, Marcilio Browne is a professional windsurfer that lives on Maui. This video shows his 2018 professional windsurfing season captured on film.

Not everyone knows this, but Maui’s North Shore is a world-renowned windsurfing destination . Every year, windsurfers from around the globe travel to Maui for the winter season. Some even decide to make Maui their full-time home!

Check out what this Maui adventure sport looks like in real-time!

By Marcilio Browne

This is a wonderful Maui travel guide video! If you’re considering a trip to the Valley Isle, learn some great information and insight about popular sightseeing and fantastic highlights of Maui activities .

One thing is for certain; all will revel in the beauty of Maui’s natural wonders in this super informative ‘6 Days in 6 Minutes’ Maui video.

Eat, explore, snorkel, drive, beach hop, and find adventure throughout the Island of Maui. We also love the upbeat tunes they chose to accompany this film!

Please note: We do not suggest that you ignore Maui’s warning signs on beaches and hiking trails! Safety signage is posted for good reasons on the Island of Maui. Find adventure and explore to your heart’s desire, but you should always make safety the #1 priority

Video by Claire McAdams Photography

Maui is famously known as the most beautiful island in the world! With that, visitors and residents can enjoy luxury on the daily! Whether you’ll explore Maui’s luxurious attributes at a 5-star resort or world-renowned golf courses, opulence is easily found. Without a doubt, one of the most luxurious things to do in Maui is to book a Maui sunset cruise .

Visitors can book Maui private charters, enjoy helicopter tours, relax at the spa, and find private chef services on Maui. Enjoy Maui’s luxurious landscape, take in the sweet island vibes, and find your home away from home while enjoying vacation life on Maui.

Filmed by Brad Scott during a Pride of Maui snorkel tour to Turtle Town, this amazing GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition footage provides an up-close and personal look at one of Maui’s most beloved underwater species, the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin .

These friendly and beautiful animals are always a welcome sight on any Pride of Maui tour, and we’re grateful to Brad for catching them in action on a beautiful Maui day.

On your next Maui snorkel tour or Maui whale watching tour with Pride of Maui, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Hawaii’s spinner dolphins! They’re commonly seen alongside the North Pacific humpback whales during the Winter season, and they make the common appearance of skipping alongside our catamaran during a Maui snorkel tour.

While skipping, spinning, and swimming through Maui’s oceans, all will marvel in the beauty of Maui’s dolphin marine life!

Video by Brad Scott Fitness

Hawaiian Paddle Sports offers us this wonderfully shot tour of what the outrigger canoe experience is all about. “You can kayak anywhere in the world, but what sets Maui apart and Hawaii apart from the rest of the tropical areas is the culture…”

Here, you’re invited to snorkel, swim, and marvel at the beauty of Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles in their natural environment. Enjoy Maui to its fullest, pay your respect to Hawaiian culture, and try out a Hawaiian outrigger canoe experience on your next visit to Maui.

Video by Hawaiian Paddle Sports LLC

Enjoy this awesome and casual Maui Road to Hana video by Shay Mitchell.

Follow Shay and her friends as they learn to explore Maui as the locals do; jump into Seven Sacred Pools , lose your car keys, have more fun adventures, get a tan, and hit up some of the Road to Hana’s most amazing locations.

This Maui video is a great way to learn about how much fun your next trip to Maui will be with a vlogging style, and lots of good times to be had.

Video by Shay Mitchell

Shot by Th3venture, see what five days well-spent looks like on Maui!

First of all, we absolutely love how this film opens up with footage that shows Maui’s underwater ocean and coastline views with a snorkeler’s perspective.

The soundtrack is upbeat and club-like, and the underwater footage is surreal and colorful. Sightsee through Maui, explore the Road to Hana, and be prepared to be inspired to book some flights to Maui!

Video by Th3venture

Do you want to see a flawless, clear movie-quality video of Twin Falls? Yes, of course, you do! East Maui’s Twin Falls is the first group of waterfalls in a string of pools and waterfalls on the Road To Hana . It’s easily one of the most underrated spots in Maui guidebooks, and it’s worth a stop.

If you’re planning a visit to Twin Falls, make sure that safety is your #1 priority. Exploring Maui’s waterfalls and natural swimming pools is undoubtedly an experience of a lifetime, but please remain on the marked trails, and heed all warning signage. Never adventure to Maui’s waterfalls on rainy days, and be cautious of flash flooding at all times. Rocks are slippery, so be sure to bring some water shoes, and never hike to waterfalls alone.

Pro-tip (Not shown in video): Make sure to check out the farm stand at Twin Falls! They offer fresh fruit, smoothies, ice-cold coconuts, and home-made baked goods. The banana bread and coconut candy should not be missed!

Check out this awesome aerial tour of Waihee Valley aboard a Blue Hawaiian Helicopter tour .

Fly through the mesmerizing Waihee Valley en route to the “Wall of Tears.” Have you ever seen anything else quite as lush and natural?

The Valley Isle is known as the best place in the world to take a helicopter tour. Whether you live on Maui or are here visiting during a Maui honeymoon, you will not want to miss out on this incredible opportunity.

Video by David Chevalier

With the final video to nicely round out our list, we are given a unique and ‘epic’ look into the marine life compiled from several Maui shore dives.

The colors and movements of the diverse underwater species are truly beautiful. Make sure to watch this Maui video more than once; you’ll surely see things you may have missed.

From Hawaiian green sea turtles to colorful marine life, fantastic reef formations, and the most incredible shades of ocean blue, you’ll be inspired by this Maui scuba diving video.

Video by PrimoMedia

What are your favorite Maui videos?

Mahalo for reading and viewing our 30 Best Maui Videos blog post!

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We are local Maui guide experts and Hawaii enthusiasts who love to share the Aloha spirit and our favorite things to do on Maui.

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If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii in 2024, you’re in for a treat. With sparkling waters, stunning sand beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, and more, Hawaii is an amazing vacation destination. After living in Hawaii for five years (and now making multiple trips back per year), we learned a thing or two about planning the perfect vacation.

Here are the best tips that you need to know to help you have an amazing trip, whether it’s your first time or your 50th:

Jump to some of our most helpful resources: – We’ll help you pick which island is right for you – Learn about the best time to visit Hawaii – Head over to our Where to Stay directory to find the perfect resort or vacation rental – Get all the details on the cost of a Hawaii Vacation for a family and the cost for two

Planning a Trip to Hawaii: What to know before your trip

1. can you visit maui in 2024.

The short answer is: Yes, you can visit Maui in 2024 and the island is welcoming visitors.

After the devastating Lahaina fire in August of 2023, many people cancelled their trips. Travel to the area was discouraged as the community, government, and nonprofits worked to stabilize the area.

While Lahaina is a culturally significant area and was a vibrant community, travel to the town is closed for the foreseeable future as it’s being rebuilt. However, the remainder of Maui is open and welcoming visitors. The other areas of the island were not damaged by the fire in Lahaina.

You can read more on our Maui Fire Update page .

2. What island should you visit?

The first and most important step in planning a trip to Hawaii is to pick the island or islands you want to visit. While the islands do share similarities, there are enough differences that it’s important to spend time deciding which island is right for you.

This video we made will help you pick the perfect island for your trip. But if you’re short on time, and can’t watch it just yet we have  a quick quiz to help you narrow down your options .

Head to Oahu if : you enjoy the nightlife, great food, and a cosmopolitan vacation. It’s also the  best island in Hawaii for hiking .

Fly to Maui if : beaches, snorkeling , and great resorts are your thing.  It’s also the best Hawaiian island for snorkeling .

Pack your bags for the Big Island if : volcanoes, adventure, and swimming with manta rays is on your bucket list.

Kick your feet up in Kauai if : you love jagged cliffs, lush landscapes, food trucks , and a quieter, slower pace.

If multiple islands are calling your name, our island hopping guide will help you plan. You may also want to consider opting for a cruise, we have you covered there, too!

3. What’s the best time of year to visit Hawaii?

There is truly no bad time to visit Hawaii, but there are some factors that make certain times of the year more optimal than others. When we think of the best time to visit Hawaii (or the worst ) we like to break down when to visit based on the best weather, the best cost, and the fewest crowds.

In general, we think that the best time to visit any Hawaiian island is during the shoulder season: September/October and April/May. 

Here’s how we came to that decision:

Hawaii is located in the tropics, which means that you will have warm weather year-round. But there are definitely months of higher rainfall. And if you want to have the best chance of avoiding rain on your trip, you shouldn’t visit during those months.

The chart below breaks down the average rainfall by month for each island. Note, rain varies on different sides of each island — we are showing average rainfall for one popular visitor destination on each island.

A trip to Hawaii is expensive. And coming during a peak time, like between Christmas and New Year, can make your trip even more expensive. If you want your travel dollars to go further and get better deals on accommodations and flights, the best time to visit is during May, September, October, and November. During these months you’ll find better deals on hotel rooms and vacation rental stays. Our full cost breakdown for a family of four to Oahu helps explain the costs.

If you want to know how we budget, book, and reduce the cost of our travel, check out our article on booking a trip to Hawaii .

Avoiding the crowds can mean the difference between getting on the boat tour that you’re excited about or staying on shore. Or finding parking at the beach that you want to visit.

Just like most vacation destinations, Hawaii has very clear busy periods and slower periods. The  Hawaii Tourism Authority does a great job of tracking visitor  arrivals to Hawaii and it’s clear that if you want to avoid crowds, February, April, May, September, and October are the months to visit.

That said, if you’re coming to Hawaii for something very specific, like whale watching, you’re going to be a little less flexible with your timing. Whale season runs from mid-December through mid-April, so showing up outside of those months would be a disappointment.

Related read:  This is the worst time to visit Hawaii   (we really try to avoid this period if possible!)

4. How long should your trip to Hawaii be?

Getting away for a vacation can be difficult, but you want to stay long enough to make it worth your while. Hawaii is not a quick trip, even from the west coast. Plan on a 5-hour plane ride and a few hour time difference. So heading to Hawaii for just a few days will make your trip feel rushed and exhausting.

We think that the minimum amount of time you should plan for a trip to Hawaii is one week. During that week you’ll be able to stay on one island and explore a few different areas. You can make the most of your time by using one of our step-by-step itineraries.

If you can, stay longer and see more. And if you plan to island hop , your trip needs to be much longer than one week.

If you know what island you’re planning to head to, you can dive into more of our advice with these articles:

• How many days do you need on Oahu?
• How many days do you need on Maui?
• How many days do you need on Kauai?
• How many days do you need on the Big Island?

5. Where should you stay? Hotel or vacation rental?

Once you know what island you’re visiting, it’s time to book your accommodations. The first big decision comes down to booking a hotel or a vacation rental.

Stay in a hotel if you’re looking for a resort experience: big pools, great service, and daily housekeeping. Book a vacation rental if you are traveling with a group, want more space, and would prefer to have a kitchen instead of eating out every meal.

Still on the fence? You can  read our full breakdown of whether you should choose a hotel or vacation rental for your Hawaii vacation .

If you know what island you’re visiting, we have specific advice on where to stay on each island — locations, hotels, and vacation rentals. Check out our island-specific travel guides:

Oahu Travel Guide Maui Travel Guide Big Island Travel Guide Kauai Travel Guide

Plus! We have a full Where to Stay directory to share our favorite picks for hotels and vacation rentals on each island.

6. Do you need a rental car?

To fully enjoy your vacation, you probably need to rent a car. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to rent it for the entire duration of your stay, especially if you’re staying in Waikiki.

If you’re planning a trip to Oahu and you’re staying in Waikiki, there may be days where your rental car is never used. There’s a lot to do within that 2-mile strip! You can save on expensive hotel parking fees by just renting a car on days that you want to explore the rest of the island. Rental car companies have offices in Waikiki which makes it convenient to pick up a car and take it out for the day.

There is also a car share company, Drive Hui, that is available in Waikiki.

On the other islands, it’s a bit trickier to go without a car. To see and explore, you’ll probably want to book one. We love using  Discount Hawaii Car Rental  to help us get the best price for a rental car on each island.

Set on not getting a car for your entire trip? Here are some  creative ways to visit Maui without a rental car and here is an itinerary for Oahu without a rental car .

7. How much does a trip to Hawaii cost?

Let’s be blunt: a trip to Hawaii is never cheap. There are definitely ways to save money, but it’s still an expensive destination to visit.

To help you get an idea of how much you should plan on spending (or how much you’ll need to save up), we calculated the cost for a family of 4. We estimate that an average trip cost for a family of four for 10 days is approximately $13,000. You can  read all about how we got that Hawaii trip cost estimate here . But remember this is an initial estimate. Your trip cost will vary based on when you go, what island you visit, and how you want to spend or save your money.

How does an (almost) free trip to Hawaii sound? With all our Hawaii travel, we’ve nailed down using points to book luxury vacations practically free. We started our sister site Booked With Points to show you how to use points and miles in Hawaii too!

Related reads:   What is the cheapest (and most expensive) island to visit? How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost for Two People?

8. How far in advance should you book your trip to Hawaii?

The travel tip we give over and over is: for the best vacation experience, book early. Don’t get disappointed with the lack of availability of rental cars, completely sold-out tours and luaus, and no restaurant reservation availability.

To avoid disappointment, book these things early:

Rental Cars

We recommend booking a rental car when you book a flight. That way you know you have something reserved for you and you won’t be stuck with a 2 door coupe for $500/day for your family of five.

Because it’s important to book your rental car early, we always use and recommend  Discount Hawaii Car Rental . They almost always have the best prices (seriously we’ve saved thousands with them), they book with national carriers, and you don’t have to pre-pay your reservation. So you’re welcome to check prices as often as possible and if you find that prices have dropped, you can cancel your reservation and just make a new one.

Right now we’re seeing some seriously low plane fares from the mainland to Hawaii so people are snatching up seats before looking at the rest of their trip. While plane tickets are cheap lodging is absolutely not. You may be able to find some deals here and there, but we recommend looking at (or even better, booking!) lodging when you book that flight.

Tours and activities

If there is a specific tour or activity that you know you want to do, consider booking it a few months in advance. Luaus and popular tours book up very early, especially during the busier months.

We’ve put together  a list of our favorite tours on each island , to help you get started planning. It took us 18 months and a lot of testing out tours, but we have a list of tours for each island that we’re excited to share.

We have discounts with many of our favorite tour companies, find all our Hawaii Vacation Guide Coupon Codes here .

Entry tickets

There are a number of natural landmarks in Hawaii that require a ticketed entry. The state is trying to protect the natural resources and land by making sure that each spot doesn’t have too many visitors at one time. But with some advanced planning, you can secure your ticketed entry to some of these beautiful locations.

A few popular spots that require ticketed entry include:

• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: tickets may be reserved two days in advance of your visit.  Book a Hanauma Bay reservation here .
• Haleakala Sunrise Entry: bookings can be made 60 days in advance (with additional tickets being released two days prior to the date you want to visit).  Book sunrise reservations here . Also consider,  should you go to Haleakala for sunrise or sunset ?
• Haena State Park: Plan your visit to this park on the north shore of Kauai and  book tickets 30 days in advance .

We lay out all the necessary reservation timelines in our island itineraries.  They make your planning so much easier .

“So excited. We have been  loving your itinerary !!! We would have paid triple the price for this. It’s so valuable!” – Sara C. 

Restaurants

If you are hoping to hit up the most popular restaurants in Hawaii, planning ahead is crucial. But how far in advance they accept reservations varies. For example, Mama’s Fish House on Maui accepts reservations 6 months in advance. But Merriman’s on Maui only accepts reservations 30 days in advance. Here are our favorite Wailea and Kihei restaurants , if you plan to go to Maui.

Don’t forget:  all of our island itineraries  have specific instructions on when and how to make reservations for restaurants, activities, and sights on your trip. 

Leaving Maui right now (literally about to board) and we LOVED your wayfinder itinerary. Always had great places to see and yummy food to eat wherever we went! Laura

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary

Cruising Hawaii Guide

9. how many islands should you visit on your trip to hawaii.

You’re making a big trip to Hawaii and you want to see as much as possible, but do you have enough time to visit more than one island?  We recommend that if you’re taking a one week trip, you stick to one island . There is a lot to see on each island and you could stay as busy as you’d like to for more than a week, easily. If your trip is 10+ days, you could add on a second island to visit, but know that you will be moving around a bit more and you probably won’t get to see everything on each island that you were hoping to see.

While the islands in Hawaii are close together and just a quick 30-45 minute flight, your island hopping travel day will still cut into your vacation. Between packing up, the airport process, and checking into accommodations on your new island, this can easily take up half a day of your vacation.

Of course, you can always ignore this sensible advice, like a few of our newsletter readers, and read up on visiting all 4 major Hawaiian islands in just 2 weeks .

Related read:  Get all the details you need to know about island hopping in Hawaii.  

While you’re in Hawaii:

Once you’ve landed in Hawaii, congratulations! Soak up that sunshine and start living that epic vacation life. Here are some important details to know now that you’re on island time.

10. Understand the geography  

Geography on the islands is important because it will affect the weather you experience and what you do while on vacation. One big thing to understand about geography is that each island has a windward and a leeward side.

The windward side of each island faces the tradewinds. Here you’ll get more rain and wind, but you’ll also get lush landscapes (thanks to all of that rain!). The leeward side of each island is more protected from the wind and rain and you will have drier, sunnier weather. Most of the famously beautiful beaches you plan on visiting are located on the leeward side of the island.

For example, on Maui, the leeward side of the island includes some great beaches, like Wailea Beach and Ka’anapali Beach. The windward side of the island is home to the Road to Hana and a lot of beautiful waterfalls.

When you understand the island’s geography, you can better prepare for what to expect. If you’re looking for a lush, jungle experience, with waterfalls and greenery head east to the windward side. If you’re looking to beat the rain and get some sun, the west or leeward side is your best bet.

11. Eat local

One of the treats about visiting a new place is the opportunity to try new, local foods that you might not eat back home. Eating local is one of nine ways to have an authentic Hawaiian experience .

There are a few things you should consider trying while you’re here:

• Fresh, locally caught fish:  If you’re a seafood fan, don’t miss out on the fresh fish. You can enjoy it at either a restaurant or from a fish market. You’ll see options like Mahi Mahi, Ono, Opah, Ahi, and more.
• Locally grown produce:  Enjoy dragon fruit, coconut, lilikoi, pineapples, locally produced honey and more. We love doing farm tours, but if that’s not part of your vacation itinerary, try a farm-to-table restaurant. You’ll get to sample some island flavors while supporting the agriculture industry here.
• Traditional Hawaiian food:  You don’t need to go to a luau to sample some traditional Hawaiian dishes. Look for dishes like poi (taro that has been pounded into a paste), laulau (meat wrapped and cooked in taro leaves), kalua pig (slow-roasted pork cooked in an underground oven), and poke (diced, raw fish that is wonderfully flavored).
• Shave ice:  Not shaved ice. You may think that this is like a snowcone, but it couldn’t be further from it. Soft fluffy ice shavings that are flavored with different syrups and creative flavor combinations. You might also have the add-on of fruit and ice cream. It’s so, so good.  Don’t forget to check out our  five favorite shave ice spots on Kauai . 

Sample straight from the ground.  Check out our favorite farm tours on Maui.  

12. See the can’t-miss sights

The beaches in Hawaii are incredible. But there’s a lot more to explore on each of the islands. And, some of these can’t-miss activities can only be done in Hawaii .

Some things you might want to add to your list include:

• Night snorkeling or diving with Manta Rays on the Big Island
• Seeing the sunrise or sunset from Haleakala Crater on Maui
• Watching the big wave surfers on the north shore of Oahu
• Viewing the stunning cliffs of the NaPali coast on Kauai
• Hanging out with humpback whales during their annual migration to Hawaii

This was just a taste, but there is so much more. If you want to view the highlights of each island,  check out our cheat sheets .

Not only do these island cheat sheets highlight the top 4 can’t-miss sights and activities on each island, you’ll also get tips on where to stay, a map of the island with the main sights, towns, and airport locations, the top places for food on each island, and more.

They’re designed to make kicking off your trip planning even easier.  Grab them for free and start planning !

If you want a full bucket list of everything you can enjoy in Hawaii, check out our list of the best things to do in Hawaii , organized by island. There are definitely some unexpected ideas on this list!

13. Bring the right (reef-safe) sunscreen

Before you throw your favorite brand of sunscreen into your bag, stop. Hawaii has rules in place to help protect the reef and sea life that are so important. One of those rules is around the type of sunscreen you can use. Sunscreens containing chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate are no longer sold in Hawaii. These chemicals have been found to contribute to coral reef bleaching.

You can check out a  full list of our favorite reef-safe sunscreens  and make sure you’re only using legal sunscreen in Hawaii.

14. Snorkel to see amazing sea-life

Living here, we love spending our days in the ocean. There is nothing like diving into the warm, tropical waters and being greeted by colorful fish, turtles, octopi, and more. But if it’s your first time snorkeling in Hawaii, there are some essential details you should know.

Understand safety risks

Snorkeling may look easy, but water conditions, physical conditions, and more come into play. It’s not always as safe as it looks —  drowning is the number one cause of visitor death in Hawaii . Before you go out,  review the safety tips  to make sure you’re doing what you can to keep yourself safe.

Use good gear

Hear me out on this one. You’ll find a number of blogs telling you to pick up a cheap set of fins and a mask from an ABC store or Target once you arrive. There are a few reasons we don’t suggest that.

First, safety. Well fitting gear (fins that stay on and a mask that doesn’t leak) is important to keep you safe.

Second, it’s a significantly more enjoyable experience to snorkel in gear that fits well and is easy to use. This was apparent when we were trying to teach our preschooler to snorkel. The cheap gear didn’t cut it but once we got him in a good mask, he was off!

Third, buying cheap gear just adds to the already full landfill here.

That’s not to say you need to shell out and buy expensive gear. If you plan to snorkel many times, even after this trip to Hawaii, it’s worth it to buy good snorkeling gear. We have  sets listed on our recommendations page .

Otherwise, renting snorkeling gear is a great option. The shop staff can help you find gear that is the right fit for you. And if you find that it doesn’t work right, pop in and switch it out for a different rental set.

Go to the best places

All snorkeling spots are not created equal. Some spots on the island naturally have a more vibrant reef and are home to more fish and sea life. Other spots may be more affected by ocean swells at various times of the year.

On our guide pages we list out the best snorkeling spots on each island. You’ll want to check these pages out before hopping in the water:

And if you’re looking for the  best snorkeling spots in Hawaii by month , we have you covered.

Take a snorkeling tour

While we love snorkeling from the beach and we do it often, going on a snorkeling tour is a really special experience. On a good snorkeling tour, you’ll learn about the ocean, the sea life, and be taken to some cool spots that aren’t easily accessible from the beach. Plus, you’ll be able to see the islands from the water, giving you a different perspective and appreciation for their beauty.

We have a  full list of our favorite activity providers and tours on each island,  but here are a few that are incredibly special:

• Molokini Sunrise Snorkel with Kai Kanani : beat the crowds to Molokini with this special sunrise snorkeling tour leaving directly from the beach in Makena/Wailea.
• Beach loading snorkeling trip from Ka’anapali : if you’re staying in Ka’anapali, you can’t get more convenient than this tour!
• Na Pali Coast Snorkeling with Holo Holo Charters : Cruise up the coast of Kaua’i and off the island of Niihau for a full day of snorkeling.
• Power Raft snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay with Captain Zodiac : Head to Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook monument for the best snorkeling on the island.

Understand the rules protecting sea life

When you’re snorkeling and enjoying the crystal clear water, it’s important to keep in mind that you want to make as little impact on the sea life as possible. Stay at least 10 feet away from turtles while snorkeling. You’re required to stay at least 50 feet away from Monk Seals. And if you see spinner dolphins, you’ll need to give them 50 yards of space.

15. Learn about the culture of the islands

Hawaii is a unique US state for many reasons but one thing that is important to understand is that Hawaii had a long and rich history before becoming part of the US. Learning a little about the culture and the history will enhance your stay and give you a new appreciation for these amazing islands.

There are plenty of ways to learn more about Hawai’i while you’re here. Consider visiting museums. On Oahu, we love visiting the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace.

You can also visit heritage sites like Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island. You can  find a list of heritage sites to visit on the Hawaii Tourism Authority website .

You can also learn about the local culture, land, sea, and wildlife by volunteering. See if one of these 12 Hawaii Volunteer Programs has volunteer days during your stay. We also cover how to have an authentic Hawaii vacation in this article .

Make your trip planning so much easier

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, 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.

“This is not a question but simply a “thank you”.  Our original European vacation plans fell through last minute.  So we had 2 weeks to plan something else…your Vacation Guide was a LIFE SAVER.  We had no idea how to begin planning, which island, where to stay, what to do.  Your honest reviews of the islands led us to Maui for 8 days….Mahalo!!.  You guys are awesome!!” – Eva M.

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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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First-timer’s guide to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Apr 18, 2024 • 11 min read

The scale and ferocity of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a wonder to experience © Yiming Chen / Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island is one of the state’s most popular attractions.

This incredible landscape is home to two massive volcanoes – Kīlauea being one of the world’s most active – and stretches from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa, one of the world’s largest. Sprawling across 333,259 acres on the island's southeastern side, the park is one of the most dynamic and diverse in the US.

Its ever-changing landscape boasts an assortment of terrain, from lush rainforests and barren lava fields to a volcano often dusted with snow every winter. Yes, even in Hawaiʻi!

So grab those hiking boots and binoculars and use our insider guide to get the most out of your first trip to this unique national park.

When is the best time to visit Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park? 

There isn’t an especially bad time to visit the park, which sees nearly two million visitors annually. The weather on the Islands doesn’t vary much, with temperatures fluctuating between 66-85°F throughout the year. Winter and early spring, though, tend to be rainier and cooler than other times of the year and hurricane season runs from June to November, which can mean tropical storms, whipping winds and torrential rain.

The busiest travel seasons in Hawaiʻi are summer and winter – summer is peak vacation time for families and winter lures travelers eager to escape colder climes. Expect more people on trails and longer waits for parking during these periods.

Spring and fall are slower travel months and ideal times to visit the park. Trekking conditions are much more comfortable without the intense summer heat and you’ll likely find better airfare prices and hotel rates at nearby hotels. The park does get a surge of visitors during spring break and around the weekend of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival , a week-long hula competition based in Hilo around late March or early April.

Tuesday is the busiest day at the park – pick another day if at all possible. This is when the Pride of America , a cruise ship that sails around the Islands, docks in Hilo. Many of its 2000 passengers head to the national park, hitting popular stops like the Kīlauea Visitor Center , the Kīlauea Iki Trail , and Nāhuku (otherwise known as Thurston Lava Tube ). Winter brings yet more cruise ships to Hawaiʻi Island as thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate annually from Alaska to the warmer waters surrounding the Islands.

Though Kīlauea stopped erupting on Sept 16, 2023, the volcano still attracts visitors despite no visible lava fountains or flows. And it’s likely it will erupt again – the Puʻuʻōʻō eruption, which began in 1983 and lasted 35 years, ranks as the longest and most voluminous known outpouring of lava from Kīlauea’s east rift zone in more than 500 years. “If there is an eruption,” says Jessica Ferracane, the park’s spokesperson, “it is busy all day, every day, especially if it’s at the summit of Kīlauea.”

Planning tip: The park is currently undergoing a big disaster recovery project following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and summit collapse. There could be temporary area closures, lane closures, reduced parking and other limited services for the next two years. Check the park website to check for construction closures and delays . 

Find out everything you need to know about what's happening in Hawaii throughout the year in  our guide to the best time to visit the Aloha State

How much time should I plan to spend at the park?

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park may not be as huge as Alaska’s 13.2-million-acre Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve – larger than Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park and Switzerland combined – but it does stretch from sea level to the summit of 13,681-ft Mauna Loa and across seven different ecological zones. You’ll need at least a full day to explore all the best parts of the park but two days are even better. 

Park staff recommend that visitors arrive by sunrise to hit the park’s most popular trails first – it's open 24 hours to allow everyone to maximize their time. Dusk is also a wonderful time to go exploring – the lack of light pollution provides dark skies that are perfect for stargazing.

There are a variety of hikes within the national park, from the easy 1.2-mile Kīpukapuaulu Trail to the challenging backcountry treks up Mauna Loa that can take two days. And having an extra day means you can visit the park’s quieter and less crowded Kahuku Unit on the southerly slopes of Mauna Loa. This 116,000-acre former ranchland is about an hour's drive from the Kīlauea Visitor Center and is open to the public five days a week. You can hike to the top of an old cinder cone, trek through a pristine Hawaiian rainforest or bike through scenic pastures with panoramic views of the ranchlands.

The tiny town of Volcano Village just outside the park is also well worth a visit, with its laid-back eateries and food trucks, art galleries, and  a vineyard and winery .

Is it easy to get in and around the park?

The nearest airport is Hilo International, about 30 miles northeast of the park (you can fly into the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, but the drive from Kailua-Kona will take about two hours). Getting to the park from Hilo is easy – take Route 11 (Hawaiʻi Belt Road) west until you reach the main entrance. The drive takes about 45 minutes.

Hele-On Bus is the island’s only public bus service, operated by Hawaiʻi County. The No. 11 Red Line runs between Hilo and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, stopping daily at the Kīlauea Visitor Center. The bus schedule is subject to change, so check ahead. There is no public transportation or shuttle service within the park, so you’ll need a car to get around.

Top things to do at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Kīlauea iki trail.

One of the most popular hikes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the 4-mile roundtrip Kīlauea Iki Trail. The terrain is varied – it starts in a forest of native ʻōhiʻa trees and hapuʻu (Hawaiian tree fern) and ends with a walk across an otherworldly crater floor – and it’s short enough to complete in a few hours, giving you plenty of time to visit other parts of the park.

The trailhead is at an overlook of the crater formed from an eruption in 1959 that was marked by fountaining lava over a half-mile long and a plume reaching a world-record 1900ft high. The first part of the trail is a descent through a lush rainforest lined with native ʻōhiʻa and koa trees. Look for the white-rumped ʻapapanae , a nectarivorous Hawaiian honeycreeper, often found flitting from tree to tree. The switchbacks end at the crater floor, a vast moonscape that sharply contrasts with the surrounding native forests.

This lava tube – also known as Thurston Lava Tube – was created by a river of 2000°F (1093°C) molten lava about 500 years ago. Discovered in 1913, this massive lava cave is very accessible, with a flat rock floor and ceiling height of more than 20ft in places. Electric lights illuminate most of the path, though you may want to bring a flashlight – it takes about 20 minutes to stroll through the tube. The rainforest that surrounds Nāhuku is brimming with native birds, including the scarlet ʻiʻiwi , a Hawaiian honeycreeper listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Hōlei Sea Arch

At the end of the Chain of Craters Road – about 18 miles from the Kīlauea Visitor Center – is the Hōlei Sea Arch , a 90-ft-tall rock formation cut into the cliff of an ancient lava flow about 550 years ago. In 2020, the park opened a new viewing area about 1000ft past the gate at the end of the road and set back away from the cliff edge.

Puʻuloa Petroglyphs

There’s an area of Pānau Nui on the southern flank of Kīlauea with numerous pecked images, or petroglyphs, in the hardened lava. Puʻuloa, which translates to “long hill” in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language), is a sacred place to Native Hawaiians. The archaeological site here boasts more than 23,000 petroglyphs – the largest collection in Hawaiʻi – with motifs of circles, canoe sails, human forms, feathered capes and other geometric shapes.

Devastation Trail

This half-mile hike is suitable for everyone as it's wheelchair and stroller accessible. The paved path meanders through a stark yet beautiful landscape buried by falling cinder from lava fountains of the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption. You might find volcanic debris in the form of glass-like droplets and strands called Pele’s Tears and Pele’s Hair, respectively, named after the revered Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes. Nēnē (Hawaiian geese) frequent this area; refrain from feeding or interacting with this threatened species.

My favorite thing to do at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Unfortunately, there aren’t many places in Hawaiʻi where you find native forest birds anymore. Their populations have plummeted due to habitat destruction, predators like feral cats, mongoose and non-native mosquitoes that spread avian pox and avian malaria.

But at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where native habitats are protected and able to thrive, you can see – and hear – a variety of these special birds, from the friendly ʻelepaio (Hawaiian flycatcher) to the elusive ʻōmaʻo (Hawaiian thrush), which can only be found in the montane rainforests on Hawaiʻi Island. The bright orange ʻākepa , an endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper with an odd-shaped beak, can be spotted in the high-elevation forests of the park’s Kahuku Unit. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the endemic ʻio , the only hawk species native to Hawaiʻi.

I love wandering along the 1.2-mile Kīpukapuaulu Trail, an easy loop through pristine native forestland in an area known as a “bird park.” A kīpuka is an area of land that’s surrounded by younger lava flows, like an “island” within a sea of lava. There are more native tree species per acre here than any other forest in the national park, which means you’ll find native forest birds that rely on the native trees that grow here.

How much money do I need?

Park entry costs $30 for a private car, $25 for a motorcycle, and $15 for pedestrians and cyclists. The park has gone cashless, so payment has to be made with debit or credit cards in person or online .

If you're also planning to visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park near Kailua-Kona or Haleakalā National Park on Maui, consider buying the Hawaiʻi Tri-Park Annual Pass for $55. This allows you to enter all three of these parks in a single, private vehicle.

The National Park Service offers free admission to everyone on the following days: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week in April, Juneteenth, the Great American Outdoors Act, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day.

Average costs at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

• Basic room for two at Volcano House: $80 to $385 per night
• Airbnb in Volcano: $150 average per night
• Cup of coffee: $3.50
• Midrange meal: $15-$20 per person
• Local beer: $10
• Gas (regular) in Hilo: $4.81 per gallon

How to travel in the park consciously

With two active volcanoes and ongoing construction to repair damage caused by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, it’s important to stay on marked trails and overlooks and keep out of closed areas. And no matter what you may have seen on social media, please leave the rocks alone and unstacked. Park staff often use ahu (stacked rocks) to mark trails; it’s not an invitation to do the same. Not only is it culturally insensitive but it can be disorienting to hikers who rely on the ahu to guide them along trails. It’s also long believed that taking lava rocks brings bad luck. Hundreds of people return rocks they’ve taken from the park every year.

There are many culturally significant sites within the park, itself a Unesco World Heritage Site. These include petroglyphs, historic trails, fossilized footprints, shelter caves, heiau (Hawaiian temples) and stone walls of canoe sheds and corrals. Many of these sites are listed in the National Register of Historic Places – please be respectful when you get the chance to see them close up.

The land within the park is sacred to Native Hawaiians, with moʻolelo (stories) and mele (songs) tied to this area. They believe Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, lives in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at the summit of Kīlauea. If you come across Native Hawaiians performing cultural rituals in the park, keep a respectful distance. Let them – and others – connect undisturbed with nature.

This article was first published September 2021 and updated 1 day ago

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Move over Hawaii, The Azores Islands also bring vibrant beauty (with fewer crowds)

Destinations can be too crowded. Discover the antidote to overcrowded and overpriced vacation spots in " Here Not There: 100 Unexpected Travel Destinations " by National Geographic. The guide unveils imaginative and budget-friendly locales sure to inspire your next adventure, curated by longtime travel writer Andrew Nelson .

If you're looking for warmth, culture and beauty, try The Azores in Portugal instead of Hawaii.

What’s the perfect island chain? The default has always been Hawaii: Its eight principal islands rising from the Pacific’s deep are verdant and vibrant. But if you switch your gaze to the Atlantic, you will find a nine-island archipelago that’s equally lush, with flowering landscapes, cascading waterfalls, black sand beaches, volcanoes, and marine wildlife refuges swarming with animals. Like the Aloha State, the Portuguese Azores are islands where the locals both nurture and protect their unique culture, determined to keep the natural beauty safe from overdevelopment.

And there’s a lot in the Azores worth protecting. The islands are located in the North Atlantic, 2,390 miles (3,850 km) east of Boston and 870 miles (1,400 km) west of Lisbon. Colonized by Portugal in the early 15th century (the Vikings were rumored to have stopped by, too), today the Azores are an autonomous territory with a population of 242,796 (about two-thirds that of Honolulu). Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream and the archipelago’s latitude, the temperature is usually mild throughout the year, ranging in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit (midteens to 20s Celsius), though it does rain. The islands’ many volcanoes are active, but so far fairly quiet this century. The last big eruption occurred in 1958.

Like in Hawaii, each of the islands of the Azores offers a distinct experience.

◾ The eastern part of the chain is home to Santa Maria, with its numerous vineyards and white-sand beaches. São Miguel is equivalent to the Big Island. Like the island of Hawaii, it exerts a strong influence over the rest of the archipelago and is a dynamic and geologically active place. Its landscape features geysers, volcanic lakes and thermal hot springs.

◾ The central Azores consist of the islands of Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, and Graciosa. Terceira is home to the oldest city in the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its fertile soil supports numerous vineyards. On Faial, visitors can hike to the extinct Capelinhos volcano. São Jorge is celebrated for its cheese. Rugged, rough-hewn Pico Island is home to the highest mountain in Portugal, 7,713-foot-tall (2,351 m) Mount Pico. Graciosa is known for its iconic star-shaped pastries and red-peaked, Flemish-style windmills, brought by immigrants from Belgium.

◾ The western islands are Flores and Corvo. The former, known as the Island of Flowers, offers a rugged coastline, high cliffs marked by waterfalls (Poço Ribeira do Ferreiro (Alagoinha) being the most famous to see), and seven crater lakes. Flores’s dramatic, verdant landscape and the surrounding turquoise waters often spark comparisons to Kauai.

As more travelers discover the Azores’ allure, the future looks both bright and worrying. Luckily the islands have begun the task to ensure their biodiversity will be safeguarded for the future. In 2019 the Azores became the world’s first archipelago to be named a sustainable tourism destination by EarthCheck, an Australia-based international advisory board. Four of the islands – Flores, Corvo, Gracioso, and São Jorge – are UNESCO biosphere reserves, and the government has established several marine reserves to protect seabirds, fish, sea turtles, whales, and dolphins. The fight to protect paradise is only just getting started.

The Amazing Flora of the Azores

Indigenous or imported, the flowering plants of the Azores play an important role in giving the islands their iconic Instagrammable look. Being one of the world’s most isolated archipelagos, the Azores harbor many unique species, including one of the world’s rarest flowers, Myosotis azorica. Called não-meesqueças , or forget-me-nots, the purple flowers were considered extinct before a cluster of plants was discovered growing on Corvo, the Azores’ smallest island, in 2014. Despite Corvo being a protected UNESCO biosphere reserve, these tiny flowers remain endangered thanks to the appetites of the island’s insatiable goats and sheep.

 In contrast, colorful hydrangeas are not native to the island chain. They are an invasive species believed to have been brought to the island by the Japanese in the late 19th century as decorative plants. Though they’re imported, the flowers have become a symbol of the Azores and grow throughout the archipelago. Faial Island is often called the Blue Island for the azure hydrangeas that blanket its fields and roadsides. Their hue is due to the island’s acidic soil, which deepens the hydrangeas’ rich color. Volcanic eruptions in 1957 and 1958 only added to the fertility. It was Azorean immigrants to the United States who are credited with popularizing the flower in America, especially in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, where many of these immigrants settled in the mid-20th century.

This is an excerpt from “ Here Not There: 100 Unexpected Travel Destinations ,”   published on April 2 by Disney Publishing Group. Author Andrew Nelson is an award-winning writer and editor for National Geographic Traveler, who has roamed all 50 states as well as numerous countries for the magazine and website, based in Washington, D.C.

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One of Hawaii's Most Controversial Attractions Is Being Demolished

It's time to say goodbye.

Eric Smith/Getty Images

Hawaii's Ha'ikū Stairs, known more famously as the "Stairway to Heaven," has been slated for demolition for years. Now, it's finally being removed.

Preparatory work to remove the Ha'ikū Stairs started last week, according to the City and County of Honolulu , with plans to remove more than 600 stair modules later this month. The stairs had been slated for demolition since 2021.

"This was a decision, when we came into office, that was long overdue. Over the course of many months, in meeting with the people involved and the discovery that we put into it, I can promise you that this was not a capricious decision," Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a statement. "This decision that was made was predicated upon our respect for the people who live in and around the entrance to the stairs … and our respect for both the future and the past history of the culture of the Haʻikū community."

The stairs, built by the U.S. Navy in the 1940s, have been officially closed to the public since 1987, but that hasn't stopped hikers from climbing them — and often wandering through people's private property to access them — for some of the island's best views.

Officials warned would-be climbers that the stairs are now part of an active work site and "present an immediate safety threat for anyone trespassing along the trail."

To remove the stairs once and for all, the city said officials will go section-by-section, working with a biologist to evaluate each section before it is demolished "in order to protect native species and prevent erosion." The removal company will then have to revegetate impacted areas with native plants when necessary. The total cost to remove the stairs is just over $2.5 million. The project is expected to last six months.

Thankfully, there are plenty of other amazing hikes on the island of Oahu with epic views of the ocean from Diamond Head Summit trail to the not-too-taxing Makapu'u Point Lighthouse trail, the stunning Mānoa Falls trail (complete with views seen in Jurassic Park and Lost ), and more.

Record $517K raised to empower future leaders in travel industry management

• April 11, 2024

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business ’ School of Travel Industry Management ( TIM school) held its 22nd annual Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala on April 10, at the Sheraton Waikīkī. Also marking the college’s 75th anniversary, this year’s fundraiser raised a record-breaking $517,000 thanks to the generous support of the hospitality and Hawaiʻi business community.

“We’re proud to recognize Mufi Hannemann, Holden Lim and Kyo-ya as trailblazers in their industry, who continue to inspire current and future graduates,” said Shidler College Dean and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership Management Vance Roley. “Further, it’s incredible that over half a million dollars has been raised to support student scholarships. We applaud the efforts of our volunteer table sales committee and the 2024 honorees to greatly amplify our impact.”

2024 honorees

Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism honors individuals who have made significant and long-term contributions to Hawaiʻi ’s tourism industry. This year, the Legacy in Tourism Award was presented to Muliufi “Mufi” Hannemann; Holden Lim, BBA ’89 was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor; and Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP received the Distinguished Service Award.

Hannemann was honored with the Legacy in Tourism Award for his vast contributions to the tourism industry and dedication to fostering the development of students. As president and CEO of the Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association, chair of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority board, and board member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, Hannemann has played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s tourism landscape. His founding of the Pacific Century Fellows and service to the TIM school as an advisory council member further showcases his commitment to nurturing future leaders.

Lim, president of Hospitality Link International, Inc. , was presented with the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor award, recognizing his professional achievements and continued support of the TIM school. Lim’s career in the hospitality industry began in 1989 at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco and over the years, he contributed significantly to firms like HVS International and Sonnenblick-Goldman Company, orchestrating over $4.5 billion in real estate transactions. Lim remains engaged with the TIM school, currently serving on the TIM Alumni Association as secretary.

Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP , was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award for their contributions to Hawaiʻi ’s tourism industry and the community, providing many hours of service and volunteer hours to various local causes. Kyo-ya expanded its footprint across Hawaiʻi and California, including iconic properties like The Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Maui. Additionally, Kyo-ya serves as a pipeline for hospitality careers, hiring numerous graduates from UH and mentoring high school and college students, ensuring the continuity of generations in the islands.

This year’s presenting sponsor was Marriott International; contributing sponsors were Bank of Hawaii; Central Pacific Bank; First Hawaiian Bank; Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association, Iron Workers Stabilization Fund & Iron Workers Local 625; KV & Associates and Stanford Carr Development; Kyo-ya Hotel & Resorts, LP ; “Sheraton Old Timers” group; and The Westin Maui and Trinity Investments. Hawaii Business magazine once again served as the 2024 media partner.

To support the TIM school or Shidler college, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development at [email protected] . For a full list of past honorees click here .

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