With golden beaches, active volcanoes, waterfalls, and a rich Native Hawaiian culture, Hawaii is many people's idea of paradise. Each island has its own character, so it pays to plan. This Hawaii travel guide covers everything you need to know: when to go, the top sights on each island, hidden gems, bucket list experiences, family travel tips, and practical advice.
Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?
- Oahu: Home to Honolulu, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor. Best for first-timers who want beaches, food, and nightlife.
- Maui: Famous for the Road to Hana, Haleakalā, and whale watching. Great for couples and families.
- Kauai: The lush Garden Isle, with the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. Best for nature and hiking.
- Hawaii Island (the Big Island): Active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and manta rays. Best for adventure.
- Molokai and Lanai: Quiet, rural islands for travelers who want to get away from it all.
Best Time to Visit Hawaii
Hawaii is warm all year, with temperatures mostly in the 70s and 80s °F (around 24 to 31 °C).
- Peak season: Mid-December to March, and June to August, when prices and crowds are highest.
- Shoulder season: April to May and September to early December, with good weather, fewer crowds, and better deals.
- Winter brings big surf on north shores and humpback whales. Summer brings calmer seas for snorkeling.
For more detail, see the best time to visit Hawaii.
Top Attractions in Hawaii
Waikiki and Diamond Head (Oahu)
Waikiki's gentle waves make it one of the best places in the world to learn to surf, with surf schools all along the beach. Hike up Diamond Head, the volcanic crater behind Waikiki, for panoramic views. Non-residents need to reserve an entry time in advance. Then stroll the beachfront, take a sunset catamaran cruise, and catch a free hula show at Kuhio Beach. Don't miss Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial nearby.
Haleakalā National Park (Maui)
Watch the sunrise from the 10,023-foot (3,055-meter) summit of this huge dormant volcano. You need a sunrise reservation from the National Park Service, booked online in advance, and it's freezing at the top before dawn, so bring warm layers. Hike the Sliding Sands Trail into the crater, or the Pipiwai Trail through a bamboo forest to a 400-foot waterfall in the Kīpahulu District. After dark, the summit is one of the best places in the world for stargazing.
The Na Pali Coast (Kauai)
Towering green cliffs, sea caves, and waterfalls make the Na Pali Coast one of the most spectacular coastlines on Earth. See it by catamaran or raft, on a helicopter tour, or on foot along the Kalalau Trail. A permit is required beyond the first 2 miles to Hanakapiai, and visitors need a reservation to enter Ha'ena State Park, where the trail begins.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)
See the power of Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Drive Crater Rim Drive to viewpoints over the Kīlauea caldera, hike the Kīlauea Iki Trail across a crater floor, walk through the Nāhuku (Thurston) Lava Tube, and follow Chain of Craters Road to ancient petroglyphs and sea arches. Volcanic activity changes constantly, so check the National Park Service website for current eruption updates and closures.
Waimea Canyon (Kauai)
Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon has red and green walls up to 3,000 feet (900 meters) deep. Drive Waimea Canyon Drive to the lookouts, then continue to Kōkeʻe State Park and the Puʻu o Kila Lookout over the Kalalau Valley.
Hidden Gems in Hawaii
- Molokai: The Friendly Isle has a slow pace of life, deserted beaches, and strong Hawaiian traditions.
- Molokini Crater (Maui): A crescent-shaped, partly sunken crater and marine sanctuary with excellent snorkeling, reached by boat.
- Hanauma Bay (Oahu): A protected bay full of reef fish and turtles. Reservations are required, and it is closed on some days of the week.
- Kaena Point (Oahu): A wild coastal walk to Oahu's westernmost tip, with seabirds and Hawaiian monk seals.
- Waipiʻo Valley (Big Island): A spectacular valley of cliffs and waterfalls. Access to the valley floor is restricted, but the lookout at the top is stunning.
Hawaii Bucket List Experiences
- Watch the sunrise from Haleakalā.
- Snorkel with manta rays at night off the Kona coast.
- Take a helicopter tour over Kauai's cliffs and waterfalls.
- Go to a luau for Hawaiian food, music, and hula.
- Learn to surf where the sport was born.
- Watch humpback whales from December to April.
- Drive the winding Road to Hana on Maui.
- Stargaze from Maunakea or Haleakalā.
Hawaii With Kids: Family Trip Tips
- Choose calm beaches such as Ko Olina lagoons on Oahu, Kaanapali on Maui, and Poipu on Kauai.
- Plan one island, or two at most, to avoid too many flights with little ones.
- Book family favorites: the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium, the Maui Ocean Center, whale watching, and easy snorkeling spots.
- Protect against the sun with rash guards, hats, and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Rent a car outside Honolulu and book car seats in advance.
Hawaii Travel Tips
- Entry requirements: Hawaii is a US state, so international visitors follow the same rules as the mainland, usually an ESTA or a visa. See our USA travel guide.
- Getting around: Rent a car on most islands. Oahu has a good bus system, TheBus. Fly between islands.
- Reservations: Book Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Haleakalā sunrise, and Ha'ena State Park well in advance.
- Respect the land and culture. Don't touch turtles or monk seals, don't take lava rocks or sand, and be mindful in communities still rebuilding, such as Lahaina on Maui.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii bans sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Plugs: Type A and B at 120 V, as on the US mainland.
- Pack smart. See our Hawaii packing list.
Stay Connected in Hawaii
You'll need data for maps, reservations, and sharing your photos. An egoViet USA eSIM works in Hawaii, so you can get online as soon as you land. Compare options in our guide to SIM cards and eSIMs for USA travel. Coverage can be patchy in remote areas, such as parts of the Road to Hana, so download offline maps.
FAQs: Hawaii Travel Guide
Which Hawaiian island is best for first-time visitors?
Oahu is great for first-timers, with Waikiki, Honolulu, and Pearl Harbor. Maui is a close second for beaches, whale watching, and the Road to Hana.
Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?
US citizens flying from the mainland don't need a passport. International visitors need a passport and an ESTA or US visa.
How many days do you need in Hawaii?
About a week is ideal for one island. With 10 to 14 days, you can comfortably visit two islands.
Is Hawaii good for families?
Yes. Calm beaches, easy snorkeling, whale watching, and kid-friendly attractions make Hawaii a great family destination.