Imagine exploring lush landscapes, surfing waves, and relaxing on stunning beaches; that’s Hawaii.
If you're in the initial stages of planning a trip to Hawaii, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed with the different island options, activities, and accommodations.
Our Hawaii travel guide has everything you need to know to help you plan your tropical getaway, from the best beaches to the top activities, plus some insider tips to help make your trip unforgettable.
Why Travel To Hawaii?
Although Hawaii is known as a tropical paradise (and it sure is), it’s also an incredible adventure destination with much more on offer than just lying by the beaches. From volcanic creators to lush forests and water sports, Hawaii is a perfect destination not just for relaxing but also for thrill-seeking couples or families seeking the best of both worlds.
Hawaii also has a rich culture with hula dancing and historic sites to explore, making it incredible for creating unforgettable memories.
Hawaii Trip Advice
We recommend noting these Hawaii travel tips before you start planning your Hawaii trip in detail
- The best time to visit Hawaii: April to June and September to November are the best times to visit Hawaii thanks to the weather.
- Transportation: We recommend renting a car in Hawaii for exploring; there are also buses and taxis. There are interflights for exploring between islands.
- Currency: Hawaii takes USD.
- Safety: Practice ocean safety, trail safety, and road safety. Hawaii has low crime rates, and the country has reliable alerts surrounding weather occurrences.
- What to pack: We recommend a lightweight rain jacket, sunscreen, hiking shoes, and lightweight clothing.
The Best Island To Visit In Hawaii
Hawaii has eight major islands, with four of them being the most popular tourist destinations known as Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Molokai, and Lanai.
- Oahu: Ideal for tourist attractions like Waikiki Beach and surfing. It also has a huge variety of cuisines, bustling nightlife, and some of the best shark diving tours in Hawaii.
- Maui: There are so many things to do in Maui, Hawaii, from hiking in Haleakalā National Park to unique black and red sand beaches. It offers the best helicopter tours around the tallest sea cliffs in the world and amazing whale tours.
- Kauai: You’ll find the best Acai bowls here, scenic hiking trails, and plenty of overnight backpacking trips for your adventurer's soul.
- Big Island: This is the only island where you can see lava at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and reach the tallest point in Hawaii, Mauna Kea.
- Molokai and Lanai: These are smaller, less-visited islands and unique hidden gems offering the best diving tours in the whole island.
Amazing Places To Stay In Hawaii
Hawaii has some incredible resorts and hotels to stay at; however, it doesn't offer all-inclusive.
Some of our favorites are
- Four Seasons Hualalai: A luxury oceanfront resort with delicious cuisine options, a spa, pristine coastline, and plenty of activities on offer for couples and families.
- Grand Hyatt Kauai: This eco-friendly luxury beach resort is set on the white sandy beaches of Kauai with lush gardens featuring a championship golf course and an amazing pool complex.
- The Ritz-Carlton Maui: A stunning oceanfront resort with recently renovated rooms, which have a gorgeous island-inspired design. It’s family-friendly and also has a golf course.
- The Grand Wailea Maui: Fronted by Wailea beach and 40 acres of lush tropical gardens, is the Grand Wailea resort. There is everything here from river pools to a spa, and it is home to Hawaii's largest private art collection.
- Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: Perfect for honeymooners to families, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has an incredible spa, fitness center, and new adult pool deck with a variety of aloha-inspired restaurants to dine at.
The Top Beaches In Hawaii
Now the best part, the top beaches in Hawaii, it’s hard to pick, since this tropical paradise has so many to offer.
Here’s our top picks to include in your roadtrip itinerary
- Waikiki Beach, Oahu: Hawaii's most famous beach, a stunning paradise that isn’t as crowded as you might think. It was first introduced into the world when the famous hotel Moana Surfrider was built.
- Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach, Maui: This black sand beach is very unique, with seaside lava tubes and caves to explore. There is also an ancient coastal footpath going along it called ‘The King's Highway’, taking you all the way to Hana if you follow it.
- Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui: Perfect for relaxing and snorkeling, this beach is family-friendly and has some of the best sunsets you’ve ever seen.
- Halawa Beach Park, Molokai: The hike to Moʻoula & Hipuapua Falls starts from this beach and has great swimming when the sea is calm. The coves can have more dangerous rip currents, however.
- Hanauma Bay Oahu: Hanauma Bay has been featured in films like Hawaii Five-0 and is a paradise for swimming with a unique shape. It now costs $25 per entry and is timed to prevent damage to the reef due to overtourism.
- Papakōlea Beach, Big Island: Also known as green sand beach, it's one of the only four green sand beaches in the world and can be reached by either hiking or 4WD.
The Best Activities To Do In Hawaii
Hawaii isn’t just for relaxing; it’s also perfect for activities, from water sports to hiking and photography, as well as cultural activities.
Don’t miss out on these when planning a trip to Hawaii
- Stargazing at Mauna Kea: Voted one of the best stargazing locations in the world.
- Listen to whale songs: Between December and April, you can hear the humpback whales when you snorkel.
- Visit an active volcano: Hawaii's Volcano National Park lets you hike and explore two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
- Go surfing: Maui and other islands are perfect for beginner surfers with plenty of lessons.
- Do a helicopter tour: A helicopter tour is a great way to see the stunning islands from above, and the volcanoes.
- Catamaran cruise: Do some scenic ocean sailing at sunset or during the day on a catamaran cruise.
- Take a hike: Every single island in Hawaii offers scenic hiking to viewpoints, waterfalls, and beaches.
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