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Home » North America » USA » Hawaii

Hawaii Travel Guide

This Hawai’i travel guide will give you everything you need to know between the islands, where to stay, what to do, and a ton more.

Aloha means “hello”, “goodbye”, kindness, love, and affection.

Hawai’i is easy, it’s paradise, it’s laidback, and it’s simply awesome.  From its secret beaches, ukulele vibes, fusion of cultures, volcanic landscape, and curious sea turtles, you really can’t go wrong with Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or Island of Hawaii.

 

Queen's Bath In Winter
Notable Places

Discover Hawai’i 

Use the map to navigate around the islands, and read our guide to  Hawai’i for first timers to help you plan your trip.

Read about Hawaii for first timers

Hawai’i Quick Guide

  • Currency: US Dollar (USD)
  • Language: English, Hawaiian
  • Emergency Number: 911
  • Tipping: 15–20% is standard in restaurants; tip porters, guides, and drivers.
  • Fun Fact #1: Hawaii is the only U.S. state composed entirely of islands and is home to the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa.
  • Fun Fact #2: Hawaii is the most isolated population center on Earth, located over 2,400 miles from the mainland U.S. 
  • Fun Fact #3: Billboards are banned in Hawaii to preserve the natural beauty of the islands.

Discover Maui

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Where to Stay in Hawai’i

Choose from luxury beachfront resorts in Waikiki, cozy boutique hotels in Maui, or laid-back rentals on Kauai’s lush North Shore. Each island offers its own vibe, Oahu for culture and nightlife, Maui for romantic escapes, and the Big Island for adventure.

Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays. 

CHECK BOOKING.COM

Plan Where to Stay

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How to Get Around Hawai’i

A rental car is the most convenient way to explore most islands, especially Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, where public transportation is limited. On Oahu, buses and rideshares are available for shorter distances, though a car still offers flexibility for scenic drives like the North Shore or the windward coast.

Inter-island flights connect the main islands quickly, while ferries link Maui and Lanai or Molokai.

SEARCH FOR A RENTAL CAR

Explore the Islands

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Must-Visit Places in Hawai’i

  • Oahu: Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and the North Shore’s famous surf spots
  • Maui: Road to Hana, Haleakalā National Park, Lahaina, and Kāʻanapali Beach
  • Kauai: Waimea Canyon, Nā Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay
  • Big Island: Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Summit, Kona coffee farms, black sand beaches
  • Molokai & Lanai: Quiet escapes with unspoiled beaches and authentic island culture
Stay Connected

Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.

🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.

Find the cheapest eSIM

Find the Best Places for Snorkelling

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Hawaii

Hawai’ian Food to Try

Hawaiian cuisine is a vibrant mix of native traditions and multicultural influences. Look for these island favorites:

  • Poke: Fresh, marinated raw fish, often served over rice
  • Loco Moco: Rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy
  • Kalua Pig: Slow-roasted pork, traditionally cooked in an underground oven
  • Haupia: Coconut-based dessert, often served as pudding or pie
  • Shave Ice: Fluffy ice topped with sweet syrups, sometimes with ice cream underneath

Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip

  1. Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
  2. Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
  3. Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
  4. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
  5. Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.

Find the Best Hikes

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Top Day Tours to Discover Hawai’i

  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Journey from Hilo into the wild heart of the Big Island. Explore surreal volcanic landscapes, steam vents, craters, lava tubes, at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa), then uncover Hilo’s waterfall beauty at Rainbow and Akaka Falls, local flavors, and lush botanical charm.
  • Road to Hana: Embark on Maui’s legendary scenic drive, the Road to Hana. Wind through pristine rainforest, over historic one-lane bridges, surrounded by cascading waterfalls, bamboo groves, and dramatic coastal vistas. Stop at iconic Black Sand Beach and the lush Kahanu Garden en route to the charming town of Hana. This journey is the destination.
  • Haleakala National Park: Witness the world waking up from Maui’s volcanic peak, ascend to Haleakalā’s 10,000-ft summit for a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds. Experience otherworldly pastel skies, rare silversword plants, and rich Native Hawaiian legends.

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