Highlights
Waikīkī and Diamond Head
Honolulu's famous beach district on Oʻahu, with gentle surf for learning, and the volcanic crater of Diamond Head behind it. The short, steep trail to the crater rim gives views over the city; check whether advance reservations are needed.
Pearl Harbor
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial tells the story of the attack of 7 December 1941, which brought the United States into the Second World War. The USS Arizona Memorial sits above the sunken battleship.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
On the Island of Hawaiʻi (the Big Island), the park includes Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, with crater-rim trails, lava tubes and steaming vents. Eruptive activity varies, so check the park's current conditions.
Haleakalā
A dormant volcano on Maui whose summit rises above 3,000 metres. Watching sunrise above the clouds is a classic experience, but it is cold at the top and sunrise access may require a reservation.
The Road to Hāna
A winding coastal drive on east Maui with hundreds of bends, one-lane bridges, waterfalls, black-sand beaches and rainforest. Allow a full day, drive slowly and respect private property and residents.
Kauaʻi's Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon
Kauaʻi, the 'Garden Isle', has sheer green cliffs along the Nā Pali Coast, best seen by boat, helicopter or on the Kalalau Trail, and Waimea Canyon, a deep red-walled gorge with viewpoints along the road.
Oʻahu's North Shore
In winter, huge waves at Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and the Banzai Pipeline draw surfers from around the world. In summer the water is often calm enough for swimming and snorkelling.
Mauna Kea stargazing
The summit area of Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaiʻi hosts major observatories. Its visitor information station area at mid-altitude is a popular place to stargaze; the summit is sacred in Native Hawaiian tradition.
Interesting facts about Hawaii
- Hawaii is the only US state made up entirely of islands, and it became the 50th state in 1959.
- Measured from its base on the ocean floor, Mauna Kea is taller than Mount Everest.
- The Hawaiian alphabet has just thirteen letters: five vowels, seven consonants and the ʻokina, a glottal stop.
- ʻIolani Palace in Honolulu was the residence of Hawaii's last monarchs and is often described as the only royal palace in the United States.
- Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time, so its time difference with the US mainland changes during the year.
Best time to visit
Hawaii is warm all year. The drier summer months, roughly April to October, have calmer seas on north-facing coasts and more sunshine, while winter, from about November to March, brings more rain and big surf on north shores. Humpback whales are seen from roughly December to April. April to May and September to October are often the best balance of weather, crowds and prices. Windward (north-east) coasts are wetter than leeward ones on every island.
Practical information
| Capital | Honolulu |
|---|---|
| Currency | US dollar (USD) |
| Languages | English, Hawaiian |
| Plugs | Type A, B |
| Voltage | 120 V, 60 Hz |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | US customs apply: around 15 to 20 percent in restaurants, plus tips for tour guides, drivers, valets and housekeeping. |
Getting around
A hire car is the easiest way to explore every island except central Honolulu, where traffic and parking are difficult. Oʻahu has an extensive public bus network, and Honolulu's rail line is gradually opening. Ride-hailing is available on the main islands, mainly around towns and resorts. Inter-island travel is by plane; there is no regular inter-island ferry for visitors between most islands. Distances look short on the map, but roads on Maui and the Big Island can be slow, so allow time.
Staying connected in Hawaii
Coverage is good in Honolulu, the main towns and resort areas, with 5G in the cities. Signal is patchy or absent along parts of the Road to Hāna, on the Nā Pali Coast, in Waimea Canyon, at Haleakalā summit and across remote parts of the Island of Hawaiʻi, including some areas of the national park. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés. Download offline maps and audio tours before driving. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
See Hawaii eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Hawaii
- Google Maps: Driving and finding beaches and trailheads; download offline maps for areas with no signal.
- Shaka Guide: GPS-triggered audio driving tours, including the Road to Hāna and Big Island routes, that work offline once downloaded.
- Recreation.gov: Booking reservations for some national park activities, such as Haleakalā sunrise where required.
- DaBus2: Real-time arrivals and routes for Oʻahu's TheBus network.