Hawaii
A volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Pacific. The islands differ enough that choosing one decides the character of the trip.
Icons
Volcanoes, beaches, and history.
- A volcano still eruptingKilaueaBig Island
An active volcano where lava is visible in some periods. Park areas close and reopen according to activity.
- The beach below Diamond HeadWaikikiOahu
A city beach lined with hotels, with gentle surf that suits beginners. The crater trail behind it is the classic walk.
- The harbour where the war beganPearl Harbor National MemorialOahu
A memorial built above a sunken battleship. Security screening restricts what bags you may carry in.
- Cliffs seen only by boat or airNa Pali CoastKauai
A folded coastline no road reaches. You see it from the water, from the air, or on a long trail.
- A coast road of sixty bendsRoad to HanaMaui
A narrow coastal road past waterfalls and black sand beaches. The round trip takes a full day.
- A summit for stargazingMauna KeaBig Island
Observatories cluster on a summit above four thousand metres. The mountain is sacred to Native Hawaiians and access is regulated.
World Heritage
A volcanic park and a vast marine area.
- Volcanic landforms in the makingHawaii Volcanoes National ParkBig Island
A natural listing covering Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Trails cross ground where lava has cooled.
- The uninhabited northwestern islandsPapahanaumokuakeaNorthwestern Hawaiian Islands
An enormous marine protected area listed for both nature and culture. Public access is effectively impossible.
Where to go
Moving between islands means flying, not sailing.
- OahuThe island with HonoluluCentral
The international gateway, with a city and beaches together. The north shore is famous for its winter surf.
- MauiBeaches and a volcanoEast
Sunrise on the Haleakala crater and the road to Hana are the highlights. Follow current guidance on areas affected by the 2023 fires.
- Big IslandThe largest islandSoutheast
Volcanoes, stars and black sand beaches. You pass through several climate zones on one island.
- KauaiThe greenest islandNorthwest
Canyons, cliffs and some of the wettest mountains anywhere. Less developed and quieter.
- Molokai and LanaiTwo small islandsCentral
Few tourist facilities and a community-led approach. The choice when you want quiet.
When to go
Temperatures hold steady; rain and surf mark the seasons.
- Drier monthsApril to OctoberThroughout
Less rain and calmer water for anything on the sea. It overlaps with the summer peak.
- Wetter monthsNovember to MarchThroughout
More rain, concentrated on the windward side of each island. It is also whale season.
- Big north swellNovember to FebruaryNorth shores
Winter swells hit the northern coasts hard. Swimming on those beaches is genuinely dangerous then.
- Humpback whalesDecember to AprilAround Maui
Humpbacks arrive to breed in these months. Boat-based watching trips are widely available.
Before you go
A US state, with clear rules about nature and culture.
- EntryESTA or a US visaThroughout
Entry follows mainland US procedure. Obtain the electronic authorisation before departure.
- SunscreenReef-harming ingredients are bannedThroughout
Products containing certain chemicals such as oxybenzone cannot be sold here. Bring a reef-safe option.
- Cultural respectSacred sites and lava rockThroughout
Do not climb on ruins or altars. Signs throughout ask visitors not to take lava rock or sand.
- Getting aroundHire car on each island, flights between themThroughout
Outside Oahu, public transport is thin. There are essentially no passenger ferries between islands.
- Ocean safetyRip currents and sudden surfThe coasts
Many beaches have no lifeguard and the surf can build quickly. Always read the warning signs and flags.
- Emergency number911Throughout
The same number as the mainland US for police, ambulance and fire. Medical costs are very high, so check your insurance.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change from year to year and by season. Check the official guidance for each site and operator before you travel.