HawaiiTravel Guide

Waikiki enjoys enduring popularity, and why wouldn't you want to stay with travellers from all over the world in this renowned destination? It's got a unique vibrancy and lively ambience and offers budget accommodation and big names alike. In fact, Waikiki has a variety of accommodation styles, but perhaps the most recognised are the high-rise waterfront hotels of premier brands like Hyatt, Hilton, Sheraton, Marriott, and Outrigger.

When it comes to staying on the Big Island, there are two major destinations that you may gravitate towards: Kailua-Kona on the west side, and Hilo on the east. Kailua-Kona offers a vast selection of accommodation and access to all the beaches, cultural sites, and activities. Meanwhile, Hilo has a less extensive accommodation array, but it's close to the popular Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Kauai boasts three regions to choose from when it comes to staying on the island, but wherever you pick, you'll be pretty much guaranteed great beaches and lush green scenery. The North Shore tends to house upmarket accommodation, the Coconut Coast offers more affordable options, while the South Side features hotels and a selection of vacation rentals.

With a laidback charm, Oahu North Shore is almost the opposite of bustling, vibrant Waikiki. This is a picturesque place of tropical gardens and beach-loving lifestyle. The accommodation ranges from cottages to bed and breakfasts, beachside bungalows and luxury resorts, so you'll find everything from high-end getaways to nature-based retreats. Your itinerary and budget will be well-catered for here.

Maui offers a huge range of accommodation, from budget motels to bed and breakfasts, eco-retreats, and five-star resorts. Most of the luxury options are situated on the west coast near Kaanapali, while South Maui also offers a number of major resorts. Whichever area you choose, you're sure to have almost immediate access to the spectacular beaches for which Maui is renowned.

Bear witness to one of the most significant sites in American history at Pearl Harbor. This is where America was drawn into World War II and is also the site where conflict with Japan ended. Now, the USS Arizona Memorial stands above that ship's final resting place. A host of parks, museums and memorials pay homage to the conflict, giving you further insight into the events of Pearl Harbor.

Featuring stunning coastal views and superb hiking trails, Diamond Head Crater is one of Honolulu's defining features. This 300,000-year-old volcanic crater encompasses 192 hectares and was formed during a brief but explosive eruption. If you enjoy walking, you can enjoy the popular hiking trail to the summit of Leahi. Reach the top and get a glimpse into the geological and military significance of Diamond Head.

Bursting forth from the land and the sea, Hawaiian volcanoes are a distinctive feature of the Hawaiian island landscape. At present there are five active volcanoes in Hawaii, three of which are located in the popular Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. This region features black basalt beaches, volcanic deserts and the almost continuous eruptions of the world's most active volcano: Kilauea.

Waimea Canyon State Park is regarded by many as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Located on the western side of Kauai, it features a 16 kilometre canyon that is a staggering 900 metres deep in places. The Waimea Canyon also boasts a unique history. It was formed by the steady erosion of the Waimea River, and the collapse of the volcano that formed Kauai.

Located on Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a living museum dedicated to preserving Polynesian history and tradition. Try your hand at traditional Polynesian activities, or watch native representatives as you get an insight into cooking, crafting and dancing Polynesian-style in their Village Experience. The centre also hosts luaus and evening shows daily and has organised tours of Oahu Island.

Showcasing the arts of Hawaii along with Japanese, American and European works, the Honolulu Museum of Art was opened in 1927 with the ethos of connecting people using art. From an initial gift of 4,500 artworks, the museum has expanded to house 50,000 pieces. It represents all the major cultures of Hawaii with items dating back 5,000 years.

Considered one of the top aviation attractions in the US, the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor has two hangars from World War II that house more than 50 aircraft. Some are original planes that flew before and during the Battle of Pearl Harbor. There's also information about more modern aircraft that are used today to defend the Pacific region.

Kualoa Ranch is a 1,600 hectare private nature reserve that features history, adventure and popular culture all in one fascinating destination. Located on the island of Oahu, it's a working cattle ranch with the additional attractions of zip-lining, food tours, and horseback riding. It's also where action-packed Hollywood films like Jurassic Park, Godzilla, and Skull Island were made.

Located a short distance from Maui, Molokini Crater is a great snorkelling and scuba diving destination. This partially submerged volcano crater rises from 100m below sea level to form an islet about 45 metres above the water surface at its highest peak. The waters around it are renowned for their clarity, and with around 250 species of fish calling it home, it's an important marine reserve.

Located on the North Shore of Kauai, Na Pali Coast is a breathtaking mix of ocean views, rugged green mountains, and cascading waterfalls. This place holds special significance to Hawaiians and has been announced as a state wilderness park. Explore on foot and take on the challenging 18km Kalalau hiking trail (if you want a really active vacation), or access the Na Pali Coast by boat and kayak.

Of all the experiences that symbolise and celebrate Hawaiian culture, luaus are the most renowned. Festive feasts bring together elements of Hawaiian and Polynesian tradition in a celebration that includes dance, custom, and authentic Hawaiian food cooked in a covered earth pit. You can enjoy a luau at destinations across the islands, but book early because the best can be sold out months in advance.

Celebrating the history, culture and environment of Hawaii, Bishop Museum in Honolulu has an extensive collection of Hawaiian artefacts and displays. The museum features a three-storey hall dedicated to exploring Hawaiian culture, along with interactive shows. The facility includes a science centre and planetarium and is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The Hawaii State Art Museum is located in Downtown Honolulu and features semi-permanent along with changing displays. Dedicated to exhibiting and interpreting the art and culture of Hawaii, it boasts three spacious galleries. Once you've browsed the galleries, spend time strolling around the sculpture garden, or release your inner artist in their hands-on activity gallery.

Hawaii food markets are your chance to embrace the authentic flavours and fresh produce of a region that remains true to its farming roots. Across the islands, food markets are common and boast a bounty of delights for the senses to enjoy. Big names include Honolulu's KCC Farmers Market, Hilo Farmers Market on the Big Island, Kauai Culinary Market on Kauai, and Maui's Upcountry Farmers Market.

Waikiki springs to mind when you mention Hawaii bars and nightlife, but the after-dark entertainment and enjoyment extends far beyond this single precinct. Chinatown has an array of funky wine and jazz bars to choose from. Meanwhile, farther afield, Maui features everything from upscale lounges to tiki bars. Head to the Big Island for a wider selection of restaurants and plenty of live music.

Whether you're looking to eat like a local or enjoy some vacation luxury, Hawaii restaurant precincts serve up a smorgasbord of tasty delights. On Oahu, Waikiki services the top end, with a host of eateries and five-star options, while nearby Kapahulu is the popular option for locals. Lahaina on Maui features farm-to-table cuisine, while Kona on the Big Island also has a wide variety of choices.

As the only American state to grow this crop, coffee in Hawaii is definitely a must-do. While you can find coffee hotspots and hubs on Oahu, the place to try authentic Hawaiian coffee is the Big Island. Here, world-renowned Kona Coffee is grown and you can sample it direct from the farmer at a number of coffee plantations, including award-winning Kona Coffee Living History Farm.

Maui is considered a shopper's paradise. Boutique stores, high-end malls, and souvenir shops are perfectly balanced to give you a Maui shopping experience that covers all retail desires. Destinations like Whalers Village offer premium oceanfront retail, while souvenirs are readily available at the malls of central Maui. Meanwhile, the Maui Crafts Guild at Paia showcases handmade artisan wares like jewellery, pottery, basket weaving, and art.

When it comes to affordable retail therapy, you can't pass by the selection of Hawaii outlets. It's the perfect place to nab a bargain. Oahu is home to the Waikele Premium Outlets, where you can peruse over 50 brand-name outlet stores all offering great discounts. Meanwhile, the outlets of Maui, located on the waterfront of Lahaina, also offer great deals at over 25 outlet stores.

Waikiki shopping is renowned for its extensive outdoor shopping options including the world-famous Ala Moana Center. Featuring 300 big-name retailers, it's a tourism destination in itself that also includes a collection of local vendors offering authentic Hawaiian wares. Meanwhile, if a high-end retail experience beckons, check out the fine offerings of Luxury Row.

A vast selection of Hawaii markets offer the opportunity to lay your hands on arts, crafts, vintage items, and authentic Polynesian wares. For the ultimate flea market, head to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, 20 minutes from Waikiki. Here, over 400 stall-holders showcase their offerings three times a week. Meanwhile, Maui hosts a slightly smaller affair every Saturday at Kahului that also offers great finds.

When it comes to hopping between the largest of the Hawaiian islands, air travel is the easiest way to go. Flights between islands are frequent and short. You need to book in advance, however, because on-the-spot tickets aren’t cheap. Hawaiian Airlines (the state’s main carrier) offers the largest number of interisland flights.

If you’re wanting to get around just one island, you have a number of ways to go including rental cars, shuttle, taxi, bus, or ride share such as Lyft or Uber. Oahu is slightly better serviced by public transport than the other islands, because it is not only the most populated island, it’s home to Hawaii’s capital city (Honolulu), the major airport, and is the business and financial centre of Hawaii. To help Oahu run smoothly, public transportation is frequent and inexpensive. You’ll find that bus routes radiate out from Honolulu and it’s easy to get around. Taxis are readily available at major airports and most of the larger hotels but otherwise you’ll need to book one in advance. If you like the idea of renting a car in Hawaii, make sure you plan ahead because this is one of the most popular options and rental cars are often all booked up.

Moving between the islands by sea is not as easy, but it’s possible. Hawaii has one interisland ferry route, between Maui and Lanaʻi. If you want to see the four largest islands, Norwegian Cruise Lines operates round-trip, week-long voyages from Honolulu, but there’s no ‘hop on, hop off’ option.

Famous the world over, Waikiki Beach is as much a symbol of Hawaii as it is a place to bask in tropical waters and watch the passing parade. Located on Oahu, Waikiki features over 3 kilometres of sand, fringed by high-rise resorts. Each section of this beach offers its own ambience, but one thing's for sure: there's plenty of action wherever you go.

Almost 5km of pristine white beachfront and clear blue sea make Kaanapali Beach a must-visit destination on Maui. It's fronted by low-rise resorts, Whalers Village shopping precinct, a whaling museum that harks back to the town's primary trade from 1825-1860 (it's now one of the best places to go whale spotting), and restaurants. It's also famous for the cliff-diving ceremonies from Black Rock at sunset.

Surfers the world over travel to Hawaii just for the perfect waves that grace North Shore, Oahu. Come winter, this 11 kilometre stretch of beach features a host of premier surfing competitions where the swell can reach up to 9 metres. Summer sees more subdued conditions that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and novice surfing enthusiasts.

Punaluu Beach is strikingly different to the powdery white beaches Hawaii is famed for. This renowned beachfront boasts black sand, made of basalt as the lava flow from nearby volcanoes explodes when reaching the cool of the ocean. You'll also find endangered turtles basking on the sand's warmth. Punaluu is stunning, memorable and a great photo opportunity, but not ideal for swimming as the waters can be dangerous.

Known for its superior snorkelling, Hanauma Bay is another popular Oahu destination. Positioned at the bottom of a volcanic crater, it's a designated nature reserve and features easily accessible shallow coral reefs that are home to over 300 species of fish. In a bid to protect the area's environment, visitor numbers are limited to 3,000 people each day, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Meaning ‘heavenly sea', Lanikai is a small but spectacular stretch of seaside that consistently ranks among the best in the world. With calm waves, white sands and crystal-clear waters, this is an ideal destination for kayaking and swimming. Locals recommend visiting early in the day, and because parking can be a challenge, it's best to take a bus or shuttle.

Poipu Beach on Kauai has something for everyone, with swimming areas, a wading hole and snorkelling regions, along with a reef surf break for experienced surfers. The beach is ranked a premium destination because of its unique, picture-perfect crescent shape strung together by sandy outposts and dotted with swaying palms. It's located on Kauai's South Shore.

Suitable for snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving and sunbathing, laze on Kapalua Beach's golden sands and enjoy the shade offered by nearby palms. This relaxed beach is also fairly sheltered courtesy of two well-positioned, picturesque lava outcrops. These give the beach its name, which loosely translates to ‘arms embracing the sea'. Kapalua is home to Maui's premier resorts and sits at the foot of the West Maui Mountains.

For a park that encompasses six of Earth’s climatic zones and two active volcanoes, head to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island. This park is so large, it’s almost as big as the entire island of Oahu, and climbs from sea level to more than 13,000 feet. Here you’ll find volcanoes Kīlauea and Maunaloa, which erupted simultaneously in recent times—an incredibly rare event. Always check the National Park Service website for the latest information.

If you want to learn about traditional Hawaiian culture, this is one of the best parks in Hawaii you could come to. Located on the Big Island’s western Kona coast, Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park protects one of the most sacred and significant archaeological sites in the Hawaiian island chain. Its name, in the native Hawaiian language, means “place of refuge”, as it was a sanctuary that those who had broken customary rules could escape to. Today the park includes modern additions, designed to recreate historic sites and educate travellers about traditional Hawaiian culture. The park encompasses temple platforms, royal fishponds, sledding tracks and a coastal village, while artisans give daily demonstrations on weaving, fishing, carving and other trades and crafts.

A volcanic landscape that soars above the clouds is what makes Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui so memorable. Maui's highest peak rises 3,005 metres above sea level, with Haleakala meaning "house of the sun". According to traditional Hawaiian culture, this is where the demigod Maui lassoed the enormous fireball, to extend the length of days. Sunrise at the summit of Haleakala is an Instagrammer’s dream, as the high elevation, dynamic weather patterns and lack of environmental pollution make it the perfect place to view the sky. What people come to experience, in particular, is the moment when the morning sun breaks the horizon above a blanket of fluffy clouds. This viewing has become so popular that you now need a permit for sunrise viewing. Our tip? Try sunset, which is just as spectacular but a little less crowded.