Hawaii Travel Guide: Best Islands & Top Attractions

With its stunning beaches, active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and rich Polynesian culture, Hawaii is a dream destination for travelers. Whether you're looking to relax on a tropical beach, hike through volcanic landscapes, or experience Hawaiian traditions, this guide covers the best places to visit in Hawaii.

Where is Hawaii?

📍 Location: Central Pacific Ocean, U.S. State
🏝️ Major Islands: Oahu, Maui, Big Island (Hawai’i), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai
🌊 Neighboring Land: No direct land borders, closest U.S. state is California
🔗 Visit Hawaii Tourism

Best Time to Visit Hawaii

🌸 Spring (March-May): Great for fewer crowds, mild weather, and lower prices.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Best for beach vacations and snorkeling, but expect higher prices.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Ideal for smaller crowds and lush green landscapes.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Perfect for whale watching and surfing, but some rainy days.

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Best Islands to Visit in Hawaii

Hawaii is made up of six major islands, each offering unique experiences.

1. Oahu – The Heart of Hawaii & Urban Adventure

Home to Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, and Pearl Harbor, Oahu is the perfect mix of city life and tropical beauty.

🏖️ Top Things to Do in Oahu:

Visit Waikiki Beach – One of the most famous beaches in the world.
Explore Pearl Harbor – A historic site with memorials and museums.
Hike Diamond Head Crater – A scenic trail with panoramic views of Honolulu.

📍 Location: Central Hawaiian Islands
🔗 Visit Oahu

2. Maui – The Valley Isle & Romantic Escape

Maui is known for its luxury resorts, breathtaking coastal drives, and outdoor adventures.

🌄 Best Attractions in Maui:

Drive the Road to Hana – A stunning coastal drive with waterfalls and black sand beaches.
Watch the Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park – A breathtaking volcanic summit experience.
Relax in Kaanapali Beach – One of the best beaches in Hawaii for swimming and snorkeling.

📍 Location: Second-largest Hawaiian island
🔗 Visit Maui

3. Big Island (Hawai’i) – Home to Volcanoes & Diverse Landscapes

The Big Island offers everything from black sand beaches to active volcanoes and lush rainforests.

🌋 Must-See Places on the Big Island:

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – Home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach – A stunning volcanic beach with sea turtles.
Mauna Kea Summit – A prime spot for stargazing above the clouds.

📍 Location: Largest Hawaiian island
🔗 Visit Big Island

4. Kauai – The Garden Isle & Nature Lover’s Paradise

Kauai is Hawaii’s most lush and unspoiled island, perfect for outdoor lovers.

🌿 Top Things to Do in Kauai:

Hike the Na Pali Coast – One of the most beautiful coastal hikes in the world.
Explore Waimea Canyon – Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”.
Take a Helicopter Tour – See Kauai’s waterfalls and cliffs from above.

📍 Location: Northernmost Hawaiian island
🔗 Visit Kauai

5. Molokai – The Most Authentic Hawaiian Island

Molokai is a great place to experience traditional Hawaiian culture and untouched landscapes.

🏝️ Best Things to Do in Molokai:

Visit Kalaupapa National Historical Park – A remote and historic leper colony.
Explore Papohaku Beach – One of Hawaii’s longest and most secluded beaches.
Hike Halawa Valley – A scenic and cultural experience with waterfalls.

📍 Location: Between Oahu & Maui
🔗 Visit Molokai

6. Lanai – The Private Island Retreat

Once a pineapple plantation, Lanai now offers exclusive luxury resorts and rugged outdoor beauty.

🌅 Top Things to Do in Lanai:

Relax at Hulopoe Beach – A secluded beach with tide pools and snorkeling.
Explore Garden of the Gods – A Mars-like landscape with unique rock formations.
Go Off-Roading to Shipwreck Beach – A remote beach with sunken ship remains.

📍 Location: Near Maui
🔗 Visit Lanai

Best Outdoor Adventures in Hawaii

🌊 Snorkeling at Molokini Crater (Maui) – A crescent-shaped volcanic crater with marine life.
🏄 Surfing on the North Shore (Oahu) – A world-famous surf destination.
🐋 Whale Watching (Maui & Big Island) – Best from December to April.
🏞️ Hiking the Kalalau Trail (Kauai) – One of Hawaii’s most scenic hikes.

Where to Stay in Hawaii

🏨 Luxury Resorts & Hotels:

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – A 5-star beachfront resort.
Halekulani (Oahu) – A luxurious oceanfront hotel in Waikiki.

🏕️ Best Budget Lodging & Camping:

Haleakalā National Park Cabins (Maui) – Stay above the clouds near the summit.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Camping – Sleep near an active volcano.

Tips for Visiting Hawaii

✅ Book Flights & Hotels Early – Hawaii is popular year-round, so reserve in advance.
✅ Respect Hawaiian Culture – Learn a few Hawaiian words and follow local customs.
✅ Rent a Car for Exploring – Public transport is limited, and many attractions require driving.
✅ Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Protect Hawaii’s marine life and coral reefs.

Nearby Travel Destinations

While Hawaii is remote, you can explore other Pacific destinations:

California – Explore Los Angeles or San Francisco before your Hawaii trip.
Japan – A popular international extension from Hawaii.
Tahiti & Bora Bora – Perfect for island hopping in the Pacific.

Final Thoughts

With its breathtaking beaches, lush landscapes, and deep cultural heritage, Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Whether you're hiking a volcano, swimming with sea turtles, or relaxing in a luxury resort, Hawaii offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

For more Pacific travel guides, check out our California Travel Guide and Tahiti Travel Guide.