Hawaii doesn’t seem like it should be part of the United States. This tropical archipelago in the South Pacific is a geological marvel — a paradise of emerald valleys, volcanic peaks, and golden beaches. Each island offers its own rhythm, its own story, its own way of enchanting you.

Made up of six main islands — Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the Island of Hawaii (often called the Big Island) — the state was born from fire. The Big Island continues to grow today, shaped by the lava flows of Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Just offshore, the underwater volcano Kamaehuakanaloa reminds us that Hawaii is always in motion, still creating its future.

This is a place where you can lose track of time: one moment snorkeling with manta rays, the next hiking a lush rainforest trail, and later watching the sunset with a poke bowl in hand. Hawaii offers something for every traveler, from beach loungers to adventurers to culture seekers.

Essentials to Know Before You Go

Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)

Languages: English and Hawaiian

Airports: Honolulu (HNL), Maui’s Kahului (OGG), Kona (KOA), Hilo (ITO), and Lihue (LIH)

Getting Around: Renting a car is the best way to explore beyond your resort. Ride-shares and taxis are available in more developed areas.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round is beautiful. January–March is best for whale watching, winter brings big waves to Oahu’s North Shore, summer is sunniest with the least rain, and September–October offers fewer crowds.

Ideal Length of Stay: 5–10 days to balance adventure and relaxation.

Signature Dishes: Shave ice, poke, saimin (noodle soup), laulau (taro-leaf-wrapped pork), malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts).

Key Phrases: Aloha (hello/goodbye), Mahalo (thank you), Ohana (family), Moana (ocean).

Dress Code: Swimsuits, breezy dresses, shorts, sandals, a sun hat. Bring a light sweater for cool evenings.

The Big Island: Land of Fire and Stars

The Island of Hawaii, or the Big Island, is the most diverse — a patchwork of black sand beaches, rainforests, coffee farms, and active volcanoes. It’s also deeply spiritual, with resorts and cultural sites that honor traditions and heritage.

Wander: Hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, watch lava beds at Kilauea Iki Crater, or soar above Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea by helicopter. At night, snorkel with manta rays or stargaze atop Mauna Kea. Don’t miss Papakolea, a rare green-sand beach.

Stay: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection — luxurious and family-friendly. Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort — free-standing hale with artistic details. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai — serene and heritage-inspired. Fairmont Orchid — private bay with oceanfront dining. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel — iconic white-sand location and golf course.

Taste: CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani serves Japanese-inflected dishes with local flair. Ulu Ocean Grill at Four Seasons offers fine dining by the sea. Kona Brewing Company pairs craft beer with casual fare. For shave ice, try Kula Shave Ice or Anuenue. Don’t miss Punalu‘u Bake Shop’s malasadas or fresh poke from Da Poke Shack and Suisan Fish Market.

Oahu & Lanai: Surf, City, and Solitude

Oahu is the heartbeat of Hawaii — home to Honolulu’s buzz and the surf capital of the world. Lanai, in contrast, is serene and private, perfect for disconnecting.

Wander: On Oahu, surf or watch big waves at the Banzai Pipeline, hike to Maunawili Falls, or stroll the Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden. On Lanai, explore the charming Lanai City, browse local art, or relax at the Lanai Cat Sanctuary.

Stay: Turtle Bay Resort — iconic and newly renovated, on Oahu’s North Shore. Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina — a family-friendly retreat. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa — Disney magic meets the Pacific. Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach — lively, modern, and oceanfront. Four Seasons Resort Lanai — private luxury with world-class dining. Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort — wellness retreat with a Japanese-inspired spa.

Taste: On Oahu, head to Sunrise Shack for acai bowls, Pig and the Lady for Vietnamese in Chinatown, or ARVO for a chic cafe vibe. On Lanai, Nobu Lanai and Malibu Farm (both at Four Seasons) highlight fresh, local ingredients.

Kauai: The Garden Isle

Kauai is Hawaii’s oldest island and its most lush. Rainforests blanket the landscape, waterfalls plunge into valleys, and jagged cliffs meet turquoise seas. It’s slower, more rugged, and deeply rewarding.

Wander: Hike Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” or the Mahaulepu Coastal Trail. Visit Makauwahi Cave, the largest limestone cave in Hawaii. Take in the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast by boat or on foot (permit required).

Stay: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay — eco-luxury with wellness at its core. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa — expansive and family-friendly. Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach — intimate and romantic.

Taste: Smoothies at Kauai Juice Co., organic plates at Living Foods, ramen at AMA, and poke at Hanalei Bread Company. Warehouse 3540 food trucks make for a casual, delicious stop.

Maui: Volcanic Beauty and Island Glamour

Maui combines lush landscapes with luxury. From sunrise at Haleakala to the winding Road to Hana, this island balances raw beauty with indulgence.

Wander: Drive the Road to Hana, stopping at waterfalls and black-sand Pa‘iloa Beach. Snorkel at Molokini Crater, shop and dine in Paia, or hike Haleakala National Park’s volcanic trails.

Stay: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea — chic and cinematic (and White Lotus famous). Fairmont Kea Lani — newly renovated and family-friendly. Andaz Maui at Wailea — sleek, modern, and pool-filled. Montage Kapalua Bay — residential-style suites with cultural programming.

Taste: Mama’s Fish House for iconic island dining, Monkeypod Kitchen for local ingredients, Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop for comfort food, Ka‘ana Kitchen at Andaz for farm-to-table plates, and Ferraro’s at Four Seasons for coastal Italian with live music.

Why Hawaii Captivates

Each island tells its own story: the volcanic drama of the Big Island, the surf and city energy of Oahu, the serenity of Lanai, the lush cliffs of Kauai, and the glamor-meets-adventure vibe of Maui. Together, they create a tapestry of landscapes and cultures unlike anywhere else.

In Hawaii, every sunrise feels like a blessing, every meal tastes like the land itself, and every adventure lingers long after you’ve left.