The Hawaii archipelago comprises eight major islands and 129 smaller ones. The primary options are Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Island of Hawaii. They all offer surfing, trails, and luaus, with unique appeals. You can island-hop with short flights (25-40 minutes) or stick to one for your vacation. Stay on those beautiful beaches as long as you want—no judgment!
Where to Stay
Oahu
Oahu, the most visited Hawaiian island, boasts high-rise hotels near the famous Waikiki Beach. Surfers ride gentle waves, while tourists relax on miles of white sand. Kalakaua Avenue, behind the beach, offers luxury boutiques, sleek restaurants, and quirky souvenir shops.
Don’t miss the recognizable Diamond Head State Monument. Hike the steep trail for downtown Honolulu’s panoramic views. Afterward, kayak or paddleboard to Kaneohe Sandbar, a coral reef-surrounded strip near Kaneohe Bay, perfect for snorkeling.
Oahu offers vibrant nightlife options: live music venues, craft breweries, and rooftop bars. Accommodations vary from beachfront hotels with ocean views to budget-friendly boutique hotels a few blocks away. These provide personalized experiences along with free coffee, reef-safe sun cream, and bike rentals.
Island of Hawaii
The Island of Hawaii, the youngest and largest, hosts six volcanoes, including active Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Ecologically diverse with ten climate zones, it spans from desert to ice-covered periglacial regions. Drive through lava fields, rolling hills, and lush rainforests.
Visit Punaluu Black Sand Beach, where the blue water meets inky basalt sand and sea turtles rest. Experience a night dive to witness manta rays at Manta Heaven and Manta Village. Explore Hilo’s Queen Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, a Japanese garden with bridges and stone lanterns. Other activities include ziplining, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Akaka Falls State Park’s 442-foot waterfall hike.
Hotels and resorts cluster in Kailua-Kona, the sunnier “dry side.” Hilo features beachfront hotels, while near the national park in Volcano, many Airbnbs and private rentals are available.
Maui
The luxury resorts, fine-dining restaurants, and designer boutiques of Maui’s west coast cater to those seeking upscale experiences. On the eastern side, the scenic 52-mile Road to Hana beckons with bamboo forests, waterfalls, and hidden coves. Nicknamed Highway to Heaven, the journey treats road-trippers to narrow bridges, rugged coastlines, and roadside treats like banana bread and huli huli chicken.
Catch the sunrise atop Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano. Adventurers can bike down from the 6,500ft summit through winding roads. For relaxation, visit Kaanapali Beach, known for its powdery sand and as one of America’s best beaches. Black Rock, at its northern tip, is a snorkeling and cliff-diving hotspot.
Witness thousands of migrating North Pacific Humpback whales from November to May at spots like Kihei, Wailea, Paia Bay, and Hookipa Beach Park. West and south Maui house many resorts, from opulent options like Four Seasons Resort Maui to the classic Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Hana-Maui Resort offers respite after the Road to Hana Drive.
Kauai
Kauai, covered in lush forests and mountains, attracts nature lovers. Only 20% is accessible by car, making it the least developed main island. Enjoy beautiful hikes like the Kalalau Trail and Kalepa Ridge Trail. Tunnels Beach offers sea turtle encounters, and helicopter rides showcase the Napali coast and Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
Hotels are mainly near sunny Poipu on the southern shore. Princeville on the north shore provides great views of Hanalei Bay. Budget options cluster around Lihue Airport on the east side.
Food and Drink
Hawaii’s culinary diversity mirrors its multicultural population, blending Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, Native Hawaiian, and Polynesian influences. Begin your day with a fresh malasada, a Portuguese cinnamon sugar-dusted doughnut from Leonard’s Bakery.
For traditional Hawaiian lunches in Oahu, indulge in kalua pork and lomi salmon at Helena’s Hawaiian Food, a simple family-owned eatery. Grab a poke bowl from Ono Seafood or rice balls and Spam musubi from Musubi Café Iyasume for a picnic under a banyan or monkeypod trees. A must-do is a luau, a Hawaiian feast with music and cultural performances.
On the Island of Hawaii, Suisan Fish Market in Hilo offers top-notch fresh poke. Experience diverse local offerings at Food Truck Fridays in Kona, including barbecue, tacos, and pies. Kona coffee farms provide tours and tastings.
In Oahu, the sunset luau at the Royal Hawaiian is a favorite. Along the North Shore, food trucks serve garlicky fried shrimp and rice plates. For dessert, Matsumoto Shave Ice in Haleiwa offers shaved ice with fruity syrup.
Kick off your day in Maui with French toast at Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. Star Noodle by Top Chef star Sheldon Simeon is a foodie’s delight, offering steamed pork buns and garlic noodles with ocean views.
Kauai boasts renowned farmers’ markets in Hanalei, Kapaa, Kilauea, Lihue, and Koloa. These markets offer local cuisine and fresh produce, with acai bowls—a frozen acai berry puree topped with granola and fruit—being a popular choice.
Know Before You Go
Hawaii’s affordability hinges on your budget and preferences. Free or low-cost attractions like parks, beaches, and trails are abundant. Yet, expenses can mount if you opt for tours, dining at upscale restaurants, and adventure activities. In Honolulu, getting around is easy via ride shares, taxis, public buses, and the Waikiki Trolley with hop-on/hop-off options. However, renting a car is essential for exploring the North Shore or other islands. Due to limited parking at popular spots, arrive early to secure a space.
Book restaurant reservations promptly, as some places have long waiting lists. As Wi-Fi may be inconsistent in certain areas, bring a physical map for driving. Cash is handy for on-the-spot purchases at roadside stands.
Hawaii welcomes visitors year-round, but the prime time is April through September, offering less rainfall. Keep in mind that Maui, Kauai, and the Island of Hawaii have varying weather across their different sides. Before embarking on a drive, check for current conditions.
