Dreaming of tropical beaches, volcanoes, and island culture? Head to Hawai‘i! This Pacific paradise offers everything from lush rainforests and towering waterfalls to world-class surfing and Polynesian traditions. Whether you're adventuring on the Big Island or unwinding on Maui’s golden shores, Hawai‘i promises unforgettable experiences across its diverse islands.

Hawai‘i Highlights (by Island):

  • O?ahu: Hike Diamond Head and surf Waikiki Beach – Discover history at Pearl Harbor, shop in Honolulu, and explore vibrant island nightlife.
  • Maui: Drive the Road to Hana – Waterfalls, black sand beaches, and rainforest hikes on one of the most scenic drives in the world.
  • Kaua?i: See the Na Pali Coast – Boat, hike, or helicopter over emerald cliffs and deep valleys on the “Garden Isle.”
  • Big Island: Explore Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park – Witness active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and stargazing atop Mauna Kea.
  • Lana?i & Moloka?i: Escape to quiet, untouched Hawai‘i – Ideal for nature lovers, history buffs, and travelers seeking solitude.

Best Time to Visit Hawai‘i

The best time to visit Hawai‘i is in the spring (April–June) and fall (September–mid-November) for great weather, fewer crowds, and better prices. Summer is popular with families, while winter draws surfers to the North Shore and whale watchers to Maui’s coasts.

How to Get to Hawai‘i

  • By Air: Major airports include Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) on O?ahu, Kahului (OGG) on Maui, Kona (KOA) on the Big Island, and Lihu?e (LIH) on Kaua?i. Direct flights connect Hawai‘i with many U.S. and international cities.
  • By Inter-Island Flights: Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest provide frequent short flights between the islands.

Where to Stay in Hawai‘i

  • For Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – Lavish oceanfront resort with infinity pools, top-tier dining, and beach access.
  • For Families: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort – Beachfront property with kid-friendly pools, shows, and shopping nearby.
  • For Adventure Travelers: Volcano House (Big Island) – Stay inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park with views of Kilauea Crater.
  • For Budget Travelers: Hostelling International Waikiki – Clean, affordable stay near the beach and bus lines.

Best Things to Do in Hawai‘i

Iolani Palace, Hawaii


Explore royal Hawaiian history and admire regal architecture on a fascinating cultural trip.

Iolani Palace, Hawaii

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The ‘Iolani Palace was the royal residence of many rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii, and it is also the only royal palace on United States soil.

The residents began with Kamehameha II and ended with Queen Lili’uokalani. The palace is now a National Historic Landmark. It has been restored and is currently operating as a historic house museum. The palace is located in downtown Honolulu, Oahu and offers two tour options. Guests can choose to go on a docent led tour or a self-led audio-guided tour.

Both tour options see the same parts of the palace – both the first and second floors. Guests of both types of tours can explore the basement gallery on their own after the tour.

There is an introductory video shown every half hour in the barracks. Online reservations at iolanipalace.org are recommended to secure a spot.

364 King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, Phone: 808-522-0822

Battleship Missouri Memorial


Step aboard history and see where World War II ended during a powerful weekend visit.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

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The Battleship Missouri is a U.S. Navy ship that was named after the state of Missouri. The ship, also known as “Mighty Mo” or “Big Mo,” was the last Navy battleship to be commissioned by the United States.

The ship has historical significance, as it was the site where the Japanese surrendered during World War II. This momentous occasion that took place on September 2, 1945 marked the end of the war.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial offers tours twice a day and opportunities to learn and explore more on your own. At the time of writing, some sections of the battleship were closed for renovation.

63 Cowpens Street, Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808-455-1600

For beach lovers:

Ka’anapali Beach


Walk along golden shores and swim in turquoise waves during a dreamy summer escape.

Ka’anapali Beach

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Ka’anapali Beach consists of a three-mile stretch of white sand fronting some of the most popular hotels in Maui. Ka’anapali was the first planned resort in Hawaii and has been used as an example for resorts around the world.

There are five world-class hotels and six luxury condominium villages that face the beach.

The shopping complex Whalers Village is also located on the beach.

The village has a selection of shops and restaurants as well as a whaling museum and Hawaiian entertainment. Ka’anapali is famous for the cliff-diving ceremonies that happen each day off of the northernmost cliffs of the beach, a spot known as Black Rock.

2525 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI 96761, Phone: 808-661-0011

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden


Discover lush rainforests and admire rare plants on a peaceful retirement stroll.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

© Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a nature preserve and botanical garden located along the Hamakua Coast’s 4-mile scenic driving route off of Hawaii’s Route 19.

The botanical garden is a living museum featuring a large, exotic collection of plants from around the world.

The botanical garden contains more than 2,000 species of plants that come from more than 125 different plant families.

The garden is located in a 40-acre valley that serves as a natural greenhouse and provides protection from the wind.

There are nature trails that wind throughout the valley’s natural rainforest past several waterfalls and across streams.

21-717 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Papaikou, HI 96781, Phone: 808-964-5233

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, Hawaii


Explore a wartime submarine and learn naval history during a fun family outing.

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, Hawaii

© USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park

The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is a Balao-class submarine that was deployed in the United States Navy and named after the bowfin fish. The sub has been open to the public since 1981. The museum and park are located conveniently in Pearl Harbor, next-door to the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center. Visitors to the site can tour the museum on their own with an audio-narration device. The narration tells the stories of life aboard the submarine during World War II. The museum contains artifacts and exhibits related to submarines and their place in U.S. military history. There is also a memorial to those submarines and submariners who were lost during the Second World War.

11 Arizona Memorial Drive, Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808-423-1341

Dolphin Quest


Interact with dolphins and learn about marine life during an unforgettable kids experience.

Dolphin Quest

© Dolphin Quest

Dolphin Quest is a dolphin-encounter experience for the whole family. They offer programs for children starting at age 2. Toddlers, young children, and their parents can participate in a 10-minute meet and greet with a dolphin. Older children, teens, and adults can have even closer encounters, including what they call Sea Quest, a 1 hour and 45 minute guided snorkel and swimming experience with Hawaiian fish and sea turtles that is then finished off with 40 minutes of swimming with dolphins. In addition to their location on Hawaii’s Big Island, Dolphin Quest has a second location at the luxurious Kahala Hotel and Resort in Oahu as well as a location in Bermuda.

69-425 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, Phone: 808-886-2875

For Garden Lovers:

Limahuli Garden


Wander scenic trails and explore native plants in a tranquil spring environment.

Limahuli Garden

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The Limahuli Garden and Preserve is a nature preserve and botanical garden located on Kaua’i’s north shore. The garden lies in a tropical valley and contains three different habitats, including the Makana Mountain ridge, the Limahuli Stream, and inland areas of the Ha’ena State Park. The stream features an 800-foot waterfall. The garden contains a large number of native Hawaiian and Polynesian-introduced plants. It has won several awards from the American Horticultural Society as the best botanical garden in the U.S. The garden is open to the public, but the 13 acres of nature preserve land is not open to visitors.

58301 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, HI 96714, Phone: 808-826-1053

Allerton Garden


Admire tropical landscapes and walk through historic garden paths on a romantic couples tour.

Allerton Garden

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Allerton Garden is a botanical garden created by Robert and John Gregg Allerton. The garden, also known as Lawa’i-kai, is located on Kaua’i’s south shore between the McBryde Garden and the Pacific Ocean. The garden is comprised of 80 beautiful acres and lies in a valley crossed by the Lawa’i stream. Allerton Garden includes pools, miniature waterfalls, garden rooms, fountains, and statues, and it is open to visitors. Guests can choose a docent-guided, self-guided, or specialty tour when they visit the garden. Tour options are available that combine a visit to Allerton Garden with adjacent McBryde Garden for even more outdoor fun.

4425 Lawai Road, Koloa, HI 96756, Phone: 808-742-2623

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens


See vibrant orchids and learn how they grow during a quick greenhouse visit.

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens

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Akatsuka Orchid Gardens is a major player in the growth and sale of Cattleya orchids, and has been for more than thirty years. The blooming orchids, which can be seen on display at the gardens, number more than 500 at any given time. The orchids come from a number of different varieties, including Oncidiums, Miltonia, Dendrobiums, and many others. Besides the orchids, the gardens sell other flowers and tropical flower arrangements to individuals and retailers. The gardens have a handicap-accessible showroom and gift shop. The showroom has many orchids and tropical plants on display. Visitors are able to tour the property’s greenhouse.

11-3051 Volcano Road, Volcano, HI 96785

Where to Eat in Hawai‘i

  • For Local Flavors: Helena’s Hawaiian Food (O?ahu) – Classic dishes like kalua pig, lomi salmon, and poi served family-style.
  • For a Food Truck Vibe: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (O?ahu North Shore) – Garlicky shrimp scampi with a cult following.
  • For Farm-to-Table Dining: Merriman’s (Maui & Big Island) – Elegant cuisine highlighting Hawai‘i-grown ingredients.
  • For Casual Eats: Da Poke Shack (Kona) – Fresh ahi poke bowls steps from the sea.

If You Are Interested in Local Events:

  • For Cultural Celebration: Merrie Monarch Festival (Hilo, April) – Hawai‘i’s premier hula competition and cultural showcase.
  • For Holiday Cheer: Honolulu City Lights (December) – Tree lighting, decorations, and parades in downtown Honolulu.
  • For Whale Watching: Humpback Whale Season (December–April) – Best seen off Maui, especially from Lahaina or Ma‘alaea Harbor.

Day Trip Itineraries Within Each Island:

  • O?ahu: Pearl Harbor & Diamond Head – Tour the USS Arizona Memorial, hike to panoramic views, then relax in Waikiki.
  • Maui: Iao Valley & Lahaina – Visit lush valley trails, then explore historic Lahaina town and oceanfront shops.
  • Kaua?i: Waimea Canyon – Drive to “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” for sweeping red-rock vistas.
  • Big Island: Mauna Kea Stargazing – Explore lava landscapes by day, then telescope the stars from above the clouds at night.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What makes Hawaii a great destination?
    • Hawaii is a perfect destination for families, couples, and everyone in between.
    • The islands are steeped in history, which guests can immerse themselves in by visiting historic palaces, museums, and Pearl Harbor sites such as the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri.
    • Hawaii is famous for its volcanoes and beaches.
    • Hawaii is the perfect destination to unwind, enjoy nature, and learn a bit of history.

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