Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The site of Japan's 1941 attack that launched the US into WWII. The USS Arizona Memorial spans the sunken battleship where 1,177 sailors remain entombed. America's most visited military memorial.
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About Hawaii
Hawaii offers an unparalleled blend of natural wonders, Polynesian heritage, and modern amenities. From the world-famous Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor on Oahu, to the volcanic craters of Maui's Haleakala, the dramatic sea cliffs of Kauai's Na Pali Coast, and the active lava flows of the Big Island, each island delivers extraordinary experiences. The aloha spirit — a philosophy of love, peace, and compassion — permeates every interaction, making Hawaii one of the most welcoming destinations in the world.
- Capital
- Honolulu
- Largest city
- Honolulu
- Population
- 1.4 million
- Languages
- English, Hawaiian
- Currency
- US Dollar
- Time zone
- Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, UTC-10)
Explore Hawaii by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Hawaii
The 11 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Haleakala National Park
A massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with a lunar-like crater. Watching sunrise above the clouds from the summit is among Hawaii's most extraordinary experiences. Silversword plants grow nowhere else on Earth.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Two of the world's most active volcanoes — Kilauea and Mauna Loa — make this the most geologically dramatic national park in the US. Walk through lava tubes, across hardened lava lakes, and past steaming vents.
Waimea Canyon State Park
The Grand Canyon of the Pacific — 14 miles long, 1 mile wide, and over 3,600 feet deep, carved by erosion of Kauai's ancient volcanic plateau. Multiple overlooks offer staggering views into the red canyon walls.
Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
Kauai's most spectacular coastline — 4,000-foot fluted sea cliffs plunging into turquoise water for 15 miles. Inaccessible by road, it's experienced by boat, helicopter, or the grueling 11-mile Kalalau Trail.
Iolani Palace
The only royal palace on American soil, where Hawaii's last monarchs ruled until the 1893 overthrow of the kingdom. Guided tours of the lavish state rooms, and the basement where Queen Lili'uokalani was imprisoned.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Hawaii Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Hawaii, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Hawaii
- Days 1-2Hawaii city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Hawaii
- Days 1-3Hawaii comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Hawaii, departure
Where to stay in Hawaii
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $50-100
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $100-200
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $300+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Set on 15 acres of oceanfront in Wailea, the Four Seasons Maui is consistently rated the finest resort in Hawaii. Three pools, three restaurants, a world-class spa, and 383 elegantly appointed rooms and suites define this legendary property.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Situated on Poipu Beach, this stunning resort features a 50-acre property with a saltwater lagoon, fantasy pool complex, and Anara Spa. The resort blends authentic Hawaiian culture with world-class luxury.
Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific on the northwest coast of Maui, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua offers 463 luxurious rooms and suites with panoramic ocean views. A premier whale watching location December through April.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Nestled between ancient lava fields and the Pacific Ocean on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, Four Seasons Hualalai offers bungalow-style accommodations and the King's Pond, a natural lava rock pool filled with tropical fish and rays.
Where to eat in Hawaii
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Alan Wong's Honolulu
The flagship restaurant of James Beard Award-winning chef Alan Wong, widely considered the father of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Features locally sourced ingredients transformed with Asian and Pacific influences. A Honolulu institution since 1995.
Mama's Fish House
Widely considered Maui's most beloved restaurant, Mama's Fish House has been serving fresh-caught Hawaiian fish since 1973. Set in a stunning oceanfront location, the menu credits each fish with the name of the fisherman who caught it. Book 6 months in advance.
La Mer
Hawaii's only AAA Five Diamond restaurant, La Mer at the Halekulani Hotel offers neoclassical French cuisine with Pacific influences in an elegant oceanside setting. Jacket recommended for gentlemen. An unrivaled fine dining experience in Hawaii.
Morimoto Maui
Celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto's oceanfront Maui restaurant blends Japanese cuisine with Hawaiian ingredients. The open-air dining room overlooks the Pacific, and the sushi and omakase menus are exceptional.
Roy's Hawaii Kai
The original location of chef Roy Yamaguchi's empire, Roy's Hawaii Kai pioneered Euro-Asian cuisine in Hawaii. Open kitchen, knowledgeable staff, and consistently excellent food have made this a Hawaii dining icon since 1988.
Duke's Waikiki
Named after Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, Duke's offers beachfront dining on Waikiki Beach. Famous for its hula pie dessert, fresh fish tacos, and lively atmosphere. Live Hawaiian music on weekends.
Getting around Hawaii
Getting around Hawaii requires inter-island flights between the main islands, as there are no bridges or ferries connecting them (with the exception of a ferry between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai). Within each island, a rental car is the most practical option except on Oahu, which has an extensive public bus system.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15-40 | $50-120 | $150+ |
| Food (per day) | $10-25 | $30-60 | $80+ |
| Transportation | $5-15 | $20-50 | $75+ |
| Activities | $5-15 | $20-50 | $75+ |
| Daily total | $50-100 | $100-200 | $300+ |
Best time to visit Hawaii
Essential travel tips
- Research visa requirements before your trip
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language
- Carry cash as cards may not be accepted everywhere
- Respect local customs and dress codes
- Purchase travel insurance before departure
Safety information
Rip Current Awareness. Rip currents are the leading cause of ocean rescues in Hawaii. Fast-moving water channels pull swimmers offshore rapidly.
Box Jellyfish and Man-of-War. Box jellyfish appear predictably on Oahu's leeward beaches 8-10 days after the full moon. Portuguese man-of-war wash ashore after strong winds, especially on windward coasts.
Volcanic Smog (Vog). Sulfur dioxide emissions from Kilauea create vog that affects air quality across the Hawaiian Islands. Worst on the Big Island's leeward Kona side.
Active Lava and Lava Bench Collapses. Hardened lava benches at ocean entry points can collapse suddenly into boiling water. Laze (steam from lava meeting ocean) contains hydrochloric acid and volcanic particles.
Valley Flash Floods. Hawaii's mountains receive some of the world's highest rainfall. Flash floods can occur within minutes in valleys even when skies look clear at your location.
Extreme UV Radiation. Hawaii's tropical latitude means UV radiation is significantly stronger than the continental US. Light-skinned visitors can burn in as little as 15-20 minutes.
Protected Marine Wildlife Laws. Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles (honu) are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act.
Vehicle Break-ins at Trailheads. Car break-ins occur regularly at popular trailheads and beach parking areas, particularly at Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Makapu'u, and North Shore beaches.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Hawaii?
Entry requirements follow United States rules. US citizens need no passport; foreign visitors follow standard US visa requirements. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Hawaii?
The currency in Hawaii is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Hawaii?
The main language(s) spoken in Hawaii: English, Hawaiian. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.