Loading...

Hawaii travel guide

Hawaii is a dream destination, famous for its epic surf, fun holiday vibe and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Of the eight major islands, the most popular are Hawaii (known as The Big Island), Maui and Oahu. If you want to surf or swim at Waikiki Beach, Oahu is your destination, where you’ll also have the chance to visit Pearl Harbour. With volcanoes, walking trails, fantastic beaches, unique cuisine and so much to discover about the Hawaiian culture, it’s no wonder Hawaii tops the travel list for many people. If you’re planning a visit, explore our Hawaii travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time in this incredible part of the world.  We’ve collected the best tips from our travel experts, and have all sorts of suggestions for things to do, the best time to travel to Hawaii, where to stay, how to get around, and more.

Where to stay

Working out where to stay in Hawaii is all part of the holiday fun, with each major island offering an array of accommodation options. If you’re after a cosmopolitan vibrancy, Waikiki is one of the best places to stay in Hawaii. There's a lot more to choose from beyond this famous beach, with the island of Oahu presenting plenty of accommodation options too. If luxury is the priority, Maui gives you five-star resorts with a laidback feel. The Big Island’s accommodation centres around the major tourism destination of Kailua-Kona and the volcanic area of Hilo. Kauai Island also has...

Things to do

With picture-perfect beaches, a vibrant dining scene and striking natural beauty, there’s an almost endless list of things to do in Hawaii. From visiting historical sites like Pearl Harbor, visiting Waikiki beach, or heading out to Akaka Falls, this is a destination that gives you so much to see, while still maintaining ‘island time’. By the end of your holiday, you’ll have lasting memories of the Hawaii activities you’ve experienced, but you’ll also feel relaxed and replete. 

Travel tips

Renowned for its warm hospitality, low crime rate and paradise feel, you can expect an easy-going time when you holiday here; however, there are still a few Hawaii travel tips to keep in mind. The general Hawaii travel advice relates to enjoying the natural beauty of the islands. Beaches can be subject to dangerous tides and rips, while the reefs so famous for snorkelling can present hazards of their own.When it comes to personal safety, ensure you keep your valuables stowed securely, be mindful of your surroundings, and don’t take unnecessary risks.Medical treatment can be expensive,...

Where to eat

Influenced by the flavours of Asia, the Americas, Polynesia and Europe, Hawaii food and drink serves up a stunning array of dining options across the islands. From beachside shacks to high-end restaurants, the choices are varied and enticing.This culture extends to a bustling street food scene in Honolulu that culminates in the monthly Eat the Street rally, as well as the various farmers’ markets that offer up local delights. For first-time visitors, an authentic Hawaiian luau (feast) is a must, featuring fresh seafood, traditional delights like poke (raw tuna salad) and poi (fermented...

Shopping

From high-end malls to expansive open-air shopping precincts, outlets and flea markets, Hawaii shopping is your opportunity to enjoy some serious retail therapy. In fact, many visitors spend as much time shopping as they do on the beach.The Honolulu shopping scene is perhaps the most well-known with famous destinations like the open-air Ala Moana shopping centre and outlet stores. However, great deals and unique items aren’t just restricted to Oahu. Maui also features a thriving retail industry, and if you’re considering unique items on your list of what to buy in Hawaii, the Maui...

Best time to travel

With warm and pleasant temperatures throughout the year, it’s not so much the weather in Hawaii but rather how busy the destination gets that determines the best time to travel. Due to its proximity to the US mainland, Hawaii is a haven for American residents seeking a reprieve from the winter cold. This means the holiday season around December can be a more crowded and expensive time to visit. Although there’s little variation in the weather, the trade winds die down in spring and the rainfall also drops off. For many, the period between March and May is an ideal time to revel in all the...

Beaches

With sands that range from white and green to red and black, Hawaii beaches are regarded as some of the most spectacular in the world. The archipelago is home to premium surf breaks, superb snorkelling, and an array of diverse beaches that will amaze.Take in the unique beauty of the green, red and black beaches of Hawaii’s Big Island, watch the world’s leading surfers in action on Oahu, or catch all the action and excitement of iconic Waikiki.Each year, Hawaii’s beaches feature in lists of the world’s finest, and you never have to venture far to feel their welcoming sands beneath your feet.