Hawaii

Hawaii is a string of grand, tropical islands in the Pacific, each with their own appeal. The most popular is Oahu, home to the capital of Honolulu, where you will find famous spots such as Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor. Maui is a surfer’s paradise and captures the idea of Hawaii as a top beach destination thanks to its stunning shoreline. Hawaii’s Big Island offers more rugged experience, being home to an active volcano and pristine coral reefs.

Kauai in the north is often called the ‘Garden Isle’ for its rugged green valleys and lush mountain rainforests and waterfalls. Away from the common crowds, there are the remote islands of Molokai and Lanai. These are the least populated of Hawaii’s main islands and offer rustic escapes and seascapes. What the Hawaiian Islands do have in common are natural beauty, an exotic Polynesian culture and history, and amazing resorts.

Top destinations in Hawaii

Where will you go next?

Oahu
Oahu is a tropical Hawaiian island that’s home to epic landscapes, golden beaches and an incredible array of plants and animals. Sun-kissed days and balmy nights here can be spent in laidback luxury. The surf scene in Oahu is well known...
Hawaii Island
Hawaii Island is called ‘Big Island’ for good reasons – it’s ‘big’ in both size and natural beauty. It’s where you’ll find 4 of Hawaii’s 5 active volcanoes and it’s an island of stark contrasts, where even a short road...
Kauai
Kauai is the greenest of the Hawaiian islands, deservingly earning the nickname the ‘Garden Island’. It caters to those seeking...
Maui
Maui Island, the 2nd largest of Hawaii’s 8 major islands, is a strong contender for the sun-kissed state’s most jaw-droppingly...
Honolulu
Honolulu, in southeast Oahu, is Hawaii’s state capital. The imposing Aloha Tower lighthouse greets arriving visitors with its Gothic architecture,...

What to see & do in Hawaii

Where & what to eat in Hawaii

Food and Dining in Hawaii offers a culinary tradition with homegrown ingredients and freshly sourced seafood with everything from party-style pig roasts to elegant upscale dining. You can hit up a food truck for a quickly grilled shrimp skewer or head for a creative fusion establishment that combines Asian, island, and New American cuisine into indescribable flavors. The best restaurants in Hawaii use fresh produce gathered from local farmers. If you're...

10 Best Hawaiian Foods to Try
The native Hawaiian people have unique food and culture which makes their island home the more fascinating of the US states. On the islands you’ll experience some of the most delicious traditional food you'll find in the world. Don’t miss out...
10 Best Local Dishes from Honolulu
Honolulu is a hub of regional cuisine that combines traditional Hawaiian flavors with inspiration from many other cultures. You’ll find...
10 Best Places Where Locals Love to Eat on Hawaii Big Island
Curious about the best places locals love to eat on Hawaii Big Island and on the hunt for a tasty...

Where to shop & what to buy in Hawaii

Shopping in Hawaii's Big Island lets you explore everything from your favorite big-name brands to handmade quilts, jewelry, hand-blown glass, rare koa, wooden bowls, and other exciting finds. Shopping on this island offers world-class independent shops focused on unique indigenous craftsmanship. Visit historic Kailua Village or the Keauhou Shopping Center for traditional shopping or explore the range of small-town art galleries in Hawi and Holualoa. While you're here, be sure to...

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Honolulu
Honolulu offers some of the best shopping experiences in Hawaii, whether you’re on the hunt for brand-name fashions or looking for unique local arts and crafts. Taking advantage of Honolulu’s mild tropical weather, many shopping malls have open-air layouts with...
10 Best Shopping Streets, Malls, and Markets in Maui
Check out the best shopping streets, malls, and markets in Maui after all your beach time and sightseeing on The...
10 Best Souvenirs to Buy in Oahu
With unforgettable experiences like surfing big breaks, snorkeling among colorful marine life, seeing a lively luau, and experiencing exciting nightlife...

Where to go & what to do at night in Hawaii

Nightlife in Hawaii's Big Island is laid back and casual, with fewer big discos spinning thumping electronica and more relaxed live music, drinks, and great food. Some of the most popular nightspot locations on the Big Island are found in Kailua-Kona and Hilo. Check out places like the Hilo Town Tavern for live music or Coqui's Hideaway for pool tables and good food. In Kailua-Kona, check out Humpy's Big Island Ale...

10 Best Nightlife on Hawaii Big Island
Nightlife on Hawaii’s Big Island is relatively relaxed, but you’ll still find plenty of late-night parties for a good time. Instead of flashy nightclubs open through the crack of dawn, restaurants and bars offer smooth cocktails, live music, karaoke, and...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Honolulu
After dinner in Honolulu, you’ll have your choice of things to see and do. From enjoying live music and cocktails...
4 Best Luaus in Honolulu
Here are the best luaus in Honolulu for you and your family to experience a grand Hawaiian cultural celebration. Luaus...

Useful information

Information about Hawaii's Big Island can be found at the island's Visitors Bureau along the Kohala Coast, where you can get guides and information about everything going on. If you need to know where the best sites are, what events are happening, how to get transportation, or even book tours of the island.The Visitor Center is also run by the National Park Service and offers information about eruptions every 30...

10 Mysterious Myths and Legends in Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are steeped in ghostly stories and folklore that have been passed down through the generations. Traditional Hawaiian mythology and religion have ties to ancient Polynesian beliefs brought over by the earliest settlers to the islands, which were...
10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Honolulu
The common mistakes people make when visiting Honolulu are generally innocent misconceptions that those planning a visit to this popular...
10 Best Things to Do in Honolulu When it Rains
If you're looking for things to do in Honolulu when it rains, you'll find a number of exciting indoor attractions,...