If you’re looking for an all-in-one Hawaii Travel Guide, you’ve come to the right place. 

Hawaii is a majestic place filled with bountiful nature, stunning beaches, ancient wisdom, and the aloha spirit.

I arrived in Hawaii for the first time in 2016 to work a travel therapy contract on the island of Oahu.  Since then, I’ve spent years working on the islands and traveling around them. 

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On this website, you can dive into our comprehensive series of posts that cover everything you need to know to travel to Hawaii. 

From the best island to visit and when to travel to must-see destinations. 

This Hawaii travel guide has it all, ensuring your Hawaii adventure is unforgettable. 

Whether you are seeking luxury resorts, budget-friendly accommodations, or family-friendly activities, our posts help you craft the perfect Hawaii getaway. 

Table Of Contents
  1. Why Travel To Hawaii?
  2. Best Time Of Year to Visit Hawaii
  3. Which Island To Visit
  4. Know the Hawaiian History & Respect The Land
  5. Essentials To Pack For Hawaii Travel
  6. You definitely don’t want to forget these things:
  7. Hawaii Things to Do
  8. Hawaii on a Budget
  9. Hiking in Hawaii
  10. Travel Healthcare in Hawaii
  11. Recap: Hawaii Travel Guide

Why Travel To Hawaii?

Hawaii is a popular vacation destination for domestic and international travelers. 

The word-class beaches, mountains, shopping, and dining, along with outdoor excursions, make this a place the whole family can enjoy. 

a woman on a boat with diamond head in the background
Enjoying a boat ride on Waikiki Beach

Multiple Hawaii beaches are consistently ranked among the top beaches in the world, including:

  • Lanikai Beach on Oahu for its infamous mokes, clear water, and beautiful sand
  • Waikiki Beach, which has an iconic history on Oahu, and pristine water
  • Hapuna Beach on the Big Island for its stunning sandy beaches

Hawaii is also renowned for many land and ocean excursions, such as:

  • Whale watching, especially in Maui during the winter months
  • Swimming with manta rays at night on the coast of Kona
  • Hiking Diamond Head to see 360-degree views of Oahu
  • Watching the sunrise at Haleakala in Maui
  • Diving and snorkeling with sharks on the North Shore of Oahu 
  • Sunset catamaran cruises with stunning views 
  • Exploring the Na Pali Coast in Kauai 
  • Seeing lava flow at Volcanoes National Park in Big Island
  • Road To Hana on Maui
a woman standing in a lava tube at volcanoes national park
Standing in a Lava Tube at Volcanoes National Park

Best Time Of Year to Visit Hawaii

The best time of year to visit Hawaii depends on your reasons for visiting. 

Generally speaking, there isn’t a bad time to visit Hawaii. 

The year is divided into a rainy season, typically from November to April. And a dry season, which generally occurs from May to October. 

For a more in-depth review: When is the best time to visit Hawaii?

view of a mountain and a beach
Waipio Valley Lookout on the Big Island

Which Island To Visit

If you’re struggling to decide which island to visit in Hawaii, you’re not alone. Each island has its own unique qualities and vibes. 

Fast Read: Which Island to Visit in Hawaii for The First Time

Hawaii comprises eight islands in total.

6 islands are open to the public:

  • Oahu – Home to Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Kailua, and the North Shore
  • Maui – Known for its pristine beaches, Road to Hana, Haleakala, and winter whale watching
  • Big Island – The only island with active volcanoes and home to Kona and Hilo
  • Kauai – The garden island which is home to Waimea Canyon, Napali Coast, and stunning beaches 
  • Lanai – Home to The Four Seasons resort
  • Molokai – More local island with less options for tourists

If you’re not sure which island to visit, consider taking a cruise around all of the islands. Multiple cruise lines set sail across the islands and see a taste of them all. 

Admiring the Na Pali Coast by boat

Know the Hawaiian History & Respect The Land

Anywhere you visit as a traveler, you are a guest in somebody else’s community and land.

When you travel, you need to respect the culture and norms of that community. This is of the utmost importance in Hawaii. Hawaii, the 50th state in the United States, was an independent sovereign nation until 1893, when the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian monarch happened by the United States, and later annexed Hawaii as part of the U.S. in 1898. 

During the time that the United States was colonizing Hawaii, germs and diseases were killing Native Hawaiians. The government was also oppressing the teaching of Hawaiian culture. 

When you go to visit Hawaii, go with respect for the people and the land. You can visit The Bishop Museum in Honolulu to learn more about the history and culture of Hawaii.

Don’t feel entitled to expect things you may easily get on the mainland.

When you’re adventuring, leave the land and sea as you found it. All of the places that I mention in this guide are public spaces for tourists. I never recommend traversing on private property to find “hidden gems”.

Essentials To Pack For Hawaii Travel

In Hawaii, less is more. The laid-back, casual atmosphere reflects in everything down to the clothes that you wear. 

My full essentials packing guide to Hawaii can be found here: Essentials to Pack for Hawaii Travel

You definitely don’t want to forget these things:

  • Sun protection – hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun shirt
  • Swim wear
  • Flip flops/sandals for the beach
  • Waterproof cases/bags for your phone and stuff at the beach 
  • Casual beach clothes for day and night

Hawaii Things to Do

Each island is filled with nature, beauty, and adventure. Here are some of my top recommendations of things to do on each of the four main islands. 

Oahu

Kauai

Big Island

Maui

Lanikai Beach

Hawaii on a Budget

While Hawaii is typically thought of as a luxury vacation destination, you can find deals to make things more affordable. 

I constantly find good deals on airfare and hotels via travel alert subscriptions. I’m a member of Going and Thrifty Traveler Premium. Both send deals for Hawaii quite frequently. 

Traveling in the off-season will also reduce your average hotel and airfare costs. Typically, a lot of the deals that I get from Thrifty and Going are on the off-season and shoulder season. This is actually when I prefer to travel to Hawaii because it is less crowded. 

beach sunset
Watching the sunset on the beach with a crisp drink in hand in one of my favorite free activities in the world

Once you arrive in Hawaii, you can save money by enjoying all nature has to offer for free or low costs. 

  • Hiking. Most hikes are free to enter or have a minimal parking fee. See the next section below for hiking ideas.
  • Beaches. All beaches are free with public access. Swim, relax, and enjoy the sunrise and sunset.
  • Avoid paying rental fees for snorkel masks and gear by bringing your own.
  • Buy food at local food trucks and grocery stores to avoid upcharges at restaurants.
  • Check out this post for more ideas of low cost things to do: 10 Things to Do for Under $10 in Waikiki 

Hiking in Hawaii

Hiking is my favorite hobby, and it’s something I enjoy doing when I travel. In fact, I plan my travels around hiking. 

If you’re an avid hiker, I encourage you to hike with caution in Hawaii. The trails in Hawaii are unlike anything you’ve likely experienced before. I moved to Hawaii as an experienced hiker who summited some of the largest mountains in California, yet I was still humbled when I began hiking in Hawaii. 

The land in Hawaii was formed from lava. This translates to the traction of the mountains being very slippery. The terrain tends to be either muddy or loose and dry. 

a women sitting in a santa hat looking at the ocean
Holiday hike on Oahu’s North Shore

Flash floods, winds knocking people off of ledges, and scaling waterfalls have all sadly left permanent injury or death among hikers in Hawaii. 

Many hikes in Hawaii are on private land, yet the land is disrespectfully trespassed by hikers. 

On my website, I only talk about hikes on public lands that I believe hikers with a bit of experience can hike. 

Please hike with caution, the terrain is not what you are used to if you’re coming from the mainland. 

Here is my collection of favorite hikes in Hawaii

Travel Healthcare in Hawaii

If you’re a traveling healthcare provider, a travel contract in Hawaii may be on your bucket list. 

It was definitely on mine and I’m thankful for the opportunity to work multiple jobs on Oahu and the Big Island. 

a woman standing in a hospital with a bunch of leis
Saying goodbye to coworkers on my last day

Here all all of the resources you need to have a successful travel healthcare assignment in Hawaii:

Recap: Hawaii Travel Guide

rainbow falls

Hawaii is a magical place and I’m excited for you to enjoy it. I hope this Hawaii Travel Guide has helped you to plan your next vacation to Hawaii. 

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