Things To Do
in Hawaii
Hawaii is a picturesque archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, known for its stunning landscapes that include lush mountains, beautiful beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. The state is made up of eight main islands, with Hawaii (the Big Island) being the largest and most volcanically active, featuring Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Rich in cultural heritage, Hawaii is home to a unique blend of Native Hawaiian traditions, language, and arts, alongside influences from various cultures around the world.
The state's warm climate and diverse ecosystems make it a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors seeking adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty each year.
- "Aloha" - Hello / Goodbye
- "Mahalo" - Thank you
- "Ohana" - Family
- "Hana hou" - Encore / Do it again
- "Pule" - Prayer
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $500
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2.50 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Honolulu and settle into your hotel. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Explore Waikiki Beach and soak up the sun. Try some local Hawaiian snacks at nearby food trucks.
Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant with stunning sunset views. Attend a traditional Hawaiian luau for an authentic cultural experience.
Spend the morning on the sandy shores of Lanikai Beach. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the crystal-clear waters.
Take a hike to the Lanikai Pillbox for breathtaking views. Pack a picnic and enjoy it at the top.
Head back to the beach to unwind. Watch the sunset and enjoy a quiet evening by the ocean.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes including beaches, mountains, and rainforests
- Pleasant warm climate year-round
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with unique traditions and festivals
- Excellent outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and snorkeling
- Friendly and welcoming local communities
- Opportunities for relaxation and wellness, including spas and retreats
- High cost of living and housing prices
- Limited job opportunities in certain fields
- Isolated location can make travel to and from the mainland expensive and time-consuming
- Natural disasters such as hurricanes and volcanic eruptions can pose risks
- Tourism can lead to overcrowding in popular areas, affecting the local experience
- Transportation can be challenging due to limited public transit options on some islands
Best Activities in Hawaii
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life in places like Hanauma Bay and Molokini Crater.
Enjoy scenic trails with stunning views such as the Kalalau Trail on Kauai or Diamond Head on Oahu.
Catch waves at iconic spots like Waikiki Beach or the North Shore of Oahu, suitable for all skill levels.
Experience thrilling zipline courses through lush jungles and across stunning landscapes on various islands.
Explore the coastlines and hidden beaches while kayaking in locations like Lanikai Beach or Kealakekua Bay.
Enjoy a peaceful time on the water while paddleboarding in calm bays like Kailua or Hanalei.
Get a bird's eye view of Hawaii's breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and volcanic craters from a helicopter.
Experience the beauty of Hawaii's nature by camping in designated areas like Haleakala National Park or Polihale State Park.
Observe unique wildlife, including sea turtles and humpback whales, during appropriate seasons.
Engage in outdoor cultural experiences such as visiting historical sites, luaus, and traditional Hawaiian practices.
Tours
Uncover the best of Hawaii with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Hawaii
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its stunning sunrise views from the summit, highlighting the vast crater and diverse landscapes.
Known as the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific,' this location offers breathtaking views of deep canyons and waterfalls.
A dramatic coastal area featuring towering cliffs, lush green valleys, and scenic vistas, accessible by hiking or boat tours.
A trail leading to the summit of a volcanic cone, providing panoramic views of Waikīkī and the Pacific Ocean.
Offers unique views of sea cliffs and historic sites, best accessed by hiking or guided tours.
Characterized by the iconic Iao Needle and lush landscapes, this park provides excellent photographic opportunities.
A spacious beach known for its golden sands and clear waters, offering stunning sunset backdrops.
A beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation, easily accessible for great photo opportunities.
Rolling hills of coffee plants provide a unique landscape and excellent opportunities for capturing agricultural beauty.
Renowned for its soft sand and turquoise waters, with views of the Mokulua Islands, perfect for both sunrise and sunset photos.
Food in Hawaii
Hawaii Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Hawaiian dish made with diced raw fish, typically marinated with soy sauce, sesame oil, and various seasonings. Try it at Ono Seafood in Honolulu.
Must-Try!
A comfort food staple consisting of rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy. Find a delicious version at Rainbow Drive-In, Oahu.
Slow-cooked pork that has been traditionally cooked in an underground oven (imu). Enjoy this delicacy at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu.
A popular snack made with sushi rice and a slice of Spam, wrapped in seaweed. Stop by any local convenience store for a quick bite.
A traditional coconut milk-based dessert, often served in a creamy pudding form. Try it at the Dole Plantation’s café.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Hawaii better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market filled with local vendors offering an eclectic mix of food trucks and stalls serving traditional Hawaiian and fusion dishes.
Known for its fresh produce, this market offers a variety of local foods, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. Open every Wednesday and Saturday.
A vibrant gathering of food vendors offering a mix of local specialties and international cuisine in a stylish setting in Honolulu.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Embrace the 'Aloha Spirit' which signifies love, peace, and compassion. Greet others with 'Aloha' and show kindness to foster positive interactions.
Hawaiians have a profound connection to the land ('Aina'). Show respect by not littering, following local guidelines, and seeking permission before accessing private or sacred sites.
Familiarize yourself with local customs, such as the significance of lei giving, traditional ceremonies, and the importance of family ('Ohana'). Participate when invited, but always be respectful and observant.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Hawaii with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Hawaii
Ensure a smooth experience
In Hawaii, tipping is generally seen as a way to acknowledge good service, similar to mainland U.S. practices. Standard tipping is usually around 15-20% of the total bill in restaurants. However, some places may include a service charge, especially for larger parties, making additional tipping unnecessary. In bars, it's common to tip $1-2 per drink. For other services, such as taxi drivers and hotel staff, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Payment methods in Hawaii are similar to those used elsewhere in the United States. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, while cash is also widely accepted. Some smaller establishments, particularly in more remote areas, may prefer cash. It's worth noting that Hawaii has a unique blend of cultures, which can sometimes influence payment practices, such as the acceptance of checks or the use of local currency in specific situations.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Hawaii.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the peak tourist season in Hawaii due to the pleasant weather and numerous holiday events. Expect cooler temperatures, occasional rain, and great surfing conditions on the North Shore of Oahu. It's a great time for whale watching as humpback whales migrate to the waters around the islands.
Spring is a shoulder season with beautiful weather and fewer crowds. Temperatures are mild, and flowers are in bloom. This is an excellent time for hiking, diving, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the islands. Costs may be slightly lower than winter.
Summer features warm temperatures and is a popular time for families to visit. Expect longer days and plenty of sunshine, with occasional afternoon showers. This season is ideal for beach activities, snorkeling, and other water sports. However, it can be crowded and more expensive due to school vacations.
Fall is another shoulder season with fewer tourists and more affordable rates. The weather remains warm, and the ocean is still comfortable for swimming. This period often has a mix of sunny days and occasional rain, making it a good time for hiking and exploring the islands without large crowds.
Hawaii at Night
Hiking in Hawaii
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot with stunning views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean, featuring a well-maintained trail leading to the summit.
A challenging 11-mile trail that runs along the Na Pali Coast on Kauai, offering breathtaking views and access to secluded beaches.
Known for its diverse landscapes, the park features trails that take you through volcanic craters and lush rainforests.
An easy, paved trail that offers scenic views of the ocean and the chance to see humpback whales during migration season.
Often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific', this area features various trails with panoramic views and unique geological formations.
A steep hike with over 1,000 steps leading to the summit, rewarding hikers with incredible views of Hanauma Bay and the coastline.
A relatively easy hike through lush rainforest that leads to a beautiful waterfall, perfect for a leisurely day out.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Hawaii through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Hawaii by plane.
The primary airport serving the state of Hawaii, located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
The second-largest airport in Hawaii, located on the island of Maui.
Serves the island of Kauai and is located near the town of Lihue.
Located on the Big Island, this airport serves the eastern side of the island near Hilo.
Located on the western side of the Big Island, serving the Kailua-Kona area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Asian Americans constitute a significant portion of Hawaii's population, with groups including Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and others.
This group includes Native Hawaiians as well as other Pacific Islanders, such as Samoans and Tongans.
Non-Hispanic whites form another large demographic group in Hawaii.
This group includes individuals from various Latin American countries, particularly those of Mexican descent.
A smaller percentage of the population in Hawaii identifies as Black or African American.
A significant number of people in Hawaii identify as being of two or more racial backgrounds.
The Soul of Hawaii
Discover the essence of Hawaii through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hawaii is considered the birthplace of surfing, with its iconic waves drawing surfers from around the world.
A traditional Hawaiian dance that is often accompanied by chants or songs, reflecting the culture and stories of Hawaii.
The crystal-clear waters of Hawaii offer some of the best diving and snorkeling experiences, featuring coral reefs and diverse marine life.
A popular water sport where participants stand on a board and use a paddle to move through the water, often enjoyed in calm, scenic locations.
Hawaii offers excellent deep-sea fishing opportunities for big game fish, as well as shore fishing experiences.
Hawaii is home to numerous picturesque golf courses set against stunning ocean and mountain backdrops, attracting golfers from everywhere.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many local restaurants offer vegetarian options, including fresh vegetable poke and salads. The Aloha Plant-Based Food Truck on Oahu is a popular destination.
Vegan options are becoming increasingly available, with eateries like 'Aloha Poke Co.' serving plant-based poke bowls and hearty salads.
Look for gluten-free options at restaurants like Down to Earth Organic & Natural, which offers a variety of gluten-free products and meals.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Hawaii with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hawaii.