Hawaii
State

Hawaii

Tropical paradise with volcanic wonders and aloha spirit

Hawaii isn't just a destination—it's a collection of six distinct islands, each with its own personality. Maui serves up luxury resorts and the Road to Hana. The Big Island delivers active volcanoes and black sand beaches. Oahu mixes Waikiki's energy with North Shore's legendary surf breaks. But here's what the brochures won't tell you: island time is real, and rushing through Hawaii defeats the point. Pick two islands max for a week-long trip. Spend your mornings snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, your afternoons hiking Diamond Head, and your evenings watching the sunset from a lanai with a mai tai in hand. The aloha spirit isn't tourist marketing—locals genuinely embody this welcoming vibe, especially once you venture beyond the resort zones.

Explore Destinations

Big Island

Big Island

Big Island - Hawaii

Big Island - Hawaii

Big Island Volcanoes Region

Big Island Volcanoes Region

Kaanapali

Kaanapali

Kauai

Kauai

Maui

Maui

Na Pali Coast

Na Pali Coast

Oahu

Oahu

Poipu

Poipu

Explore the Region

Map showing 6 destinations
Subregions
Cities
6 destinations

Hawaii Itineraries

View all
Relaxed Oahu Escape: Beaches, Bites, and Easygoing Islands

Relaxed Oahu Escape: Beaches, Bites, and Easygoing Islands

Weekend · $$$

Bohemian Romance: Oahu & Maui Luxury Escape

Bohemian Romance: Oahu & Maui Luxury Escape

Week · $$$$$

Shoestring Paradise: Oahu Budget Bliss

Shoestring Paradise: Oahu Budget Bliss

Week · $

Oahu Family Weekend: Nature, Flavors & Island Bliss

Oahu Family Weekend: Nature, Flavors & Island Bliss

Weekend · $$$

Maui Adventure Bliss: 7 Days of Nature, Waves & Wonders

Maui Adventure Bliss: 7 Days of Nature, Waves & Wonders

Weekend · $$$

Kona Adventure Bliss: 10 Days of Waves, Trails & Wonders

Kona Adventure Bliss: 10 Days of Waves, Trails & Wonders

Weekend · $$$

Waikiki gets all the attention, but it's basically Hawaii's Times Square—crowded and overpriced. Stay here if you want everything walkable and don't mind the crowds. The Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider nail the classic Hawaii hotel vibe, but you'll pay $400+ per night. Maui's Wailea offers luxury without the Waikiki chaos. Grand Wailea and Fairmont Kea Lani sit on some of the island's best beaches. Expect $500-800 nightly, but the pools and spas justify the splurge. For something different, try Hilo on the Big Island. It's rainy but authentic, with local-style plate lunch spots and a fraction of Kona's tourist prices. The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel runs about $150 per night. Kauai's Princeville delivers dramatic cliffs and golf courses, while Poipu Beach offers family-friendly resorts like Grand Hyatt Kauai. Both areas cost serious money but offer postcard views. Skip the all-inclusive trap. Hawaii's best experiences happen outside resort walls—farmers markets in Hanalei, shave ice trucks in Haleiwa, and hole-in-the-wall poke shops in every town.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Buy groceries at Costco or Walmart for breakfast and snacks—resort food costs 3x normal prices
  • 2.Fill up your rental car before returning it—airport gas stations charge premium rates
  • 3.Book inter-island flights 2-3 months ahead for the best deals, especially during peak season
  • 4.Happy hour at hotel bars runs 3-6 PM with drinks often 50% off regular prices
  • 5.State parks charge $5 parking but offer some of Hawaii's best beaches and hikes for free
  • 6.Snorkel gear rentals cost $10-15 daily—buy a set for $30 if staying more than 3 days
  • 7.Local food trucks and plate lunch spots serve authentic meals for $8-12 vs $25+ at tourist restaurants
  • 8.Matson shipping containers arrive Tuesdays—grocery stores restock and prices drop slightly
  • 9.Many beaches offer free parking if you arrive early—paid lots fill up by 10 AM
  • 10.Hotel resort fees average $25-45 nightly and cover WiFi, pool access, and other basics

Travel Tips

  • •Pack reef-safe sunscreen—Hawaii bans chemicals that damage coral reefs
  • •Bring a reusable water bottle—tap water is safe and helps avoid $4 resort water bottles
  • •Download offline maps before heading to remote areas like Hana or the Big Island's volcano region
  • •Respect local customs—don't touch or climb on sacred sites and follow beach access rules
  • •Book popular activities like Pearl Harbor, Molokini Crater snorkel trips, and luaus well in advance
  • •Learn basic Hawaiian words—aloha, mahalo, pau (finished), and kokua (help) show respect
  • •Check surf conditions before entering the water—Hawaii's waves can be deadly for inexperienced swimmers
  • •Bring layers for elevation changes—Maui's Haleakala and Big Island's Mauna Kea get cold
  • •Don't take lava rocks, sand, or shells—it's illegal and locals believe it brings bad luck
  • •Plan for island time—everything moves slower, and that's part of the charm

Frequently Asked Questions

Oahu offers the most variety for first-timers with Waikiki's beaches, Pearl Harbor's history, and North Shore's surf culture. Maui works well for couples seeking luxury and romance. The Big Island suits adventure seekers interested in active volcanoes and diverse landscapes.

Explore Hawaii

Things to Do in HawaiiWhen to Visit Hawaii3 Days in Hawaii7 Days in Hawaii

Ready to explore Hawaii?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.