- There are no direct flights from the UK; break the journey on the US West Coast
- Most visitors combine two islands, linked by short inter-island flights
- Oahu has Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, Maui the Road to Hana, Kauai the Na Pali Coast, the Big Island its volcanoes
- Respect local rules on wildlife, sacred sites and reef-safe sun cream
- Airports
- Honolulu (HNL) on Oahu, or Kahului (OGG) on Maui, via Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle; around 17-20 hours from London including a connection
- Best time to go
- April-June and September-October for the best balance of weather, prices and crowds
- Type
- State
Hawaii is the USA's Pacific paradise: a chain of volcanic islands some 2,400 miles from the mainland, with black and golden sand beaches, emerald valleys, lava fields and coral reefs full of turtles and tropical fish. It also has a distinct Native Hawaiian culture, language and history that make it feel quite unlike the rest of the country.
It is a long way from Britain, so most people make it a once-in-a-lifetime trip or combine it with California. For the wider picture, see our USA guide.
Which island?
- Oahu – home to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor and the big surf of the North Shore. The busiest island, with the most flights and hotels.
- Maui – the Road to Hana, sunrise at Haleakala's summit and great beaches and resorts in Kaanapali and Wailea. See our Maui guide.
- Kauai – the "Garden Isle", with the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and a slower pace.
- Hawaii Island (the Big Island) – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea's stargazing, manta ray night snorkels and coffee farms in Kona.
Things to do
- Snorkelling – Hanauma Bay on Oahu, Molokini Crater off Maui and Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island.
- Pearl Harbor – the USS Arizona Memorial and the battleship Missouri tell the story of the 1941 attack.
- Volcanoes – walk across lava fields and craters in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
- Na Pali Coast – see it by boat, helicopter or, for experienced hikers, on the Kalalau Trail.
- Whale watching – humpback whales visit from roughly December to April, especially off Maui.
- Culture – learn about Hawaiian history at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu or a respectful cultural centre or luau.
Where to stay
- Waikiki, Oahu – beachfront hotels with restaurants and nightlife on the doorstep.
- Kaanapali and Wailea, Maui – resort areas with excellent beaches.
- Poipu and Princeville, Kauai – the sunnier south shore or the lush north.
- Kona and the Kohala Coast, Big Island – sunny resorts on the west side, with Hilo for the volcano side.
Getting there
There are no direct flights from the UK. The usual route is to fly direct to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle, then take a five- to six-hour flight to Honolulu (HNL) or straight to Maui, Kauai or the Big Island. Many people break the journey with a night or two in Los Angeles or San Francisco. Short inter-island flights link the islands; there are no regular passenger ferries between most of them. Hire a car on every island except perhaps Oahu. UK visitors need an ESTA.
Best time to visit
Hawaii is warm all year, with temperatures in the high 20s Celsius. Spring and autumn are the sweet spot, with good weather and fewer crowds. Winter is peak season and brings big surf to north shores and whales offshore; summer is drier with calmer seas on many beaches. Each island has a wet windward side and a sunnier leeward side.
Use reef-safe sun cream and keep your distance from turtles and monk seals; it's the law, and rangers do enforce it.
Top attractions in Hawaii
NatureCentral Park
Manhattan's 843-acre green heart, with lakes, meadows, bridges and woodland stretching for 51 blocks between Midtown…
LandmarkStatue of Liberty
The copper colossus in New York Harbor, a gift from France in 1886, visited by ferry with Ellis Island on the same trip.
Hawaii on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many islands should I visit?
Two islands in ten days to two weeks is ideal. Trying to see more means too much time packing and flying.
How long is the flight from the UK to Hawaii?
Expect around 17 to 20 hours of travel including a connection on the US West Coast.
Is Hawaii expensive?
Yes, it is one of the more expensive US destinations for hotels, food and car hire. Booking early and staying in condos can help.
Can I combine Hawaii with California?
Yes, and it's a popular way to break the journey: a few days in California on the way out or back.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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