Hawaii gives you your money's worth and so much more – whether you're visiting the Islands of Aloha to honeymoon, or to cycle down a volcano, to relax on one of Hawaii's perfect palm-fringed beaches or to watch the humpback whales and dolphins, and surf the giant waves, or to simply shop! Each island offers incredible diversity and beautiful scenery, ranging from active volcanoes set amidst black lava plains, to lush rainforests and waterfalls, as well as uncrowded, pristine beaches. Cowboy 'Paniolo' ranches are there too, as well as the enormous surfing waves of Oahu's North Shore, which have made Hawaii so famous. If you want to head off the beaten track, Hawaii's rugged inland terrain makes the perfect place for avid trekkers, or those who want to walk on the wild side of the islands.
With its year-round temperate climate and warm seas, Hawaii is perfect for all watersports activities, including scuba diving and snorkelling. Any time is the perfect time to visit the Hawaiian islands. The cultural mix of island people is reflected in the music, elaborate dances, fantastic food, and above all the warm spirit of 'Aloha' that sets Hawaii apart from other holiday destinations. Live Aloha, now more than ever and you won't be disappointed!
Highlights
Go whale watching in Maui, discover the world's most active volcano on Hawai‘i Island, or find the backdrops to over 100 movies in Kaua‘i. Don't miss O‘ahu, and the islands of Moloka‘i and Lana‘i.
State Secret
Hawai‘i‘s most unique feature is its aloha spirit. The genuine warmth of Hawai‘i‘s people wonderfully complements the Islands' temperatures. Six Hawaiian Islands – six unique experiences.
State Facts
Land Area: 6,425 Square Miles
Population: 1.2 million
State Capital: Honolulu
Largest City: Honolulu
Local Time: GMT –10 hours. Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time
Climate
Average high 83 F (28 C) Average low 68 F (20 C) Moderate temperature all year round.
Parks
Volcanoes, National Park – Big Island, Haleakala National Park - Maui
Must-Visit Parks and Monuments
Among the incredible natural and historic sites in Hawaii, Maui’s Haleakala National Park, the “House of the Sun,” is a massive shield volcano that offers unparalleled sunrise views. At the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, a somber air surrounds the USS Arizona Memorial, dedicated to those killed in the 1941 attack at Pearl Harbor. The striking power of erosion is on view at Kauai’s Waimea Canyon State Park; the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” was created by the collapse of the volcano that formed the island. Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, known for its fantastical mask carvings, is a sacred place of refuge that Hawaiians used in ancient times.
More on Volcanoes
Hawaii is home to five active volcanoes. Four are located on Hawaii Island: Kīlauea, Maunaloa, Hualālai and Maunakea. The fifth, Haleakalā, is located on Maui. The most popular place to see volcanoes in Hawaii is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to two active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Maunaloa. Visitors are required to stay on designated trails and should not approach lava or steam. Check weather and volcano conditions before visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Outdoor Paradise
Marvel at colorful canyons, valleys and waterfalls while hiking the 35.5-kilometer Napali Coast. Crystal-clear, turquoise waters invite snorkeling in the Molokini Crater off the coast of Maui. Take a surfing lesson to ride the waves at popular Waikiki Beach or trek to the less-traveled island of Lanai to visit the Kaunolu Village Site, a prehistoric Hawaiian fishing village. On Kauai, try waterfall rappelling, tubing through old sugar plantation chutes or kayaking the serene Wailua River amid ancient mountains and rainforests. Off the Kohala Coast of Hawaii, December through April, take a whale-watching cruise at sunset and listen to whale songs on an underwater hydrophone.
Only in Hawaii
For a taste of classic Hawaii, take a private hula dance lesson and learn to make leis with the Hawaii Hula Company. In the spring, the Merrie Monarch Festival gathers the best hula groups for a visually spectacular competition and other traditional cultural activities. You’ll find slack-key guitarists, known as ki hoalu, performing at the Outrigger resorts in Waikiki; there’s also a Slack Key Festival in Kona every September. The Bishop Museum in Honolulu houses the world’s largest collection of Polynesian artifacts, and the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu’s northeast coast offers visitors an authentic luau dinner and show. The island of Molokai is home to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, which preserves the leprosy colonies that operated there until 1969, near the tallest sea cliffs in the world.
