Ask almost anyone you know what dream vacation they want to take in their lifetime and chances are they’ll say Hawaii. Each year over 8 million visitors are expected to arrive in Hawaii, almost 60% of whom arrive from the US mainland.

These visitors will average 9-10 days in the islands and spend a total of over $14 billion dollars for their trips. Many will take the opportunity to visit more than one of the Hawaiian Islands.

Why do so many people come to visit Hawaii every year? Let’s look at some of the top reasons to visit Hawaii.

The Weather

When planning a vacation, one thing most travelers look for is good weather. The good news is that Hawaii has some of the best weather anywhere in the world. While the islands have a drier season (summer) and a wetter season (winter), the temperature remains relatively steady throughout the year. Consequently, rain showers keep the islands green and lush, and every island has an area where the sun shines almost every day of the year. When the trade winds are blowing, the cool breezes create perfect conditions in paradise.

The People

While every vacation destination has a few people who don’t like visitors, Hawaii has fewer than most. This is largely because tourism is the major “industry” in Hawaii, and almost every family has someone who works in the tourist sector. Moreover, most residents in Hawaii embrace the spirit of “aloha,” which encourages kindness and hospitality toward visitors. In fact, it’s the law in Hawaii that all citizens and government officials are obliged to conduct themselves according to this principle.

The Culture

Hawaii holds the unique distinction of being the only state in the USA where everyone is a minority. In addition to the original Hawaiians who arrived from Polynesia, the islands have attracted various groups from around the world, including Caucasians, Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, and Hispanic/Latinos.

These diverse immigrant groups brought their unique cultures, creating a vibrant cultural mosaic. Today, Hawaii is a true melting pot; nearly 25 percent of island residents claim ancestry of two or more races, further enhancing the cultural richness of the islands.

The History

A thousand or more years before Columbus arrived in the New World, Polynesian settlers made their way to Hawaii from the Marquesas Islands. In 1778, Captain James Cook “discovered” Hawaii, and by 1795, King Kamehameha I united all the islands.

The 1820s witnessed the arrival of New England missionaries, and within a century, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Hawaii.

This Republic lasted until 1898 when the United States annexed Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, marking the entry of the United States into World War II.

In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state. History enthusiasts can explore Hawaiian history over the last 1600-1700 years through various cultural centers, museums, and tours available across the major islands.

The Beaches

With over 750 miles of shoreline and more than 400 named beaches, all of which are public, you’re sure to find the perfect beach in Hawaii to enjoy with your family. In Hawaii, you can also choose from different beach colors: white sand, yellow sand, black sand, red sand, and even a green sand beach. Nevertheless, since ocean conditions can be unpredictable, it’s advisable to opt for a lifeguard-protected beach if you plan to go swimming.

The Volcanoes

Each of the Hawaiian Islands was formed by a single hotspot on the ocean floor, stretching over 1500 miles from Kure Atoll in the northwest near Midway, to Lo’ihi Seamount, the newest island forming off the southeast coast of Hawaii Island, the Big Island. As the islands drift away from the hotspot, they retain traces of their volcanic past.

On Kauai, visitors can embark on a helicopter tour into the crater of Mt. Waialeale, one of the wettest places on Earth. On Oahu, first-time visitors typically hike to the summit of Diamond Head. On Maui, taking a drive to the summit of Haleakala for sunrise is a must. Of course, the most famous volcano is Kilauea on Hawaii Island, which has been in a state of continuous eruption since January 3, 1983.

The Ocean

Where there are islands, there is water, and Hawaii offers a wide array of ocean activities. For adventurous spirits, Hawaii features exceptional spots for surfing, boogie boarding, and windsurfing. If you’re an underwater enthusiast, the islands provide excellent scuba diving and snorkeling, and the latest trend, snuba.

If you prefer to remain on the surface, you can enjoy catamaran sailing tours, whale watching, zodiac raft tours, sunset dinners, and world-class deep-sea fishing. You can even experience parasailing for breathtaking views above the ocean.

The waters surrounding Hawaii are home to vibrant reef fish, green sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, and yes, a few sharks. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy the waters, always prioritize safety and be mindful of water conditions.

The Food

For most of the last century, the food in Hawaii primarily featured the traditional dishes of the various island cultures—Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and Hawaiian. Restaurants focusing on these ethnic cuisines often represent some of the best “hidden gems,” providing affordable and delicious meals.

Many visitors also experience at least one commercial luau during their stay, where the food may vary from delightful to underwhelming.

However, everything changed in 1991 when twelve Hawaii chefs launched Hawaii Regional Cuisine, which creatively blends the islands’ ethnic flavors with global culinary influences.

The Shopping

There’s much more to shopping in Hawaii than those generic souvenirs found in many stores around Waikiki.

Hawaii’s Japanese visitors particularly enjoy high-end stores in Waikiki, such as Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Coach, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Yves Saint Laurent, to name a few.

Additionally, numerous craft shows, farmers’ markets, and flea markets can be found across the islands, featuring beautiful, locally made woodwork and art. Regardless of your budget, you can find memorable collectibles from your Hawaii vacation—so remember to leave some extra room in your suitcase.

The Geography

No Hawaiian island is like any other.

Kaua’i is lush and green, boasting incredible sea cliffs at the Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

Oahu is home to Diamond Head, breathtaking Hanauma Bay, and the globally known North Shore.

Maui features ‘Iao Valley, the scenic Hana Coast, and Haleakala, famously known as the House of the Sun.

Hawaii Island, often called the Big Island, showcases dramatic volcanic landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and the Waipio Valley, where visitors can descend 2000 feet to ride horseback through taro fields and tropical rainforests to a black sand beach.