A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Hawaii is always a compelling destination. Regardless of whether it is your first or fiftieth time visiting the islands, there is always something novel and captivating to experience. This is equally true for Oahu, particularly given the multitude of engaging activities available in Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii.
The only mistake I made after arriving at the San Jose airport for a five-hour flight to Honolulu on Southwest Airlines was not buying food to take on board.
Well-known internationally for its tropical allure, Hawaii is a Pacific paradise that is simply unmissable. With a plethora of stunning locations available to visit, travelers often face the dilemma of choosing where to explore. Hence, this guide presents some of the finest destinations in Hawaii that you should consider for your journey.
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, you’re not alone. The remote archipelago in the Pacific receives flights and ships full of tourists every day – nearly 10 million per year. That number is expected to continue to grow; however, as visitor numbers rise, so do environmental costs.
Few places in Hawaii are as untouched as the sibling islands of Moloka’i and Lana’i. Rare are the high-rises, shopping centers, and crowded beaches of the other islands. Instead, visitors can immerse themselves in the tales of the islands’ past.
When choosing a Hawaiian island to visit, it’s almost impossible to go wrong. After all, the archipelago’s six main islands (there are over 125 in total) offer snowcapped volcanoes, amazing snorkeling, lava-rock deserts, some of the planet’s best beaches, and ancient Polynesian culture. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands on their natural attractions and beaches, activities and sights, food, friendliness, and overall value. For the fifth year in a row, Maui was dubbed the best of Hawaii’s isles. “We never tire of the beaches, activities, excellent restaurants, and lovely people,” said one reader, who has been visiting the island for 30 years. Hollywood A-listers relax at the island’s five-star spas, millionaires invest in property along the coast, and families come to soak up the sun and snorkel above the reefs. On the Big Island, you can spend the day on a spectacular golf course along the coast or hiking around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. “A different landscape from any of the other Hawaiian islands,” opined one respondent. “Black volcanic beaches, tropical waterfalls, active volcanoes, the mountain region. It’s less touristy as well.” Kauai is known for its coastlines, waterfalls, and fantastic hiking. Adventurers can fill an entire vacation with exploring the cliffs, beaches, and waterfalls. One reader, who has been visiting the Hawaiian islands since 1957, said he can “feel more of the Ohana feeling on this island than any other.” Read on for the full list.
Hawaii has been a popular tropical getaway for decades — and with good reason. The 50th state’s six main islands — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai — offer incredibly diverse experiences, from world-class surfing and snorkeling to vibrant food and hotel scenes. These offerings are attracting a new generation of travelers while giving longtime visitors a fresh perspective with each trip.
The tropical paradise of Hawaii may feel very far away, but with nonstop flights from virtually every major city on the mainland (including Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, and New York), the islands are actually a lot closer than you may think. Once there, the resort options are seemingly endless — which is why our readers’ favorite places to stay in the Aloha State run the gamut in style, size, and location.
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, you’re not alone. The remote archipelago in the Pacific receives flights and ships full of tourists every day – nearly 10 million per year. That number is expected to continue to grow, but as visitor numbers rise so do environmental costs.
Despite learning to swim as a child and always living near water, I have never been the biggest fan of being in it. Sure, I might enjoy a quick swim occasionally, but anything more than that makes me want to take a nap and feels like a quick ticket to the deep end. Moreover, when it comes towater sports, I’ve historically steered clear. With the exception of a few (terrifying) jet-ski outings, I’ve long avoided activities on the water, fearing a blend of my distaste for the ocean with my lack of athletic prowess would lead to disaster.
For most travelers, a safari represents a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Traditionally, it has been characterized by ultra-luxurious lodging, gourmet meals, sunset drinks, and guided wildlife viewing from the luxury of a spacious 4×4 vehicle. However, this well-known narrative is evolving in certain destinations, as game drives begin to share the spotlight with an increasing number of exhilarating walking safaris, encouraging adventurers to become truly immersed in the animal kingdom.
On one random evening, many moons ago, we decided we HAD to go to Hawai‘i (fine, “had to” might be a bit strong 😄) and within minutes, we’d booked flights to head out to Hawai’i! (Sidebar: A great deal had popped into my email a few hours prior so the resolve to go to Hawai’i was not particularly out of the blue! 😄).
These eight tips will help you travel between Hawaii’s islands with ease.
Hawaii has too many incredible beaches to visit in one lifetime, so let us be your guide.
These all-inclusive vacations in Hawaii bundle flights, meals, lodging, and activities, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free getaway in paradise.
Editor’s note: Nonessential air travel to the Island of Hawaii was discouraged, as of Thursday, Aug. 10, amid wildfires. The August wildfires are burning in North Kohala and South Kohala, just over 20 miles north of Kona Village and have not impacted the property.
Located approximately 20 miles north of Kona International Airport on “the Big Island” of Hawaii lies the quiet Kohala Coast. A drive north on Highway 270 takes you to the western port town of Kawaihae, past Lapakahi State Historical Park, and through the quiet towns of Hawi and Kapa’au to the beautiful Pololu Valley Overlook.
The planning for the construction of the Hawaii State Capitol building began in 1960, yet the actual plans were finalized only in 1964. Groundbreaking occurred in November 1965, and it was not until March 15, 1969, that the building was officially dedicated, marking nearly a decade since the initial planning phase.
More than a century after the first tourists arrived on Kauai, the Hawaiian island is attracting modern travelers with a return to tradition—and a mission to give back.
Hawaii boasts eight major islands in its stunning 1,500-mile-long archipelago. Visitors often highlight the same five primary destinations as the best among them. Each year, readers fromGoTravelDailycontribute their insights through a survey that collects opinions on the world’s top travel experiences, including cities, islands, cruise ships, and more.