Aloha, Hawaii
Six islands, each with its own personality, all about five hours from Northern California.
More than a beach vacation
Hawaii is the most remote island chain on earth, and the people who first reached it did so by canoe, navigating by the stars. That Polynesian heritage is still everywhere: in the Hawaiian language on street signs, in hula, in the spirit of aloha and in the way locals talk about caring for the land, or mālama ʻāina.
Each island feels different. Oahu has Honolulu, Waikiki and Pearl Harbor. Maui mixes resort beaches with the Road to Hana and the summit of Haleakalā. Kauai is the green, quiet Garden Isle. The Big Island has active volcanoes, black-sand beaches and snow-capped Mauna Kea. Most of our travelers pick two islands and connect with a short interisland flight.
Hawaii is warm all year. Winter brings big surf on the north shores and humpback whales offshore from December to April. Spring and fall are the sweet spots for value and smaller crowds. Summer and the holidays book up early, so it pays to plan ahead.
Hawaii at a glance
Our favorite ways to spend your time
Not an exhaustive list, just the things our travelers come home talking about.
Things to do
- Drive the Road to HanaMaui's famous coastal drive: 600 curves, waterfalls, bamboo forests and black-sand beaches. Go slow and stay overnight if you can.
- Watch sunrise on HaleakalāStand above the clouds at 10,000 feet as the sun comes up. Reservations are required, so we'll help you time it.
- Snorkel Molokini or Hanauma BayClear water, sea turtles and reef fish, by boat from Maui or a short drive from Waikiki.
- Take a surf lesson in WaikikiThe gentle, rolling waves where modern surfing grew up are perfect for first-timers of any age.
- Go to a lūʻauKālua pig from the underground oven, hula and fire dancing. A first-trip must.
Places to go
- OahuWaikiki Beach, Honolulu, Diamond Head and the big-wave North Shore. Lots to do and easy to get around.
- MauiResort beaches in Kaanapali and Wailea, upcountry farms and whale watching in winter. A favorite for honeymoons.
- KauaiThe Garden Isle: Na Pali cliffs, Waimea Canyon and sleepy small towns. Perfect for slowing down.
- The Big IslandHawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kona coffee farms, manta ray night snorkels and stargazing on Mauna Kea.
- LanaiQuiet, upscale and car-free in spirit. Easy to add as a day trip by ferry from Maui.
Things to see
- Pearl Harbor & the USS Arizona MemorialA moving visit to the site of December 7, 1941. Book timed tickets well ahead.
- The Na Pali CoastTowering green sea cliffs, best seen by catamaran, helicopter or, for the fit, on foot.
- Kīlauea volcanoSteam vents, lava fields and, when it's erupting, a red glow after dark.
- Humpback whalesFrom December to April they come to breed and calve, often close to shore off Maui.
- Waimea CanyonCalled the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," with red rock walls and waterfalls on Kauai.
What to eat in Hawaii
Dishes to order
- PokeCubes of fresh raw ahi tossed with shoyu, sesame and onion. Grab it from a grocery store counter for the real thing.
- Plate lunchTwo scoops of rice, a scoop of mac salad and a main like kalbi ribs or chicken katsu.
- Kālua pig & laulauSlow-cooked, smoky pork and pork wrapped in taro leaves, the heart of a lūʻau spread.
- Shave iceFine, fluffy ice with tropical syrups, sometimes with ice cream or sweet beans underneath.
Where to eat
- Food trucksThe North Shore shrimp trucks of Oahu are an institution. Bring cash and patience.
- Local drive-insCasual spots for plate lunches and loco moco, the islands' favorite comfort food.
- Farm-to-table on MauiUpcountry Maui grows much of what lands on the plates in Wailea and Lahaina.
What to drink
- Kona coffeeGrown only on the Big Island's Kona coast. Tour a farm and taste it fresh.
- Mai taiThe classic island cocktail, best enjoyed with your toes in the sand at sunset.
- Fresh fruit juicesPassion fruit (lilikoʻi), guava and POG (passion-orange-guava) at every breakfast.
Let's plan your Hawaii trip
Hawaii is one of our top sellers, and we know which islands and resorts fit which travelers. Tell us when you'd like to travel and we'll come back with options and current pricing.
