What if we told you there’s a place right here in the U.S. that has lush, green rainforests full of cascading waterfalls, black sand beaches dotted with sunning sea turtles, and snorkeling spots worth writing home about? That’s Hawaii for you, and let us tell you: The 50th state really delivers.
There are so many things to do in Hawaii, and how you spend your day all depends on the island you’re visiting. “Different members of our group fell in love with different islands because each one has a distinct personality,” said traveler Frank after our Hawaii: Oahu, the Big Island & Maui tour. Check out our Hawaii Travel Guide to get expert tips from staffers who have soaked in the beauty of the Aloha State.
U.S. dollar
With all the winding roads that weave past the unforgettable coastline, one of the best ways to get around Hawaii is by bus or car. (And good news, we’ve saved you a seat on a private motor coach on our tour of Hawaii.)
If island hopping is up your alley, then you’re going to want to book quick flights to make your way from Oahu, to the Big Island, to Maui, and beyond. Our travel experts handle those flights on tour, so all you have to do is show up! Our tip? Keep your eyes on the window, since it doesn’t get any more spectacular than seeing the Hawaiian Islands from above. See how Go Ahead does flights right →
Hawaii is the only U.S. state to have two official languages: English and Hawaiian (ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi). But, don’t expect every local you meet to speak Hawaiian—while there’s an effort by the United Nations to preserve this culturally rich indigenous language, only a small percentage of native Hawaiians still speak it, and UNESCO has listed it as critically endangered.
English is the predominant language, and you’ll be able to speak it everywhere while visiting Hawaii on tour. But many native Hawaiians are also fluent in a third, unofficial language: Pidgin, also known as Hawaiian Creole English. This unofficial language was born in the 19th century, when people of many different backgrounds were brought to work on Hawaii’s sugar plantations. This new language allowed people from Japan, the Philippines, Portugal, and beyond to communicate with each other, and it’s since become part of Hawaii’s cultural fabric.
Today, a large population of people from the Philippines and Japan still call Hawaii home, so keep your ears perked to hear Japanese, and the Filipino dialects of Tagalog and Ilocano!
No matter where you are in the world, traveling responsibly is a must. So, as you check out some of the best places to visit in Hawaii in this guide to the Hawaiian Islands, remember that being a good visitor means being respectful of Hawaii’s people, culture, wildlife, and landscapes. Here are some responsible travel tips to keep in mind while exploring Hawaii.
See eco-friendly travel essentials for your trip →
Honestly, the best time to visit Hawaii is any time. Yep, any time at all. The sunny Aloha State is as close to paradise on Earth as you’ll get, and whether you need to duck into a local shop during a brief rain shower, or take an extra dive in the ocean during free time on extra hot days, you’ll be glad you’re there. Here are some of our staffers’ favorite times to visit Hawaii.
Hawaii may make you think of sunny beach days and warm weather galore—and you’re not far off the mark. But, while packing for warm weather is a must when traveling to Hawaii, be sure to throw the following items in your suitcase, too.
No Hawaii Travel Guide is complete without a mention of the authentic, unique, go-back-for-seconds food! It’s truly something to write home about. Hawaiian cuisine is a fusion of local flavors and fascinating history, with influences from both fourth-century Polynesian settlers and the modern-day U.S. Here are some of the top bites to try on tour in Hawaii.
Read about the evolution of Hawaiian cuisine →
Sure, the entire state is known as “Hawaii,” but that’s also the name of the largest island in the state’s island chain. It’s not only big in size—it’s big in adventure, scenery, and geological wonders you just won’t find anywhere else in the world. Here are some of the top things to do in Hawaii on tour.
Check out four things to do in Hawaii beyond the beach →
Looking for things to do in Maui, Hawaii? Lucky for you, there are plenty of moments that’ll knock your traveling socks off! “The only thing I can say about Maui is WOW,” said traveler Susan after our Hawaii: Oahu, the Big Island & Maui tour. If that doesn’t tell you just how spectacular the island is, then let these Hawaii Travel Guide tips convince you.
Responsible travel tip: Skip the Dole Plantation on Oahu in favor of more ethical farms, like the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm. It was the Dole fruit company, after all, that locked arms with the American government and staged a coup against the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893, effectively ending the Hawaiian monarchy and forcing Hawaii to become part of the U.S. This allowed Sanford Dole to profit from the pineapple production on the island—and that’s not a history we can get behind.
The island of Oahu is one of the best places to visit in Hawaii. To start, the Hawaiian state capital, Honolulu, is there, which is a must-visit. And, no matter how how spend your days, one of the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii, is to immerse yourself in culture at every opportunity. “One of my best friends lived in Oahu and one thing I noticed whenever she talked with her friends was how proud the locals are of their home and the native Hawaiian culture—especially those who grew up there,” said staffer Emily. Here are more ways to uncover Hawaiian culture and history on tour.
Of all the things to do in Hawaii, adding our tour extension to Kauai tops the list. Kauai is sitting pretty as the oldest Hawaiian island—and the greenest! “Lush” comes to mind when picturing the waterfall-filled rainforest here on the aptly named “Garden Island.” Here are some of the unique things to do in Hawaii on this postcard-perfect island.
Lanai may not be an included stop on our Hawaii: Oahu, the Big Island & Maui tour, but visiting during free time is always a good idea—it’s one of the best places to visit in Hawaii, and it deserves a spotlight in every guide to the Hawaiian Islands! Plus, it’s easy to get to from the other islands. “There’s a ferry from Maui to Lanai, which is quick and affordable,” said staffer Courtney. Check out some of the top things to do in Lanai during free time—and keep in mind that many of the island’s rugged roads are unpaved, so it’s important to plan transportation ahead of time.
Hawaii is so off-the-charts unforgettable that you’re sure to want to take a piece home with you when you leave. Just remember: Collect all the pictures and trinkets you want, but leave everything else as you explore the island. You don’t want to risk contributing to erosion, or insulting traditional beliefs. “One thing to absolutely NOT take is volcanic rocks from the top of Haleakala or any of the other sacred volcanoes,” said staffer Kyle. “In all seriousness, it angers the gods and will bring bad luck.” Sacred volcanic rocks aside, here are some of the best souvenirs to pick up on tour in Hawaii.
Have any of your own favorite things to do in Hawaii? Share your best Hawaii travel tips on our Facebook page!