Hawaii
Hawaii's volcanoes, beaches and reefs are spread across eight main islands, so a first trip works best with one or two of them.
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Hawaii is a U.S. state of 137 volcanic islands in the central Pacific, about 2,000 miles southwest of the mainland. It is the only state that does not sit on the North American mainland. Eight islands are the main ones. Oʻahu holds the capital, Honolulu, and about two-thirds of the state's residents. Hawaiʻi, the largest island, is called the Big Island to tell it apart from the state.
People come for volcanoes, beaches, reefs and a history that runs from early Polynesian settlement to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Kīlauea, an active volcano, sits inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Rainfall changes sharply across each island, since windward coasts are wetter and leeward coasts drier. Summer days usually reach about 88°F (31°C), and winter days about 83°F (28°C). Trade winds keep the heat in check year-round, and a first trip usually works best on one or two islands.
Hawaii in five
- Book a rental car for Maui and the Big IslandHaleakalā National Park is near Kula on Maui, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park lies on the Big Island. A car makes both easier to reach.Getting around
- Apply for an ESTA before you fly to HonoluluMost visitors from visa-waiver countries need an approved ESTA before they board a flight to the U.S., including flights to Hawaii. Use only the official CBP website, since unofficial sites add charges.
- Set up an eSIM before you landDownload offline maps before you head out on trails or park roads.Phones and eSIM
- Keep off Kahoʻolawe and NiʻihauNiʻihau is privately owned and open only to people with the owners' permission. Entering Kahoʻolawe without permission can lead to arrest, and the island may still hold unexploded ordnance.
- Carry out all trash from remote beachesKamilo Beach has been reported for heavy plastic waste, and litter on the coast harms wildlife. Take a bag and pack out everything you bring.
Neighborhoods
Where to stay in Hawaii, the full guide
Waikiki
- Price band: $$$
Kailua
- Price band: $$
Lahaina
- Price band: $$
Honolulu
Hawaii's capital and largest city sits on Oʻahu's southeast coast, with Waikīkī beach, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor among the main draws.
Things to do in Hawaii
See all attractions in Hawaii
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- No permit for U.S. citizens; others need an ESTA or visa by nationality Read more
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire or an ambulance
- Tipping
- Customary at restaurants, usually 15 to 20%
- Time
- UTC-10, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryWet, cooler
- FebruaryWet, cool
- MarchWet, showers
- AprilWet season ends
- MayDry season starts
- JuneDry, warm
- JulyHot, busy
- AugustHot, busy
- SeptemberDry, warm
- OctoberDry season ends
- NovemberWet season
- DecemberWet, holiday rush
Right now in Hawaii
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
25
- Feels like
- 21°
- Humidity
- 74%
- Wind
- 41 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Honolulu
11:14 AM
Monday, November 2
- Today27°23°0%Monday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue27°23°2%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Wed27°23°24%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 24%.
- Thu27°23°15%Thursday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 15%.
- Fri28°22°4%Friday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Sat27°22°4%Saturday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 4%.
Updated 10:37 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Parkabout 1 hour by car from HiloKīlauea and its rift zones, the home of the active volcano.Read the guide
- Haleakalā National Parkabout 1.5 to 2 hours by car from LahainaThe summit of a dormant volcano, known for sunrise views above the clouds.Read the guide
- Kailuaabout 30 to 45 min by car from WaikikiWindward beaches, a short drive from the busy south shore.Read the guide
Before you go to Hawaii
Rules for Hawaii, checked
- International visitors need an ESTA or a visa based on passport nationality. Check the rules on the official CBP site before you book flights.Source
- Entering Kahoʻolawe without permission can lead to arrest, and Niʻihau is open only to people with the owners' permission.
- Stay on marked trails and away from active lava, and take no lava rock or sand from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.Source
- Respect heiau and other sacred sites, and leave native plants and birds undisturbed.
All Hawaii guides
Head to headHow many days in Honolulu, and when to add another island
How toRoad to Hana: day trip or overnight? Reservations, timing and stops
ItineraryKauaʻi in 5 days: North Shore, Waimea Canyon and PoipuWhere to stayWhere to stay in Kauaʻi: Poipu, Kapaa, Princeville or LihueHow toHonolulu reservations: Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Pearl HarborHead to headMaui or Kauai? Beaches and resorts versus wild coast and hikingWhen to goBest time to visit Kauaʻi: surf, rain, whales and quiet monthsWhere to stayWhere to stay in Honolulu: Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Downtown or KāhalaWhere to stayWhere to stay in Maui: five bases, from Kaanapali to HanaPlan around Hawaii
Interisland flights and car rental across the islands
Read the guideOʻahuHonolulu, Waikiki and most of the state's residents
Read the guideMauiHaleakalā and the Lahaina coast
Read the guideBig IslandVolcanoes, Maunakea and the wet east side around Hilo
Read the guideKauaʻiWet mountains and the Hanalei coast
Read the guideTravel insurance for HawaiiCover for hikes, rental cars and missed flights
Read the guideHawaii FAQ
Which Hawaiian island is best for a first trip?
Oʻahu suits a first trip if you want Honolulu, Waikiki and beaches close together. Maui adds the Haleakalā summit and the Lahaina coast, and the Big Island adds active volcanoes.
How many islands can you visit in one trip?
Most first trips cover one or two of the eight main islands. Moving between islands takes time for flights and car changes, so fewer islands leave more time at each one.
What is the Big Island?
The Big Island is Hawaiʻi, the largest of the eight main islands. It is called the Big Island to avoid confusion with the state or the island chain.
Is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park always open?
Parts of the park can close when a volcano is active or when lava is near visitor areas. Check the National Park Service alerts for the park before you go.
Can you visit Niʻihau?
Niʻihau is privately owned and managed, so visitors can enter only with the owners' permission.