Introducing Hawaii
So many states claim uniqueness, and Hawaii does too. It now even boasts that it’s the birthplace of the USA’s 44th president, Barack Obama. But this string of emerald islands in the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, over 2000 miles from any continent, takes a little work to get to. So you may wonder: will that be time and money well spent?
We’re so glad you asked: cue the galloping Hawaii Five-0 theme music and watch surfers carve a thunderous ocean, Elvis croon and lei-draped beauties dance hula ’neath windrustled palms.
Hawaii, as tourist bureaus and Hollywood constantly remind us, is ‘paradise.’ Push past the hype and what do you find? Darned if they’re not right. Hawaii is hiking sculpted cliffs or diving coral-reef cities in the morning and drinking mai tais to slack-key guitar at sunset. It’s slurping juicy papayas with hibiscus flowers in your hair; it’s Pacific Rim cuisine, fiery volcanoes and cavorting whales. By serendipity and design, Hawaii is an almost flawless destination. It’s an enchanting multicultural society with roots in Polynesia, Asia, North America and Europe, and it’s an expression of nature at its most luscious and divine.
About seven million visitors come to experience paradise annually, but the islands are not as crushed with sun-baked tourists and cooing honeymooners as that sounds. If you want a cushy resort vacation, head for Oahu’s Waikiki or West Maui. For something cheaper or more adventurous, aim for the Big Island or Kauaʻi. If time is short, stick to one island and make the most of it. Honolulu is a teeming cultural and economic powerhouse, but in under an hour you can be alone in the rainforest or snoozing on white sand.
Locals know that Hawaii isn’t really paradise, but on any given day it can sure feel like it.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
Best places to stay in O'ahu
Best places to stay in Hawaii
Sights in Hawaii
Activities in Hawaii
Oʻahu
There are a lot of beach resorts in the world where you can escape into a manufactured fantasy, where everything is staged for the scrapbook photograph.
Tours in Hawaii
Maui
Glorious beaches and exhilarating outdoor activities; ideal for romantics and adventurers.
Hawaii destination guides
Kauaʻi
Rugged, lush and green. Honeymooner’s dream, outdoor enthusiast’s heaven.
Hotels in Hawaii
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Hawaii
Guesthouses and B&Bs in Hawaii
Apartments in Hawaii
Honolulu
More Asian than American, Honolulu is a delightful blend of ethnicities, a cacophonous mixture of language, custom and cuisine served with generous helpings of Hawaiian hospitality.
Entertainment in Hawaii
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
Iconic landscape of white-sand beaches, lush rainforests and smoking volcanoes.
Shopping in Hawaii