your Guide to Visiting the Aloha State!

I might be a little biased, but Hawaii is my favorite state! I was born and raised in Hawaii, and while I currently live in California, I’m very passionate about helping others travel to my home state. It’s the best tropical getaway without technically leaving the U.S.!

Most travelers stick with the four main islands – Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii Island (aka The Big Island), with the more adventurous adding Lanai and Molokai into the mix. Each island has its own vibe, but all have numerous options for beach relaxation, culture & history, and fun outdoor adventures.

Hawaii is also a great foodie destination with a multicultural mix of cuisines! Be sure to check out my island food guides before you go.

Maui Guides
Kauai Guides
Oahu Guides
Food Guides

Maui Travel Guides

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Maui Hotel Picks

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Kauai Hotel Picks

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Oahu Hotel Picks

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Kauai Travel Guides

Book Hawaii Activities

Book Hawaii Activities on Viator or Get Your Guide

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Book Hawaii Car Rentals

I usually book with Avis for my Hawaii car rentals!

Find car rentals in hawaii

Oahu Travel Guides

frequently asked questions

Being a tropical destination, visiting Hawaii any time of year is great! However, there are a few things to consider when it comes to crowds and weather:

  • December – March: Peak whale watching months (but also rainy season)
  • March: Consider Hawaii to be a popular spring break destination, which means increased crowds
  • Summer: Great for kiddos, warmest weather, but also peak crowds. This is also prime hurricane season!
  • Sweet spots: I personally love the lull that October and November bring after kids go back to school; early December before the Christmas and New Year’s Eve rush comes; or April/May in between spring break and summer.

The best way to get around any of the islands is by rental car unless you plan on staying in one specific resort area the whole time (but where’s the fun in that?!).

Inter-island hopping should be done by plane as there is no reliable boat or ferry service for these distances.

Please, PLEASE be respectful of the wildlife, especially turtles and monk seals on the beach. Do not approach them and do not touch them – they aren’t there for your selfie enjoyment. These are protected creatures that you can admire from afar.

The legal distance you must remain from marine animals is:

  • 10 feet for sea turtles
  • 50 feet for Hawaiian monk seals
  • 150 feet for monk seals that have pups
  • 50 yards for spinner dolphins
  • 100 yards for humpback whales (including drones)

If you ever witness a marine animal in distress, please immediately call the 24-hour NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at 1-888-256-9840.