HAWAII TRAVEL GUIDE

 Hawai'i, a group of islands that is postcard-perfect, can be found 2,500 miles from the west coast of America.

This is a popular spot for honeymooners, surfers, hikers and anyone who wants to slow down and experience the slower pace of island living. Hawaii's beauty lies in its people, land (or Aina), and indigenous culture. It is important to learn about Hawai'i's complicated and difficult history as a visitor and to treat the place with a lot of respect.

Hawai'i offers many islands for travelers to choose from. Hawai'i offers a tropical escape from the surf on O'ahu to the wonders and beauty of Maui to the beauty and charm of Honolulu to the hidden gems of Lana'i. Beautiful beaches, incredible jungles, spectacular waterfalls, world-class diving, and great waves are all part of Hawai'i.

The relaxed atmosphere, fresh tropical fruits and delicious seafood, as well as the abundance of outdoor activities are all things I love. Hawai'i will soon be the paradise you dream it to be. Hawai'i's Polynesian and Asian roots make it feel like you're both in America and a foreign country. Hawai'i feels like a cultural gateway because it has the right balance of all three.

This Hawai'i travel guide can help you plan a fun and affordable trip to any island.

There are several places to discover and learn more about this place. So, if you’re visiting and taking flights from Seattle to Hawaii, then take a stroll of the entire city and find out what’s hidden in those tiny bustling streets. Also, book your tickets with Lowest Flight Fare to avail impressive deals.

Top 5 Things to Do and See in Hawai'i

1. Visit Pearl Harbor

In 1941, the United States entered World War II when the Japanese attacked the American navy at Pearl Harbor. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is located on O'ahu around the wreckage and remains of the USS Arizona. This ship was bombed in 1941. It marks the final resting place for 1,102 sailors and marines. You will need to book a ferry, which is free but requires advanced reservations. These are best to book early, as they sell quickly and the lines can take hours for day-off tickets. The entire site is open to all visitors for free.

2. Explore Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Two of the largest volcanoes in the world, the active Kilauea and the Kilauea, are located on the Big Island. It's one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and you can view its glow at night from Halema'umau Crater. Near the parking lot, you will find the Thurston lavatube (a cave made from lava which can be explored). The Chain of Craters offers scenic driving through several historical and active volcanoes. Be sure to check the daily status of the road before you travel, as it is often covered in ash. In recognition of its natural beauty, the national park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site (World Heritage Site) and an International Biosphere Reserve (International Biosphere Reserve). The park is open for 7 days and costs $30 per vehicle.

3. Explore Honolulu

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and its largest city. You will find a mix of American, Asian and Hawaiian cultures in Honolulu. It is a great place to eat, as it has tons of affordable noodle shops and fresh seafood restaurants. You can attend one of the street parties if you are in town on First Friday (the first Friday each month). You can hike Diamond Head, visit Iolani Palace, walk the Kaka'ako area, or just relax on the beach while you're in Honolulu. Avoid Waikiki as the beach is built by man and there are many tourists.

4. Stargaze at Mauna Kea

The volcano, now dormant, is Hawai'i's highest peak (13,796 feet) and sacred to native Hawaiians. It is more than 1 million years old and was last active between 4,000-6,000 year ago. Mauna Kea has a number of observatory domes, which are home to some of the most extensive collections of telescopes in the universe. However, they are not open to the public. Stop by the visitor center instead to stargaze through their telescopes or to attend a stargazing session, which is currently suspended because of COVID-19. You can either rent a 4WD vehicle or join a tour to reach the summit.

5. Scuba diving or snorkeling is a great option.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are essential activities for any trip to Hawai’i. You will be able to see amazing wildlife such as manta rays, sea turtles, and colorful schools of fish while you swim through the clear waters. The North Shore, Poipu Beach Park and Kealakekua Bay are all popular spots for snorkeling. Kailua-Kona and The Cathedrals are the best diving sites. Two-tank dives cost $125, while snorkel tours start at $85 USD.

Take some time to explore the splendid attractions of this place, and make your trip worthwhile. While booking your flights from Houston to Cancun, don’t just fool around restaurants and tall buildings. Instead, take a good note of what’s under the table.

There are many other things to do and see in Hawai'i.

1. Explore Waipi'o Valley

The lush, unspoiled wilderness of Waipi'o Valley (Big Island), was once home to Hawaiian kings. It's now covered in taro fields. Waipi'o was named after the river that runs through the valley walls. It then flows into the ocean at a sandy beach. There are several trails, but the main one leads to the black sand beach. It is 6.5 miles (10 km) long and strenuous, but well worth the effort.

2. Night dive with manta-rays

Take a sunset cruise on Big Island along the Kona coast, to the Manta Ray Village. You can swim with mantas rays up to 1,600lbs (725 kg) and measure 18 feet (5.5 m) long. This is one of the most popular spots to swim with mantas. Manta rays are nourished by phytoplankton or zooplankton. They glow underwater because of bioluminescence. Single-tank night dives cost $149 USD, while snorkel tours start at $125 USD.

3. Take a helicopter flight

Helicopter tours offer a bird's-eye view of the islands and their stunning scenery. You can fly over lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes, and marvel at the turquoise ocean from the air. These rides are not cheap, but can be a great once-in-a lifetime experience. The rides last between 45–60 minutes and are focused on one island. O'ahu and Kaua'i all offer stunning views to take in. Helicopter tours start at $325 USD per head. Blue Hawaiian and Paradise Helicopters are the longest-running tour operators. AirVentures also offers scenic flights in a small plane for $169 USD.

4. Participate in a Kaanapali Sunset Luau

A luau, a Hawaiian traditional party or feast, is often accompanied by entertainment. Before 1819, luaus could be separated by gender. Men and women would eat separate meals. The Kaanapali Luau features a traditional Hawaiian dance, Samoan fire dance and a traditional Hawaiian buffet, most of which is prepared in an underground oven. The entire event will be set against a backdrop of the sunset on the beach. Prices start at $125 USD.

5. Hike the Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon

You can hike the trails on the west side to discover why Kaua'i is called "The Garden Isle". These trails offer stunning views of the coast and canyon, and interesting tropical plants. There are also multi-day, longer treks that can be done here. With 22 miles (35 km) of trails that cross valleys, streams and along the coastline, Kalalau Trail is the most beautiful hike on Hawai'i. For a multi-day trip, you will need a camping permit to cover the entire trail. Permits cost $35 USD per person and per day. Permits are limited to 60 per day and go quickly. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance. A day-use permit, which allows you to use a 6-hour slot for $10 per timelot and $5 entry per person, is also available. There are limited parking options. You can also take the shuttle for $35 USD, but it includes entry.

6. The Bishop Museum is worth a visit

The Bishop Museum on O'ahu, a Polynesian Anthropologological Institute that exhibits Hawai'i's cultural arts and artifacts, is called the Bishop Museum. It is the largest museum on Hawai'i, and also houses the largest collection of Polynesian artifacts in the world. Its main gallery, the Hawaiian Hall, covers Hawaiian mythology. It has a beautiful interior with wooden architecture. The science center is also available for children. The museum was built in 1889 and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The weekday admission is $26.95 USD and the weekend it is 28.95 USD.

7. Go river tubing

You can go backcountry river tubing on Kaua'i. After driving through abandoned sugarcane plantations, you'll then glide down canals using an old irrigation system that dates back to the 19th century. You will pass dark tunnels and lush rainforest scenery as you go down the river. Kaua'i Backcountry tours last approximately three hours and start at $149 USD. You get a drink and lunch included.

8. Take the scenic route to Hana

Driving the winding road from Hana to Maui is a must if you are visiting Maui. The coast is a winding, hairpin-turn route with many scenic viewpoints. Stop at Oheo Gulch to hike the Pipiwai Trail up to the Waimoku Falls, which is 400 feet (121 meters) high. The trek is only four miles (6.5 km) long and allows you to view some huge banyan trees. The Kahekili Highway is another scenic drive. You'll find it less crowded, with fewer hairpin turns and plenty of sights (such as Nakalele Blowhole).

9. Visit a coffee plantation

Hawai'i is the only place in America where coffee can be grown. Visit the Kuaiwi Farm on Big Island for a detailed tour of coffee plantations. Learn everything you need to know about coffee, the growing process, and how you can grow other organic staples like bananas, cacao, pineapples, or bananas. The tours cost $35 USD and include tastings. A chocolate-making class is also available for $85 USD.

10. Surfing is easy when you learn how to do it.

Hawai'i is a great place to surf. O'ahu North Shore is a popular spot for surfers of all levels. Major competitions are often held there. Sign up for classes or a multi-day camp if you are interested in learning how to surf. The cost of group classes is generally $100 USD. North Shore O'ahu Surf School offers private lessons for $200 and has great instructors. Surfboard rentals can be found around the islands at prices between $25-35 USD per Day and $100-130 USD per Week.

Travel costs in Hawai'i

Prices for camping and hostels - $50-70 USD per person per night for a bed in a 4-bed dorm. A room with 8 or more beds will cost you between $30 and 45 USD. Private rooms with shared bathrooms cost between $80-100 USD per evening. Hostels offer free Wi-Fi, as well as free breakfast, shuttle service to the beach and tours. The prices don't change much throughout the year.

There are many campgrounds in Hawai'i. To stay at any of Hawai'i's state parks (camping.ehawaii.gov), apply for a permit ($30 USD per night for non-residents for a campsite that can accommodate 4 people) at least a month in advance. You might not be able to get a spot.

Private campgrounds can be found for as low as $10 USD per head. Wild camping on beaches is a popular option, however it is not allowed in many places due to the fragile environment. It's also easy to wander onto sacred sites, which is a huge no-no.

Prices for budget hotels - Prices vary depending on where you live. You can expect higher prices in tourist areas, such as Waikiki Beach or around Maui. For places like Maui and Waikiki, nightly rates for a two-star budget hotel room start around $200-300 USD. If you stay in the less touristy areas, it will cost $150-175 USD.

There are many Airbnb options in Hawai'i. A private room costs $75-90 USD per person, and an apartment or whole home costs $125-200 USD per person. If you do not book in advance, expect to pay twice.

Notice: Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in Hawai'i. Each island has its own rules. This is important to remember when you book.

Food - Hawaiian cuisine is a mixture of Polynesian influences and the mainland US, with Asian influences (especially Japanese) added. The mainstay is seafood, with mahi-mahi and tuna being the most sought after. Chicken and pork are also common, especially Kalua Pig, slow-roasted underground pork.

Because it can be mixed with many fresh salads, poke (diced raw fish cubed or cubed) is one of the most loved dishes. There are many Spam recipes here. Spam was originally served to soldiers during World War II due to its long shelf-life and lack of refrigeration. Spam became a cultural staple.

Hot dogs are a great option for quick food, at around $4 USD. A meal of poke, or a hearty salad at a deli, will cost you around $11 USD. Half-chicken costs $10 USD. Spam musubi is a classic dish that starts at $3 USD. Stop by 7-11 to enjoy a Japanese Konbini with Hawaiian delights.

For $10-15 USD, you can get plates of chicken, rice and salad (which locals call "plate lunch"). $12 USD for a large plate of garlic shrimp. Vegetarian dishes are about the same. Buffets on islands start at $25 USD

For a combo meal, fast food (think McDonald's) is $9.50 USD. A piña colada, wine or beer will cost you between $10-15 USD and $7-10 USD. You can expect to pay $5.50 for a cappuccino or latte. Bottled water costs around $2 USD

A typical Hawaiian restaurant serves a main dish at $30 USD. For seafood and steak, the price is $30 USD. Vegetarian or pasta dishes are $20 USD. Burgers cost $16-19 USD and soup and salad starters about $12 USD.

A Chinese takeout restaurant will charge $12-14 USD for a main dish, while a Thai place will cost $15-17 USD.

A prix-fixe menu that includes three courses and a dessert costs $50 to $50, while a luau will cost between $50 to $150.

For groceries including pasta, chicken, and other staples, you can expect to spend $75-80 USD per weekly if you prepare your own food. It is possible to save money by shopping at discount stores like Cost-U-Less on Big Island and Kaua'i, Don Quijote on O'ahu, and Big Save (Kaua'i), where you can find food and alcohol at reasonable prices.