Hawaii in one minute
Easy to reach, easy to travel and very different from island to island. The main mistake is picking the wrong island for what you want, so this guide compares the four most visited: Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.
Go if you want
- Beaches, surf, volcanoes and hikes in one trip
- Easy logistics: US dollar, short inter-island flights
- A wide range of prices on Oahu
Think twice if you want
- A cheap trip: Hawaii is one of the dearest places in this guide
- A single-island trip that covers everything: each island is different
- Visiting without a car outside Honolulu
Our ratings
Odali editorial scores out of 5.
When to go
April to June and September to October give good weather and fewer crowds. Winter (December to March) is whale season and brings bigger surf on north shores. July, August and the holidays are the busiest and dearest weeks.
Day-by-day plans
Pick your length. One island for a week, two islands for ten days or more.
Where to stay
Stay near the beach on Oahu and Maui, in a house or condo on Kauai, and plan a night near the park on the Big Island.
Condo or small hotel
A kitchen saves money in a place where eating out is costly. Check resort fees and parking, which can add a lot.
Compare condos and hotelsBeach hotel
The most practical choice for a first visit, with beaches, food and tours close by.
Compare beach hotelsResort
Resorts bundle pools, beaches and activities, and fit couples and families who want a relaxed week.
See Maui resortsOur advice
Pick the island first, then the base. Oahu is best for a first visit and short trips, Maui for couples and relaxed holidays, Kauai for nature and quiet, the Big Island for adventure. Check current rates and fees before booking.
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Reach travellers while they choose where to sleep in Hawaii.
Promote your businessYour tour or car rental here
Put your service in front of people planning their days.
Promote your businessThings to do
Prices are indicative ranges. Confirm with the operator.
Oahu: Honolulu and Waikiki
Honolulu, Waikiki, great food, surf and history, with the widest range of prices. Best for a first visit and short trips.
Compare Oahu toursMaui: beaches and Road to Hana
Beaches, resorts, the Road to Hana and whale watching in winter. Best for couples and relaxed holidays.
Compare Maui toursKauai: Na Pali coast
The greenest island, with the Na Pali coast and hiking. Best for nature and quiet.
Compare Na Pali toursBig Island: volcanoes and stars
Volcanoes, black sand beaches, stargazing and varied climates. Best for adventure and variety.
Compare Big Island toursSurf lesson at Waikiki
Gentle waves make Waikiki the easiest place to learn. Check conditions with the instructor.
Compare surf lessonsWhere to eat
Eat at local plate-lunch spots and food trucks, and keep one dinner with a view.
Plate lunch and food trucks
Rice, mac salad and grilled meat or fish. Cheap, filling and local, found on every island.
Poke and shave ice
Fresh poke from local counters and shave ice on a hot afternoon.
Sunset dinner
Beachfront restaurants fill up at sunset. Book ahead in high season.
What to order
- Poke: cubed raw fish with soy and sesame
- Loco moco: rice, patty, egg and gravy
- Kalua pork: slow-cooked in an earth oven
- Shave ice: flavoured syrup over fine ice
What it costs
Build your own estimate. Ranges are indicative and exclude flights.
Includes rooms, local meals and the activities you picked. Open-ended prices are shown as a starting price.
Check live pricesBefore you go
Pick the right island
Each island is very different. Choose by what you want, not by fame.
Rent a car
Rent a car on every island except central Honolulu.
Book ahead
Some state parks and attractions require reservations.
Check ocean conditions
Check current conditions and local advice before hiking or swimming, especially in winter surf.
Mind resort fees
Resort fees and parking can add a lot to the nightly rate.
Respect the land
Stay on marked trails and do not take lava rock or sand.
Which island is best for a first visit?
Oahu, for the range of prices, food, surf and history.
How many islands in one trip?
One island for a week, two for ten days or more. Inter-island flights are short.
Do I need a car?
On every island except central Honolulu, yes.
When are the whales here?
Winter, roughly December to March.
Is Hawaii expensive?
Yes. A kitchen, plate lunches and fewer paid tours keep costs down.
Book Hawaii
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Prices and schedules change: confirm with airlines, ferries, operators and hotels before booking. Prices, rules and conditions change. Confirm before booking.