Travel Guide to Hawaii 2024

Travel Guide to Hawaii – Monday April 29, 2024

Explore the beautiful paradise of Hawaii and the Hawaiian Islands with our Travel Guide to Hawaii for 2024

We can help you discover the stunning beaches, delve into the Hawaiian Jurassic parks, check out the best things to do in Maui, and head to a Kualoa ranch tour.

After reading “Travel Guide to Hawaii,” you will have everything you need to know to enjoy a vacation or longer-term stay in these magical Hawaiian Islands.

The incredible scenery bursting with color does make you feel like you are on another planet, tucked away from the rest of the world. What more can you ask?

You will be able to explore so much these islands have to offer in Hawaii. So, start packing your bags and book those flights! Here’s why the Hawaiian Islands should be your next trip.

Where is Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands is a cluster of islands in the North Pacific Ocean and the only state outside the mainland of the Continental United States. Ranking as the fourth smallest land area Hawaii Islands has a population of 1.4 million.

Hawaii is made up of 6 major islands – Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and of course, the island of Hawaii, also known as the ‘Big Island.’ In total, there are 137 islands in the chain! (The majority of these being uninhabited)

The largest island is Hawaii, which is nearly twice as big as its neighbors. It is known for being the most volcanically active – two of the most famous, Kilauea’ and ‘Maunaloa’ are located here.

However, the most visited island is ‘Oahu’ – booming with tourism and receiving around 4.7 million visitors yearly. It has the state capital of Honolulu, taking up two-thirds of Hawaii’s population. Honolulu is the largest city and is considered one of the U.S.’s most modern cities.

‘Lanai’ is a secluded island for those looking for a more private and luxurious vacation. It offers the most beautiful scenery for solo and group travelers, specifically couple travelers.

‘Maui’ is suitably nicknamed ‘Beverly Hills Island’ – another luxury destination! You will not be disappointed if you want to live big, with resorts, beaches, and nightlife.

‘Kauai’ attracts those searching to spend all their time in nature, nicknamed the ‘Garden Island. This isn’t surprising for us – 97% of the land here has been preserved. So if you want to see the untouched wilderness, look no further.

And last but not least, we have ‘Molokai’ – home to many native Hawaiians and the most authentic of them all. It is truly a wonder not to be missed.

Hawaii – Airports & Entry

Depending on your destination, flights from the United States mainland typically take around 5 hours to get to Hawaii. Check if any stops will add extra time to your journey.

Most international flights will likely land in Oahu, the central hub island. So if your final destination is, for example, Maui, you will probably have to transfer here.

Like every other flight, the earlier you book, the higher your chance of getting cheap flights! I always use Google Flights or Skyscanner to check the most affordable flights across various dates. The closer you are to Hawaii, the cheaper it will be. Be aware of when you are going – if you are traveling in the high season, prices will also be higher than in the low season.

The most popular airline to look at is Hawaiian Airlines. They go between the Hawaiian Islands and offer reasonable prices. You also have Southwest Airlines, known for its low prices.

You can either get a flight or use the ferry system to travel between the six islands, which are all very accessible.

If you prefer a more scenic ferry ride, check the times. The system has a Molokai Ferry, which departs from Maui, and the Maui-Lanai Expeditions Ferry arrives in Lanai.

Or, if you want to hop on a flight to get to your next island, all can be reached from Honolulu Airport within around 40 minutes.

If you know you will be moving throughout the islands and visiting more than one, I would advise you to give yourself enough time as it could take a big chunk of your day, and you may want to rest after your arrival!

Hawaii – Currency

The currency in Hawaii is the U.S. dollar.

Check the current Euro to the USD exchange rate.

Check the current AUD dollar to USD exchange.

Check the current UK Pound to USD dollar exchange rate.

Hawaii – History

Hawaii officially became America’s 50^th state in 1959. It is located 2,397 miles from San Francisco, California, and the capital is Honolulu in Oahu.

It was 400 C.E. when the Polynesians first discovered Hawaii. They traveled to the Big Island in canoes navigating their way by the stars! They lived in their small communities for many years here.

Captain James Cook became the first European in Hawaii who traveled to Kauai in 1778, this discovery cost him his life.

There are also two other neighboring islands, Niihau and Kahoolawe.

Niihau, also known as the ‘Forbidden Island’, consists of one tiny village; outsiders can only see this island from a helicopter. They cannot step on land to preserve the Hawaiian soil.

Kahoolawe is the other island with no inhabitants, limited access to outsiders, and no activities or tours. Unfortunately, after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, the island remained a bombing target until 1990.

The attack on Pearl Harbor, located on Oahu island, left a mark in history; with more than 2,300 Americans killed, it took many years to recover from this devastation.

Hawaii – People & Culture

Hawaiian and English are the official languages in the state of Hawaii. Hawaiian is marked as the Polynesian language originating from the Austronesian family. Not many speak the language today, and it is unfortunately classified as critically endangered by UNESCO.

English has become the official language in schools, and the Hawaiian language decreased in the 1800s.

The aboriginal Hawaiians were brown-skinned with black hair, typically with very athletic bodies. The men would wear a ‘malo,’ a small piece of cloth covering the lower body, and women would wear a ‘tapa’ to create a skirt, sometimes including leaves with the material.

And don’t forget about the Hawaiian Islands’ flowers! Of course, when we think of Hawaii, we always think about the people dressed in their bright, bold flowers. It is very common for women to wear a single flower or a wreath in their hair – sometimes just consisting of leaves, and we often see them draped around their necks.

The wreath of flowers can also be gifted as a welcome gesture – known as the ‘Lei.’ It stands for friendship and should only be removed in private.

The people are considered very strong, with various sports dominating the islands over the years, such as swimming, wrestling, boxing, spear throwing, and surfing. Surfing will always dominate the sports world in Hawaii; it is very common to be taught surfing at such a young age, considering you live next to these tropical waters!

Hula! The captivating dance highlights the Hawaiian culture throughout the years. It truly is a magical wonder empowered with its dance and music. The music can be slow and tranquil or upbeat and fast, performed with their fascinating chants. It was initially a religious performance in which they would honor a Hawaiian god or goddess as part of a ceremony. With its strong historical roots still growing among Hawaii’s people, it will always be known as part of its culture.

Hawaii – Food

Hawaiian cuisine, where do we start? The vibrant colors, full flavor, and countless dishes you can have here will leave your mouth watering for more. Here are some of the most popular words you may come across in Hawaii.

Lomi Lomi Salmon

This dish is served cold – salmon fillets mixed with tomatoes, onion, and sea salt. The taste will remind you of the sea and leave you feeling refreshed!

Chicken Long Rice

The Chinese introduced this one to the Hawaiian culture in the 1900s. A stew-like dish created with clear noodles mixed with chicken, onion, and ginger, served over white rice. This hearty meal brings a mixture of flavors.

Kalua Pig

For those meat lovers, do not miss this dish! This is big in Hawaiian cuisine, and you will see it a lot here. It is slow-roasted pork known for its incredible smoky flavor (it has the appearance of pulled pork). You can pair this with anything you like, but rice can be very common.

Poi

This one has always been a traditional meal for the Hawaiians. It is made by mashing Kalo, which creates a thick grey-like paste. You can eat it on its own or add some Kalua Pig or salmon to add flavor!

Laulau

This one comes wrapped in taro leaves (the leaves are inedible, so be sure to unwrap them before eating!). Inside you will find the meat, which can be pork, chicken, or fish. This is cooked for many hours in a hot rock oven which makes the juices from the meat incredible. It will simply melt in your mouth.

Poke

Yes, this dish does sound Japanese – probably because it consists of raw fish! However, unlike the Japanese, who typically slice their fish in thin pieces, you will find they serve it in cube-size bites here in Hawaii. The commonly used fish is ahi (tuna), served with soy sauce, sea salt, onions, and seaweed.

Haupia

A sweet Jello-like pudding – a beloved Hawaiian dessert. It is made with sugar and coconut milk, and prepared with pia (Polynesian arrowroot). It is cut into small slices, which can be added to fruit.

Hawaii – Weather

The weather in Hawaii is more or less consistent all year round. They only have two seasons – Summer, from May to October, and Winter, from November to April.

The temperature during the day stays around the high 60s (Fahrenheit) 20s (Celsius), for example, 84 (F) 29 (C) during Summer. Then in the Winter, this only drops a few degrees to around 77 (F) 25 (C). So you won’t need too many layers in the Winter!

Of course, the night will be slightly cooler; temperatures will drop to 59 (F) and 15 (C).

As for the rainfall, the wettest months are during Winter, usually November to March. Luckily, most rain happens in the mountains on the northeastern side of the islands due to the high-pressure zones.

This creates a magnificent tropical environment – whenever we think of Hawaii, we always envision mountain tops with the greenest scenery, right? The microclimate adds to these rich, tropical environments.

If you’re planning on surfing during your trip, the water temperatures here are pretty comfortable! They can be anywhere in the high 70s (F) or mid-20s (C). The waves will vary depending on which beach you will go to and the day.

I always check Magic Seaweed – an excellent app for surfing conditions. You can check local beaches, and it tells you all the necessary information.

Hawaii – Tourism

The high season in Hawaii is between March and September, with the most elevated temperatures.

Visitor numbers drop from October to November, with slightly more relaxed and wetter Hawaiian Islands weather.

Hawaii is generally a good holiday destination all year round because of its comfortable climate and the suitable range of activities available.

Be aware that prices are always higher during peak season, so the winter would be better if you don’t mind visiting in the cooler months and are on a strict budget.

As Hawaii is a state of the USA and is geographically close, most visitors are from the American mainland states. More so from the west than the east because of cost and distance.

Canada has the second-highest visitation numbers to Hawaii.

Hawaii – Getting Around (public & other transport)

The main types of transportation on the Hawaiian Islands include bus, shuttle, taxi, Uber, or rental car.

Speedishuttle is a company that offers private and shared shuttles on the Hawaiian Islands – good when you want to get between the airport and your accommodation. This service is available on Hawaii Island, Oahu, Kauai, and Maui.

The bus in Honolulu is a great way to get around Hawaii. A pretty reliable source of transport and, of course, on the cheaper side. Depending on your destination, some buses will frequently arrive every 10 or 30 minutes, but some may be every hour if your location is less central.

A new rail system can also get you out of the airport to Downtown or the city’s west side. The Honolulu Transit provider is HART.

Taxi services will be widely available in the main Hawaiian Islands. Like everywhere else, this will cost you more, but you have a private car, and they will drop you off wherever – so if you can afford it, this is a good option.

Uber or Lyft prices will vary depending on demand and time. It will most likely be cheaper than a taxi.

If you have a partner or are traveling in a group, and know you want to visit slightly more remote areas on the island, then a rental car is the perfect option! It saves money when there are more of you, but it gives you a lot of freedom when you can hop in the car for any trip. Be sure to look around at various companies to get a good deal, and pre-book to arrange this when you arrive at the airport!

Hawaii – Popular Attractions – Explore Oahu

Jurassic Adventure Park Tour

You can’t come to Hawaii and not do a Jurassic Park Tour! One of the most famous scenic and exciting adventures in Oahu is a once–in–a–lifetime experience you will not forget. 

Suitable for everyone. Nature lovers. Animal lovers. Film lovers! You will get something out of this experience no matter who you are. 

The guided tours take you to magical film sites! How cool is that? There can’t be a more iconic place for a movie than Jurassic Park in Hawaii. They are located in Kualoa, Hakipu’u, and Ka’a’awa Valleys. 

The Jurassic Park Tour offers unbelievable scenery to gaze at, adventurous treks through the forest, and the enormous cages used in the films. 

Don’t let the prices on these tours deter you; it is worth every penny. I would set aside a day for this activity and maybe get up to scratch with the Jurassic Park movies before you go! You will get even more excited when you realize you’ll see the real thing in Hawaii soon!

Pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and grab that camera! You will be snapping plenty along your adventures here. 

Tickets sell out quickly for the Hawaii Jurassic Park Tours, so pre-book with as much time beforehand. I would recommend checking a couple of months before your trip – anything within a month will be tricky to get your hands on because it is so popular. 

Kualoa Ranch Tour

Located on the island of Oahu, Kualoa, Hawaii, is a private nature reserve and working cattle ranch. They offer several activities that can keep you entertained for hours – offering several tours. 

They include a Jurassic Valley Zipline, ocean voyaging, ATVs and raptors, beaches, food tours, and many more. 

Head to the Kualoa Ranch website to find an activity for yourself or the family! (The same website used for Hawaii Jurassic Park Tours) Suitable for any age, you will be able to make this an exciting trip for everyone. 

Again, tickets sell very quickly here, so ensure you check in advance with plenty of time. 

Kualoa Ranch Tours is one to remember when visiting Hawaii!

The famous 300,000-year-old volcanic cone on Oahu island is one of the most popular activities in Hawaii.

Diamond Head State Monument

Along the Diamond Head Summit Trail hike, you will see the most spectacular views from the rim of a volcano! The walk is moderate but will take 1.5-2 hours, so be prepared for many steps and pack lots of water and snacks for the journey. 

The earlier you arrive, the less crowded it will be. Getting there is easier if you have a car; there is a parking lot located here at the start of the hike. Or you can get an Uber if you can’t access a car. 

Mauna Kea

The other popular volcano hike here in Hawaii is Mauna Kea. The highest peak in Hawaii with a summit of 13,803 (feet) and 4,207 (meters) above sea level – a challenge for those hikers out there!

A lot of people opt for driving to the summit. There is a very accessible road to get here, and the most beautiful scenery is on the drive-up. 

Some experience altitude sickness because of the height, so you may want to grab some pills if you think you’ll be affected by this. 

Also, take a jacket with you! Temperatures at the top will be cold, and it can get pretty windy!

Hawaii – Best Things to do in Maui

Hana Highway

Discover the famous highway, which is nicknamed the Road to Hana. The 53 miles, 85 kilometers of curvy, winding roads will take you through breathtaking scenery on the island, including many remarkable waterfalls.

You can book a tour for this one if you want to sit back and not stress about your mode of transport. Or you can take the car and drive it yourself, go with your partner or friends and make a trip out of it. 

Give yourself plenty of time, and be sure to drive slowly! Some spots have very narrow and dangerous roads, so caution must be taken when moving. 

There are numerous places you can stop by the car to take in the views or have a bite to eat. This is at the top of our list of Maui’s best things to do!

Relax on Maui’s Beaches

You’re in Maui, the sun is shining, and you’re not feeling like a strenuous day full of hiking. Don’t worry! One of the best things about the island of Maui is you have plenty of beaches to choose from. Grab your favorite book and music and head to one of these beautiful spots. 

Kaanapali is probably rated as one of the best beaches in Maui. With its numerous resorts and stunning beach walk, you can’t go wrong visiting this one. 

Next on our list is Makena, divided into two beaches – known as Big Beach and Little Beach. Both offer gorgeous white sands where you can swim or snorkel. If you want a more secluded beach, head to the small cove of Little Beach. 

Wailea (known as the water of Lea) is another famous beach; if you don’t mind the crowds during peak season, then be sure to visit this one! Put this on your list of things to do in Maui.

Kapalua Coast Trail

A beautiful hike along the coast with gorgeous green views of the island. This is considered one of the best things to do in Maui!

This hike is more manageable and, in total, is around 2 miles. Family-friendly trail – make sure you wear appropriate shoes as some parts are sand or gravel. 

Travel Guide to Hawaii 2024

So, now you have all the information you need on Hawaii’s culture, lifestyle, and the tropical world of the Hawaiian Islands.

Whether you are going on vacation, making it your next digital nomad spot, or having an adventure with your family. Hawaii and the Hawaiian Islands are places everyone will always love for the incredible beauty in the islands and the people.

A paradise in the middle of the ocean waiting to be explored by many. Filled with natural beauty, adventure, and beaches you’ll dream of for a lifetime.

Start making that itinerary and book your getaway to this Hawaiian Islands paradise.

What to do at Fiji? Fiji Travel Guide 2024

Unveil the mystique of Fiji with our captivating Fiji Travel Guide 2024. This alluring tropical paradise, dotted with over 300 picturesque islands, invites you to explore its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant marine life. Immerse yourself in a world where romance comes alive beneath swaying palm trees and alongside the gentle rhythm of azure waves. Our guide highlights intimate experiences, from breathtaking sunsets to secluded island escapes, and unravels the enchanting beauty of Fiji. Embark on a journey of love and adventure with the Fiji Travel Guide 2024 and create memories that will last a lifetime.