Discover Hawaii
The Journal
Answers to the questions everyone asks before a trip to Hawaii, researched from official sources and updated for 2027.
6 min readBest Time to Visit Hawaii: Month-by-Month Guide (2027)
Weather, waves, whales and crowds month by month, so you can pick the right time for your Hawaii trip.
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Discover Sea Turtles
Everything about Hawaii's honu: where they live, where they nest and how to see them without disturbing them.
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7 min readHawaii Tourism's Golden Age: From Boat Days to the Jet Age
Matson liners, Pan Am clippers, the Visitors Bureau and the first jets: how 1950s and 60s Hawaiʻi became the world's favourite holiday.
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7 min readWaikiki in the 1960s and 1970s: Towers, Surf and Crowds
Glass elevators, Hawaii Five-O, beach boys and red lifeguard towers: Waikīkī in its loudest, busiest decades.
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7 min readAloha Airlines History and Hawaii's Inter-Island Flights
From a war-surplus DC-3 to Viscounts, Funbird 737s and Flight 243: the rise and sudden fall of Hawaiʻi's beloved Aloha Airlines.
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7 min readVintage Hawaii Travel Posters and Ads: How Paradise Was Sold
Matson menus, Pan Am ads and Visitors Bureau posters: how Hawaiʻi was sold to the world, who criticised it and how to collect it.
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7 min readTiki Culture and Hawaii Hotels: Coco Palms to Waikiki
Don the Beachcomber, the Mai Tai, thatched cottages and Elvis at Coco Palms: how the tiki craze shaped Hawaiʻi's hotels.
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8 min readHawaii in the 1950s: Everyday Life in the Last Territorial Decade
Plantation towns, union victories, Hawaii Calls on the radio and Sunday drives below Koko Head: everyday life in Hawaiʻi's last territorial decade.
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7 min readAloha Shirt History: From Kimono Silk to Aloha Friday
From kimono cloth in 1930s Honolulu to Elvis, Aloha Friday and the office: the story of the aloha shirt, plus how to choose a good one.
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7 min readBoat Days in Hawaii: Matson Liners, Aloha Tower and Lurline
White liners, coin divers, streamers and the Royal Hawaiian Band: the story of Honolulu's Boat Days, from the Malolo to the last Lurline sailing in 1970.
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7 min readHawaii in the 1970s: Elvis, Five-O, Pipeline and a Reawakening
Elvis by satellite, Hawaii Five-O, the first Pipeline Masters and Merrie Monarch hula: the decade that made modern Hawaiʻi, and questioned it.
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8 min readHanauma Bay Guide: Reservations, Fees and Snorkelling Tips (2027)
Two-day booking window, closed Mondays and Tuesdays, a $25 fee and a must-see video: how to visit and snorkel Hanauma Bay the right way.
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7 min readPearl Harbor Visit Guide: Tickets, Bag Policy and Timing (2027)
Free tickets that go fast, a strict no-bags rule and four sites in one: a practical plan for visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.
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7 min readNorth Shore Oahu Guide: Haleʻiwa, Waimea Bay, Pipeline and Turtles
Haleʻiwa, Waimea Bay, Pipeline, turtles and garlic shrimp: how to enjoy Oʻahu's North Shore in winter surf season or summer calm.
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8 min readLanikai Beach and Kailua: Parking, Pillbox Hike and Mokulua Kayaking
Kailua's long sand, Lanikai's postcard view, the Pillbox hike and a paddle to the Mokulua islets: how to visit the windward coast well.
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8 min readPolynesian Cultural Center Guide: Tickets, Hā Show and Lūʻau (2027)
Six island villages, a fire-knife finale and a lūʻau: what the Polynesian Cultural Center costs, when it is open and whether it is worth the day.
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7 min readKualoa Ranch Guide: Tours, Movie Sites and Booking Tips (2027)
Jurassic valleys, a sacred ahupuaʻa and an 800-year-old fishpond: how to choose and book the right Kualoa Ranch tour on Oʻahu.
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8 min readKoko Head Stairs: Koko Crater Trail Guide and Tips (2027)
Over 1,000 wartime railway ties straight up a crater: how to climb Koko Crater safely, then snorkel Hanauma Bay next door.
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7 min readRoad to Hana Guide: Mile Markers, Stops and Reservations (2027)
Fifty-nine bridges, rainforest waterfalls and a black-sand beach you must book: how to drive the Road to Hāna properly.
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8 min readMolokini Crater Guide: Snorkelling Tours, Rules and Tips (2027)
A sunken volcanic crescent with 250 fish species and gin-clear water: how to choose a Molokini tour, when to go and the rules to follow.
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7 min readIao Valley Guide: Iao Needle, Reservations and Fees (2027)
The ʻĪao Needle, the 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai and the booking rules: how to plan a visit to Maui's most storied valley.
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8 min readKāʻanapali Beach Guide: Black Rock, Snorkelling and Whales (2027)
Black Rock's sacred story, the sunset cliff dive, snorkelling, winter whales and how to visit West Maui with care while Lahaina rebuilds.
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8 min readNā Pali Coast Guide: Boat, Helicopter, Kayak or Hike (2027)
Boat, helicopter, kayak or hike: the ways to see Kauaʻi's Nā Pali Coast, the best season, Hāʻena reservations and what changed after Hurricane Lowell.
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8 min readKalalau Trail Guide: Permits, Hanakāpīʻai and Safety (2027)
How to book the Kalalau Trail, the day hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and Falls, camping permits, flash floods and the trail's status after Hurricane Lowell.
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8 min readWaimea Canyon Guide: Lookouts, Hikes and Fees (2027)
Waimea Canyon's lookouts, the Canyon Trail to Waipoʻo Falls, fees and parking, the doubtful Mark Twain quote and what reopened after Hurricane Lowell.
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8 min readHanalei Bay Guide: Pier, Taro Fields, Surf and Town (2027)
Hanalei Bay's historic pier, the taro fields of the wildlife refuge, summer swimming and winter surf, one-lane bridge etiquette and the town itself.
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8 min readPoipu Beach Guide 2027: Monk Seals, Snorkelling, Spouting Horn
Monk seals on the sand, a sheltered family bay, easy snorkelling and Spouting Horn: how to enjoy Poʻipū and respect its wildlife.
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8 min readAkaka Falls and Waipio Valley Guide: Fees, Road Rules, Tips (2027)
A 135-metre waterfall on a short rainforest loop, and Waipiʻo Valley from the cliff top: fees, road rules and Hāmākua Coast stops.
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8 min readKona Coffee Farms Guide: Tours, History and Real 100% Kona (2027)
Farm tours, the November festival, Japanese farming families and the labelling law: how to visit Kona's coffee belt and buy the real thing.
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8 min readPunaluu Black Sand Beach Guide: Turtles, Access and Safety (2027)
Black sand, basking honu and cold springs on the Kaʻū coast: how to visit Punaluʻu responsibly, and what the 2026 park closure means.
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8 min readPapakolea Green Sand Beach: The Hike, Rules and Safety (2027)
Olivine sand in a broken volcanic cone at Hawaiʻi's southern tip: the hike, why you should walk not ride, ocean safety and Ka Lae's ancient history.
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8 min readQueen Liliʻuokalani: The Life and Legacy of Hawaii's Last Queen
Composer, prisoner, memoirist and benefactor: the life of Hawaiʻi's last queen beyond 1893, from "Aloha ʻOe" to the trust that bears her name.
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8 min readQueen Kaʻahumanu: Kamehameha's Favourite Wife Who Ruled Hawaii
Kamehameha's favourite wife became the most powerful person in the kingdom: how Kaʻahumanu ended the kapu, won Kauaʻi and embraced a new faith.
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7 min readPrincess Kaʻiulani: Hawaii's Last Crown Princess
Heir to a vanishing throne: the princess of the peacocks, from her Waikīkī garden and Stevenson's poem to the White House and an early death at 23.
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8 min readKamehameha III and Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea: Sovereignty Restoration Day
In 1843 a rogue British captain seized Hawaiʻi for five months. How Kamehameha III got it back, and why 31 July is still celebrated at Thomas Square.
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7 min readDuke Kahanamoku: Olympic Champion and Father of Modern Surfing
Olympic champion, surfing's global ambassador, Hollywood actor and Honolulu sheriff: the life of Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaiʻi's first world star.
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8 min readKalaupapa History: Molokaʻi's Hansen's Disease Settlement
About 8,000 people were exiled to Molokaʻi's Kalaupapa peninsula. Their story, two saints, and why visits are on hold today.
Read the article →8 min readLahaina History: Royal Capital, Whaling Port and Recovery
Royal capital, whaling port and birthplace of the Hawaiian press: Lahaina's long history, the 2023 fire, and how to visit with care.
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7 min readHawaiian Language History: From Near Loss to Revival
From a 13-letter alphabet and a hundred newspapers to an English-only law and language nests: how ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi survived.
Read the article →8 min readHawaiian Flag History: Why Hawaii's Flag Has a Union Jack
Why does Hawaiʻi's state flag carry a Union Jack? The story of Kamehameha's flag, the eight stripes and the upside-down protest flag.
Read the article →7 min readPuʻuhonua o Hōnaunau: Hawaii's Place of Refuge and Heiau
How Hawaiʻi's places of refuge worked, what heiau were for, and how to visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau and Puʻukoholā today.
Read the article →9 min readHawaiian Fishponds History: Loko Iʻa, Heʻeia and Molokaʻi
Stone walls, sluice gates and royal mullet: how Hawaiians farmed fish for 700 years, and the people rebuilding the ponds today.
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7 min readHistory of the Ukulele: From Madeira to Hawaii and the World
A borrowed guitar on a Honolulu dock, a king's patronage and a 1915 world's fair: how the ʻukulele was born in Hawaiʻi and conquered the world.
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8 min readHistory of the Lei and Lei Day: Hawaii's Garland Tradition
Whale-tooth regalia, boat-day garlands and a festival born in 1928: the story of the Hawaiian lei, and how to give and wear one well.
Read the article →7 min readPaniolo: The History of Hawaiian Cowboys and Ranching
Vancouver's cattle, Mexican vaqueros and a 1908 rodeo upset in Wyoming: the story of Hawaiʻi's paniolo and the ranches of Waimea.
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8 min readJapanese Americans in Hawaii in WW2: Suspicion and Service
Arrests, island camps and the Speak American campaign, then the VVV, the 100th and the MIS: how Hawaiʻi's Japanese Americans met suspicion with service.
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8 min readKahoʻolawe History: The Bombed Island Hawaiians Won Back
From Kanaloa's sacred island to a Navy target and back: how the 1976 landings and George Helm's sacrifice won Kahoʻolawe's return.
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8 min readKīlauea Eruption History: From 1790 to Today's Lava Fountains
From Keōua's doomed march in 1790 to Jaggar's observatory, Kīlauea Iki and the fountains of the 2020s: the human history of Hawaiʻi's busiest volcano.
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7 min readHilo Tsunamis of 1946 and 1960: The Waves That Remade a Town
Two tsunamis, fourteen years apart, killed 157 people in Hilo, erased Shinmachi and Waiākea and gave the Pacific its tsunami warning system.
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7 min readNiʻihau History: Hawaiʻi's Forbidden Island Explained
A $10,000 purchase in 1864, a pilot's crash in 1941 and the last Hawaiian-speaking community: the true story of Niʻihau, the Forbidden Isle.
Read the article →7 min readBernice Pauahi Bishop: The Princess Behind Bishop Museum
She refused a crown, married for love and left the Kamehameha lands to Hawaiian children. The story of Princess Pauahi, Kamehameha Schools and Bishop Museum.
Read the article →8 min readHistoric Sites in Hawaii: The Best Places to Visit by Island
Palaces, temples, a place of refuge and Pearl Harbor: the best historic sites in Hawaiʻi island by island, with booking rules checked October 2026.
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7 min readThe Hawaiian Renaissance and Hōkūleʻa: A Culture Reborn
Canoes, chant and a bombed island reclaimed: how Hōkūleʻa, Kahoʻolawe and the language nests of the 1970s and 80s brought Hawaiian culture back.
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9 min readHawaii History Timeline: Key Dates from Settlement to Today
A thousand years of Hawaiian history in key dates, from Polynesian voyagers and Kamehameha to the overthrow, Pearl Harbor and statehood.
Read the article →7 min readHow Polynesians Discovered Hawaii: Voyaging and Wayfinding
Star compasses, ocean swells and seabirds: how Polynesian voyagers found the most remote islands on Earth, and how Hōkūleʻa proved it.
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8 min readAncient Hawaii Daily Life: Chiefs, Kapu, Taro and Fishponds
Chiefs and commoners, sacred law, taro terraces and stone fishponds: what everyday life was like in Hawaiʻi before Captain Cook arrived.
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7 min readThe History of Hula: From Sacred Dance to Merrie Monarch
From sacred chant to the Merrie Monarch stage: how hula survived bans, tourism and language loss to become the heartbeat of Hawaiian culture.
Read the article →7 min readHistory of Surfing in Hawaii: From Heʻe Nalu to Duke
From chiefs on wooden olo boards to Duke Kahanamoku: how Hawaiians kept heʻe nalu alive and gave surfing to the world.
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9 min readCaptain Cook in Hawaii: 1778 Arrival and Death at Kealakekua
Cook's ships reached Kauaʻi in 1778 and returned in the season of Lono. A year later he died at Kealakekua Bay. What happened, and why it still matters.
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8 min readKamehameha the Great: How One Chief Unified Hawaii
From a hidden infant in Kohala to ruler of all the islands: how Kamehameha used cannon, temples and diplomacy to found the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.
Read the article →8 min readEnd of the Kapu System and the Missionaries in Hawaii
In 1819 a king ate with women and an ancient religious order fell. Months later the first missionaries landed. How Hawaiʻi changed in twenty years.
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8 min readSandalwood, Whaling and the Māhele: Hawaii's Kingdom Transformed
Sandalwood for Canton, 600 whaleships in a year, deadly epidemics and the 1848 land division: how the Hawaiian Kingdom was remade in a generation.
Read the article →8 min readKing Kalākaua, the Merrie Monarch: Reign, World Tour and Legacy
He dined with President Grant, circled the globe and revived hula, then signed the Bayonet Constitution. The reign of Hawaiʻi's Merrie Monarch.
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7 min readʻIolani Palace History: The Story of Hawaii's Royal Palace
Electric light before the White House, a queen held prisoner upstairs and a decades-long restoration: the story of Honolulu's royal palace.
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7 min readHawaii Sugar Plantation History: From Kōloa to the Last Harvest
From the first mill at Kōloa to the last cane haul on Maui: the migrations, camps, strikes and language that sugar gave Hawaiʻi.
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7 min readHawaii Pineapple History: James Dole, Lānaʻi and the Canneries
How a young New Englander made Hawaiʻi the world's pineapple capital, bought Lānaʻi for one crop, and what you can still see today.
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8 min readOverthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom: What Happened in 1893
Three days in January 1893, a queen who never stopped protesting, and the 1993 apology: what really happened in Hawaiʻi's overthrow.
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7 min readHawaii Annexation 1898: The Petitions, the Vote and the Flag
A republic for the few, 21,269 signatures against it and a wartime vote in Washington: how Hawaiʻi was annexed in 1898.
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9 min readPearl Harbor History: The 1941 Attack and Hawaiʻi at War
Ninety minutes that changed Hawaiʻi: the 1941 attack, martial law, the Nisei soldiers of the 442nd and how to visit the USS Arizona Memorial.
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7 min readHawaii Statehood 1959: How Hawaiʻi Became the 50th State
From Prince Kūhiō's first bill in 1919 to the 94% vote of 1959 and the jet-age boom: how Hawaiʻi became the 50th state, and why it is still debated.
Read the article →7 min readHistory of Waikiki: From Royal Retreat to Resort Icon
Taro wetlands, a royal coconut grove, the Moana of 1901, the Ala Wai Canal and the beach boys: how Waikīkī became the Pacific's most famous beach.
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6 min readWhich Volcanoes Can You Visit in Hawaii? A Map-by-Map Guide
Kīlauea, Haleakalā, Mauna Kea, Diamond Head: the volcanoes you can really visit, with maps and hikes.
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4 min readDiamond Head Hike: Reservations, Fees and the Trail to the Top
Reservations, fees, hours and the trail to the crater rim above Waikīkī.
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4 min readHaleakalā Sunrise: Reservations, Timing and What to Expect
The $1 reservation, timing, the cold and the best viewpoints for sunrise above the clouds.
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4 min readHawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: How to Visit Kīlauea and See Lava
The eruption, where to see lava, the best trails and a one-day plan for Kīlauea.
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4 min readMauna Kea: The Summit, the Observatories and Stargazing
The observatory domes, the summit drive, stargazing and altitude safety on Hawaii's highest mountain.
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5 min readIs Hawaii Safe for Women Travelling Alone? A Practical Guide
An honest guide for women travelling alone: the real risks, the easiest islands and how to stay safe.
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5 min readAll-Inclusive Resorts in Hawaii: Do They Exist?
Why Hawaii has almost no all-inclusives, what you get instead and how to get the same carefree feeling.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii Vacation Packages: Are They Worth It?
How Hawaii packages work, when they save money and the costs they leave out.
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5 min readHawaii With Kids: The Complete Family Guide
Everything for a family trip to Hawaii in one place: islands, stays, beaches, safety, packing and budgets.
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5 min readWhat to Eat in Hawaii: 15 Dishes You Have to Try
Poke, plate lunch, loco moco and shave ice: the 15 dishes that tell Hawaii's story.
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5 min readBest Luau on Oʻahu: How to Choose the Right One
Polynesian Cultural Center, Toa, Paradise Cove or Waikīkī? How to choose the right luau on Oʻahu.
Read the article →5 min readBest Luau on Maui: Old Lahaina Luau and the Rest
The Old Lahaina Luau, Wailea and Kāʻanapali: how to choose the right luau on Maui.
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5 min readBest Luau on the Big Island: Kona and Kohala Compared
Kona or Kohala? The best luaus on the Big Island, with nights, prices and tips.
Read the article →5 min readWhat to Wear to a Luau: A Simple, Respectful Guide
Aloha shirts, sundresses and lei etiquette: what to wear to a luau, and what not to.
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5 min readHawaii Honeymoon Guide: Islands, Timing, Budget and Experiences
Islands, timing, budget and the most romantic experiences: how to plan a Hawaii honeymoon.
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5 min readWhale Watching in Hawaii: When, Where and How
Breaching, singing humpbacks from December to April: when, where and how to see whales in Hawaii.
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5 min readManta Ray Night Snorkel on the Big Island: The Complete Guide
Giant mantas somersaulting beneath you in the dark: how the Kona night snorkel works and how to do it right.
Read the article →5 min read12 Best Things to Do on Maui With Kids
Turtles at Nāpili, a shark tunnel and whales from the beach: the best family days out on Maui.
Read the article →5 min read12 Best Free Things to Do on Maui
Turtles at Hoʻokipa, whales from the shore and the Wailea path: Maui's best experiences that cost nothing.
Read the article →5 min read10 Things to Do on Maui When It Rains
Chase the sun to Kīhei, waterfalls at their best and a shark tunnel: Maui on a rainy day.
Read the article →5 min read12 Romantic Things to Do on Maui for Couples
Sunrise above the clouds, sunset sails and whales: Maui, Hawaii's favourite island for two.
Read the article →5 min read14 Best Things to Do on Kauaʻi (Updated After Hurricane Lowell)
Nā Pali by sea, Hāʻena reopened and Hanalei Bay: the best of Kauaʻi now, updated after Lowell.
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5 min read11 Best Things to Do on Kauaʻi With Kids
Monk seals at Poʻipū, Lydgate's ponds and dolphins on the Nā Pali: Kauaʻi for families now.
Read the article →5 min read11 Best Free Things to Do on Kauaʻi
Spouting Horn, monk seals and Hanalei Pier at sunset: Kauaʻi's best experiences that cost nothing.
Read the article →5 min read10 Things to Do on Kauaʻi When It Rains
Chase the sun to Poʻipū, thundering waterfalls and rainbows: Kauaʻi on a rainy day.
Read the article →5 min read15 Best Things to Do on the Big Island
Lava, manta rays and stars: the 15 best things to do on Hawaii's youngest island.
Read the article →5 min read12 Best Things to Do on the Big Island With Kids
Lava tubes, turtles on black sand and telescopes under the stars: the Big Island for kids.
Read the article →5 min readKona vs Hilo: What to Do on Each Side of the Big Island
Mantas and coffee in Kona, waterfalls and the volcano near Hilo: what to do on each side.
Read the article →5 min read15 Best Things to Do in Hawaii: The Experiences That Define the Islands
Turtles, volcanoes, Pearl Harbor and manta rays: the 15 experiences that define a trip to Hawaii.
Read the article →5 min read12 Best Things to Do in Hawaii With Kids
Turtles, tide pools, lava tubes and a first surf lesson: the best family experiences in Hawaii.
Read the article →5 min read12 Most Romantic Things to Do in Hawaii for Couples
Sunset sails, sunrise above the clouds and manta rays at night: Hawaii's most romantic experiences.
Read the article →5 min read15 Best Things to Do on Oʻahu
Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head and the North Shore: the 15 best things to do on Oʻahu.
Read the article →5 min read14 Best Things to Do on Oʻahu With Kids
Lagoons, aquariums, turtles and a first surf lesson: the best family days out on Oʻahu.
Read the article →5 min read13 Best Free Things to Do on Oʻahu
Beaches, sunsets, Pearl Harbor and Friday fireworks: Oʻahu's best experiences that cost nothing.
Read the article →5 min read11 Best Things to Do on Oʻahu at Night
Fireworks, hula under the torches and slack-key at sunset: how to spend your evenings on Oʻahu.
Read the article →5 min read11 Romantic Things to Do on Oʻahu for Couples
Islets off Lanikai, sunrise at Makapuʻu and dinner on the sand: Oʻahu's romantic side.
Read the article →5 min read13 Best Things to Do in Honolulu (Beyond the Beach)
A royal palace, a Pacific treasure house and a rainforest valley: Honolulu beyond Waikīkī.
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5 min read13 Best Things to Do in Waikīkī
Surf lessons, outrigger canoes, hula at dusk and Friday fireworks: the best of Waikīkī.
Read the article →5 min read15 Best Things to Do on Maui
Haleakalā, the Road to Hāna, Molokini and whales: the 15 best things to do on Maui.
Read the article →6 min readMaui vs Oʻahu: Which Hawaiian Island Is Right for You?
City, history and surf, or beaches, a volcano and whales? How Hawaii's two favourite islands compare.
Read the article →5 min readMaui vs Kauaʻi: Beaches and Resorts or Cliffs and Quiet?
Polished Maui or wild Kauaʻi? How the two dream islands compare, updated after Hurricane Lowell.
Read the article →5 min readMaui vs the Big Island: Beaches or Volcanoes?
A dormant crater and long beaches, or an active volcano and manta rays? Maui and the Big Island compared.
Read the article →5 min readOʻahu vs Kauaʻi: The Gathering Place or the Garden Isle?
A million people and a surf coast, or 73,000 people and the Nā Pali cliffs? Oʻahu and Kauaʻi compared.
Read the article →5 min readMaui vs Oʻahu vs Kauaʻi: Which Island Should You Choose?
The Gathering Place, the Valley Isle or the Garden Isle? All three compared, and which suits your trip.
Read the article →5 min readKona vs Hilo: Which Side of the Big Island Should You Stay On?
Sunny beaches and manta rays, or rainforest, waterfalls and the volcano? The Big Island's two sides compared.
Read the article →5 min readWhich Hawaiian Island Is Best With Kids? An Honest Comparison
Lagoons, whales, lava or waterfalls? Which island suits your children best, by age.
Read the article →5 min readWhere to Stay in Hawaii for a First Trip: Islands, Areas and Prices
Waikīkī, Kāʻanapali or Kona? How to choose your island and your base on a first trip to Hawaii.
Read the article →5 min readWhere to Stay on Oʻahu: Waikīkī, Ko Olina, the North Shore and More
Waikīkī, Ko Olina or the North Shore? Every Oʻahu area explained, with 2026 prices and rental rules.
Read the article →5 min readWhere to Stay on Maui: West vs South, Area by Area (2026)
West Maui or South Maui? Every area compared, plus Lahaina in 2026 and what Bill 9 means for condos.
Read the article →5 min readWhere to Stay on Kauaʻi: Poʻipū, Princeville, Hanalei and Kapaʻa (After Hurricane Lowell)
Sunny Poʻipū or lush Hanalei? Every Kauaʻi area explained, updated for the recovery after Lowell.
Read the article →5 min readWhere to Stay on the Big Island: Kona, Kohala, Volcano or Hilo?
Kona for the sun, Volcano for the lava: why two bases work best on the Big Island, area by area.
Read the article →5 min readWhere to Stay in Hawaii With Kids: The Best Family Bases on Every Island
Calm lagoons, sheltered pools and kitchens: the best places for families to stay on every island.
Read the article →5 min readWhere to Stay in Hawaii for Couples: The Most Romantic Areas
Sunsets, quiet beaches and ocean views: the most romantic places to stay on every island.
Read the article →5 min readWhere to Stay in Hawaii on a Budget: The Cheapest Areas on Every Island
Same beach, a third of the price: the best-value places to stay on every island, plus camping.
Read the article →5 min readWhere to Stay in Maui With Kids: Kāʻanapali, Nāpili, Kīhei or Wailea?
Calm bays, beach parks and resort pools: the four best family bases on Maui, compared.
Read the article →5 min readWhere to Stay for a Hawaii Honeymoon: The Best Islands and Areas
Wailea sunsets, Kauaʻi cliffs or Lānaʻi seclusion: where to stay for a Hawaii honeymoon.
Read the article →6 min readHawaii in 7 Days: The Perfect One-Week Itinerary (Oʻahu + Maui)
Pearl Harbor and the North Shore, then Haleakalā and the Road to Hāna: the classic Hawaii week, day by day.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii in 10 Days: A Three-Island Itinerary (Oʻahu, Maui, Big Island)
Pearl Harbor, a crater above the clouds and an active volcano: ten days across three islands.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii in 5 Days: A Big Island Itinerary of Volcanoes, Mantas and Stars
Manta rays at night, sunset on Mauna Kea and an active volcano: five unforgettable days on the Big Island.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii in 4 Days: The Best of Oʻahu Without a Single Flight
A long weekend done right: Waikīkī, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay and the North Shore in four days.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii With Kids: A One-Week Family Itinerary on Oʻahu
Turtles, lagoons and a first surf lesson: a relaxed family week on Oʻahu, day by day.
Read the article →5 min readOʻahu Itinerary: 7 Days Around the Gathering Place
A week around Oʻahu: historic Honolulu, a crater bay, the windward cliffs and the North Shore.
Read the article →5 min readMaui Itinerary: 7 Days From the Crater to the Coast
Haleakalā at dawn, the Road to Hāna and the reefs of Molokini: a week on Maui, day by day.
Read the article →5 min readKauaʻi Itinerary: 6 Days on the Garden Isle (Updated After Hurricane Lowell)
Nā Pali by sea, Hāʻena reopened and Hanalei Bay: six days on Kauaʻi built around what is open now.
Read the article →5 min readOʻahu and Maui Itinerary: 12 Days on Hawaii's Two Favourite Islands
Honolulu and the North Shore, then Haleakalā and Hāna: twelve days on the two islands visitors love most.
Read the article →6 min readDo You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii? REAL ID, ESTA and Entry Rules
Passport, REAL ID or ESTA? Exactly what Americans, Canadians, Europeans and other travellers need for Hawaii.
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6 min readDo You Need a Car in Hawaii? Island by Island, Including Honolulu
Honolulu without a car, Maui and the Big Island with one: the island-by-island answer, with 2026 prices.
Read the article →5 min readIsland Hopping in Hawaii: Flights, Costs and the Missing Ferry
Why there is no ferry, what inter-island flights cost in 2026, and the best islands to combine.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii Packing List: What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)
From the reef to the summit: what you will actually use in Hawaii, and the sunscreen rules to know.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii Packing List for Families and Kids
Sun shirts, car seats and boogie boards: the family packing list, and what to rent when you land.
Read the article →6 min readIs It Safe to Travel to Hawaii Right Now? (October 2026 Update)
Kauaʻi after Lowell, a restless Kīlauea and the ocean: what is open and what really matters, October 2026.
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5 min readHawaii Hurricane Season: When It Is, How Often Storms Hit, and the 2026 Season
Three hurricanes in six weeks in 2026: when Hawaii's storm season is, how often storms hit and what to do.
Read the article →7 min readHow Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost? The Real Prices for 2027
Flights, hotels, cars, food and the new climate tax: what a Hawaii trip really costs, line by line.
Read the article →6 min readHow Much Is a Hawaii Trip for 2 People? Budget, Mid-Range and Luxury
A week for two on a budget, in comfort or as a honeymoon, and how much each island adds.
Read the article →5 min readHow Much Is a Hawaii Trip for a Family of 4? A Realistic 2026–2027 Budget
Four flights, one condo and a lot of sunscreen: a realistic family budget for Hawaii, and how to save.
Read the article →5 min readHow Much Is a Week in Hawaii? Costs by Island and Travel Style
Seven nights on Oʻahu, Maui, the Big Island or Kauaʻi: what the classic Hawaii week costs on each.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii on a Budget: How to See the Islands for Less
Free beaches, $3 buses and $15 plate lunches: how to see Hawaii properly for less.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii's Green Fee and Tourist Taxes Explained (2026)
The first climate tax on tourism in the US: what the Green Fee is, what you pay and where the money goes.
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8 min readHawaii in January: Weather, Whales, Big Waves and What to Expect
Peak whale season, the biggest waves of the year and snow on the volcanoes: what January in Hawaii is really like.
Read the article →6 min readHawaii in February: Whale Season, Weather and Things to Do
Peak whale season, Lunar New Year in Chinatown and big winter surf: February in Hawaii, explained.
Read the article →6 min readHawaii in March: Weather, Spring Break, Whales and Merrie Monarch
The last of peak whale season, spring break and the start of Merrie Monarch: March in Hawaii, explained.
Read the article →6 min readHawaii in April: Weather, Crowds, Prices and What to Expect
Drier weather, fewer crowds and lower prices: why April is one of Hawaii's best-kept secrets.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii in May: The Best Value Month? Weather, Crowds and Events
Dry, sunny and uncrowded: why May may be the best-value month to visit Hawaii.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii in June: Weather, Summer Crowds, Calm Seas and Events
Glassy north shores, the longest days and King Kamehameha Day: June in Hawaii, explained.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii in July: Weather, Crowds, Prices and Summer Events
Hawaii's sunniest month and one of its busiest: how to enjoy July without the stress.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii in August: Weather, Crowds, Hurricanes and What to Expect
The hottest month, the quiet second half and hurricane season: August in Hawaii, explained.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii in September: Fewer Crowds, Warm Water and Aloha Festivals
The warmest water, the lowest prices and the Aloha Festivals: why September is a hidden gem.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii in October: Weather, Prices, Ironman and the First Big Swells
Warm water, low prices, Ironman in Kona and the first big swells: October in Hawaii, explained.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii in November: Weather, Whales, Surf and Thanksgiving
The first whales, big waves on the North Shore and the Kona coffee harvest: November in Hawaii.
Read the article →5 min readHawaii in December: Weather, Christmas, Big Waves and Whales
Pipeline, returning whales, Christmas lights and holiday crowds: what December in Hawaii is really like.
Read the article →6 min readWhere to Surf in Hawaii: 32 Breaks for Beginners to Experts, Mapped
Pipeline, Waikīkī, Hanalei and Jaws: 32 breaks on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and Maui, mapped by level and season.
Read the article →5 min readThe Best Beaches in Hawaii: Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and Maui, Mapped
Waikīkī, Hanalei Bay, Kāʻanapali and Mākena: the best beaches on three islands, and the ones to only look at.
Read the article →5 min readThe Safest Beaches in Hawaii for Families and Kids
Calm, lifeguarded beaches for kids on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and Maui, the ones to avoid, and the golden rules.
Read the article →7 min readKauaʻi Hiking Trails: Nā Pali, Waimea Canyon and 14 Trails Mapped
The Kalalau Trail, Waimea Canyon and the Alakaʻi Swamp: 14 Kauaʻi hikes on one map, with difficulty and permits.
Read the article →6 min readOʻahu Hiking Trails: Diamond Head, Koko Crater and 12 Trails Mapped
Diamond Head, Koko Crater, the Lanikai Pillboxes and the Koʻolau ridges: 12 Oʻahu hikes on one map.
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7 min readMaui Hiking Trails: Haleakalā, Pīpīwai and 14 Trails on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi
Haleakalā Crater, the Pīpīwai Trail and the Kalaupapa cliffs: 14 hikes on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.
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6 min readBig Island Hiking Trails: Kīlauea Iki, Mauna Kea and 14 Trails Mapped
Kīlauea Iki, Mauna Kea, Pololū Valley and the Captain Cook Monument: 14 Big Island hikes on one map.
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5 min readSwimming Between the Islands: Hawaii's Nine Ocean Channels Mapped
Kaʻiwi, ʻAlenuihāhā and the 116 km Kauaʻi Channel: the nine channels between the islands, and who first swam them.
Read the article →6 min readMaui Snorkeling and Diving: Molokini, Lanai and 17 Sites Mapped
Molokini, Turtle Town, Honolua Bay and the Cathedrals of Lānaʻi: 17 sites around Maui Nui on one map.
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6 min readBig Island Snorkeling and Diving: Manta Rays, Kona and 14 Sites Mapped
The manta ray night dive, Kealakekua Bay, Two Step and Kahaluʻu: 14 Big Island sites on one map.
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5 min readHawaii's Coral Reefs and the 2015 Bleaching: What Happened and How to Help
How a marine heatwave bleached Hawaii's reefs, where about half the coral died, and how visitors can help.
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5 min readWhere the Ocean Is Protected: Hawaii's Marine Protected Areas Explained
Hanauma Bay to Kealakekua: where fishing is limited, what the rules mean, and why the best reefs are inside.
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5 min readFive Volcanoes, One Island: The Big Island's Volcanoes and Lava Flows Explained
Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualālai and Kohala on one map: what is active and how young the ground is.
Read the article →6 min readOahu Snorkeling and Diving: 15 Best Sites on One Map
Hanauma Bay, Shark’s Cove, Turtle Canyon and the Waikiki wrecks: 15 sites mapped, with the season and level for each.
Read the article →6 min readKauai Snorkeling and Diving: 18 Sites Mapped, Plus Lehua and Niihau
Poʻipū, Tunnels, Kēʻē, Sheraton Caverns and the Lehua crater: 18 sites mapped, and which side of Kauai to pick each season.
Read the article →6 min readWhich Hawaiian Island? Oahu vs Maui vs Big Island vs Kauai
Oahu, Maui, Big Island or Kauai? How each island feels, who it suits, how to fly in and how to combine two.
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6 min readHow Many Days in Hawaii? 5, 7, 10 & 14-Day Itineraries
Island-by-island minimums, sample 5 to 14-day itineraries, real drive times and the reservations you need to book before you fly.
Read the article →6 min readHawaii Reservations: Places You Must Book Ahead (2027)
Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Haleakalā sunrise, Hāʻena: the Hawaii sights that need booking, where to reserve and when slots open.
Read the article →6 min readIs It Safe to Swim in Hawaii? Ocean Safety Guide
Rip currents, shore break, snorkeling risks, box jellyfish and surf seasons: the official ocean safety basics every Hawaii visitor should know.
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6 min readWhere to See Sea Turtles in Hawaii (and How to Do It Right)
Laniakea, Punaluʻu, Hoʻokipa and Poʻipū: where to see honu, why they bask on beaches, and the rules that keep them safe.
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6 min readVisiting Hawaii Respectfully: Culture, Wildlife & Rules
Aloha, sacred sites, lava rocks, reef-safe sunscreen and wildlife distances: the cultural basics and legal rules every Hawaii visitor should know.
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