Waikiki and Diamond Head. Photo: Pickle the cool, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hawaii is a chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific, with beaches, rainforest and active volcanoes. Oahu has Waikiki and Pearl Harbor, Maui has the Road to Hana, and the Big Island has lava.
It's a long trip from the UK, usually via the US mainland, so it suits a two-week holiday or a stop on a longer journey.
What Hawaii is known for
- Waikiki
The famous beach below Diamond Head.
- Volcanoes
Active lava at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
- Surfing
Big waves on the North Shore.
- Pearl Harbor
The memorial to the 1941 attack.
Top things to do in Hawaii
Where to stay in Hawaii
Best time to visit Hawaii
Best value: Jan–May, Sep–Nov. April, May, September and October: good weather and better prices.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 14h 45m from London to HNL, and flights from most UK airports.
Fly between islands. Hire a car on each island.
Good to know
- Pick two islands at most for a two-week trip.
- Respect sacred sites and ocean warnings.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen: some types are banned.
Hawaii FAQ
How long is the flight?
About 16 to 20 hours with a connection.
Which island is best?
Oahu for first-timers, Maui for beaches and scenery.
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Back to the USA travel guide + Add Hawaii to your bucket list