Hawaii holidays

Hawaii holidays

Called ‘The Aloha State’, Hawaii’s six islands welcome you with a smile; ‘Aloha’ is both a greeting and a lifestyle. Each island has its own distinctive character - Oahu is lively and Maui is captivating; Kauai is perfect for rejuvenating and Hawaii island is for the adventurer. Come to the Islands of Hawaii to enjoy the luau and lei traditions that have made it famous, and settle into the easygoing sway of island life.

Things to do

This stunning tropical archipelago is home to active volcanoes in the National Park on Hawaii Island, and nature preserves like Hanauma Bay on Oahu. On Kauai you can hike the beautiful Kalalau Trail, or take in the view of Waimea canyon. Grab a fruity shave ice (snow cone) to cool off after bodyboarding on Waimanalo Beach, or learn to surf at Waikiki or chill on Poipu beach with a book. Learn more about Hawaii’s history with a visit to the poignant Pearl Harbour and USS Arizona Memorial on Oahu; celebrate its culture of garland-making and giving during Lei Day (1st May).

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Map of Hawaii

world_map
28-31 ℃

Hawaii enjoys a warm, tropical climate with year-round sunshine.

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10 hours

Los Angeles (LAX), then catch a connecting internal flight to your island of choice.

Hawaii is best for...

Couples: Enjoy idyllic honeymoon strolls or exchange vows on a beautiful sandy beach.

Sporty Types: Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing – get ready to dive headfirst into a thrilling world of watersports.

Adventurers: Take a drive on the world-famous Hana Highway for a road trip you’ll never forget.

Fast facts for Hawaii

Language: The languages spoken in Hawaii are English and Hawaiian.

Currency: The currency used in Hawaii is the American Dollar ($).

Local time: Hawaii is 11 hours behind GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Honolulu International Airport for Oahu, Lihue Airport for Kauai, Kahului Airport and Kona International Airport for The Big Island. Transfers are up to 1 hour.

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Hawaii is at least 16.5 hours: 11 hours to Los Angeles, plus 5.5 hours connecting flight to Hawaii. 

Tourist information: Further Hawaii tourist information can be found here.

Visa and health: Before you travel click here for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday in the United States.

Getting around Hawaii

By bus: Take bus tours, or travel like a local - $35 will get you an unlimited 4-day pass on Oahu's public transport, The Bus.

By car: Arrange a car hire at all airports, or book a taxi. Like the mainland US, taxi fares are metered - and don't forget to tip the usual 15-20%.

By plane or boat: Hop between islands with the inter-island airlines, or take the ferry which leaves from Maui's Lahaina Harbour.

Events in Hawaii

Prince Kuhio Celebration: An official state holiday in Hawaii, the last 2 weeks in March are spent celebrating the birthday of this popular royal statesman. (kauai)

Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival – Maui Style: Free outdoor concert in June at the Maui Arts / Cultural Center featuring ki-ho‘alu (slack key guitar) performers, along with local food and craft vendors. (Maui)

Hawai‘i Food / Wine Festival: During the first week of September, internationally-renowned master chefs, culinary personalities, and wine and spirit producers gather to showcase wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, one-of-a-kind excursions, and exclusive dining opportunities with dishes highlighting Hawai‘i’s local produce, seafood, beef and poultry.  (O‘ahu and Maui)

Hawai‘i International Film Festival: Held annually in October, HIFF presents an average of 150 features, documentaries and film shorts, including world premieres, North American premieres, U.S. premieres, experimental films, animation and digital works representing social and ethnic issues, and first features by new directors.  The focus is on emerging films from Asia and the Pacific. (O‘ahu)

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival: Celebrate Kona’s cultural heritage and accomplishments of Kona coffee pioneers, farmers and artisans during this 10-day event in November. (Hawai‘i Island)

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