Have you ever had a trip that was so special that you couldn’t stop thinking about it? A trip where every image brings joy, and you want to relive those moments? A visit to the Hawaiian Islands is exactly that kind of trip. It’s an experience you’ll cherish forever and everyone around you will enjoy hearing about.
What islands do we see on a trip to Hawaii?
Before traveling to the Hawaiian Islands, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the different regions of the islands. The Hawaiian Islands are a group of islands located in the Pacific Ocean and the 50th state of the United States. Honolulu is the capital, largest city, and cultural and economic hub of the islands. It’s also important to consider the cost of living in Hawaii, as it can vary significantly depending on the area. Each island offers unique scenery, activities, and cultural experiences, making Hawaii a must-see destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
The Hawaiian Islands consist of eight main islands, each with its own unique characteristics. These islands are:
- Hawaii (also known as the Big Island)
- Oahu
- Maui
- Lanai
- Niihau
- Kauai
- Molokai
- Kaohsiung
The Big Island is the largest at 8,000 square kilometers, and Kahului is the smallest at 125 square kilometers.
“The loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean.”
Mark Twain
Weather conditions in the Hawaiian Islands
Before traveling to the Hawaiian Islands, you’ve probably seen pictures or videos depicting endless green spaces. The lush scenery is primarily due to the archipelago’s temperate, humid, and rainy climate. Rainfall is so intense that it regularly breaks world records, making it one of the wettest places on Earth, especially on the islands of Kauai and Honolulu. This constant rain is a major factor in creating the islands’ stunning natural beauty.
The Hawaiian climate creates a magical, fertile environment for a wide range of plant species, making it home to thousands of unique native plants. Naturally, these plants attract rare and distinctive birds that have chosen to live in the islands. Currently, over 66 bird species can be spotted, transforming the sky from a solid blue to a vibrant rainbow of colors.
Before visiting, it’s important to thoroughly research the islands’ climate and choose the best time to visit based on your personal interests and needs.
When is the best time to travel to the Hawaiian Islands?
Whenever you plan to visit the Hawaiian Islands, you will have a unique experience. Depending on the season, you can see and enjoy the whales dancing or the peace and quiet of the islands. Ultimately, it all comes down to your preferences and what excites you most.
To help you decide, I will describe the unique attractions that await you in the Hawaiian Islands each month.
If you’re dreaming of a warm, rain-free Hawaii, the best time to visit is between April and October. During these months, rainfall is at its lowest and the weather is naturally warmer.
On the other hand, from November to March, skies are often cloudy and heavy, with brief showers common. The weather cools down, and rainbows often grace the sky.
See what I mean? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when Hawaii is at its most beautiful!
Some people go to Hawaii just for the surf, and if you’re one of those people, the best time to go is between November and January.
Peace in September
Now, if you’re looking for quiet islands and less crowded beaches, September is your sweet spot. The travel traffic has eased, the heat isn’t as intense, and everything is set up for a great, relaxing getaway.
January is the best time to watch the amazing dance of the Hawaiian humpback whales. It’s a sight you’ll never forget and will have you glued to the stage until the very last moment of their show.
Now, when it comes to costs, traveling to Hawaii is most expensive between December and April. Everything (from flights to hotels and other expenses) is at its peak during these months.
No matter when you travel to the Hawaiian Islands, be sure to check out the festivals that are taking place during your stay. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the locals and immerse yourself in the island culture. I promise you’ll make some of your best memories at these events.
As we previously mentioned the cost of living in Hawaii in 2025 and the living conditions there, we will now give a brief introduction to the Hawaiian archipelago.
Meet the 8 islands ready to host you in Hawaii:
When you visit this stunning archipelago, you’ll encounter some of the most beautiful islands on the planet. Each offers its own unique charm, from lush rainforests and towering volcanoes to pristine beaches and vibrant local culture.
1-Hawaii Island
As I mentioned earlier, the island of Hawaii is the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, widely known by locals and tourists as the Big Island. What makes this island truly fascinating is that despite being the largest, it is also the youngest, having been shaped by volcanic activity that still shapes its landscape.
Beyond its size and age, it is renowned for its variety of natural wonders, from active volcanoes and black sand beaches to lush rainforests and snow-capped peaks.
This amazing diversity is enough to make you want to visit the island of Hawaii.
View Hawaii Island on Google Maps in Hawaiian Islands:
2. Maui Island
The second largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago is Maui. If you hear locals calling it the “Valley Island,” they’re actually referring to Maui, which has many large valleys.
This island has it all. Its seafood and local cuisine will introduce your palate to new flavors, and the soft sand of its beaches will wash away any fatigue you’ve ever experienced.
Even if you’re not a surfer, go watch a game on the board and ride the big waves that come your way. After you’ve had your fill of watching the water, put on a wetsuit and get lost in the colorful underwater world of fish.
When I say Maui has “everything,” I definitely don’t just mean the beauty of the beaches and the sea. The island’s bamboo forests will give you a new vision of the jungle and make you wish this trip would never end!
Driving the Road to Hana is one of the best drives on the island. A road where nature is always there for you to enjoy and you will never run out of things to see!
Take these 3 tips seriously on this road trip:
- Wake up early and hit the road early.
- Be sure to bring some food and snacks. (There aren’t many restaurants or supermarkets along the way.)
- Don’t try to cram everything you see on this road trip into one day.
View Maui Island on Google Maps in Hawaiian Islands:
3-Oahu Island
If you’re planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is the place where you’ll have the best chance of spotting sea turtles. Known for its modern vibe and vibrant nightlife, Oahu attracts more visitors than any other Hawaiian island.
The state capital, Honolulu, is located on Oahu, and it’s a city where cultural and ethnic diversity takes center stage. This unique mix of backgrounds means you’ll encounter a variety of faces and traditions in just one night.
Fun fact: Honolulu is also famous for being the birthplace of Barack Obama.
The North Shore of Oahu is a surfer’s paradise. The Pacific Ocean here is anything but “Pacific,” with big waves that welcome surfers from all over the world. If surfing isn’t your thing, scuba diving is another great option to consider.
Beyond its stunning natural beauty, Oahu also offers fascinating historical sites and museums that provide a deeper insight into the islands’ rich past.
And don’t leave Oahu without trying some of the island’s famous local dishes! Loco moco and poi are two of the island’s most popular dishes that you should definitely try.
View Oahu Island on Google Maps in Hawaiian Islands:
4-Moloka‘i Island
One of the most iconic attractions on the island of Molokai is the stunning Kalaupapa Cliffs, which rise more than 3,000 feet (1,000 meters) above sea level. These towering cliffs create a stunning view where the mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. While taking photos here is a must, no image can truly capture the grandeur of the landscape.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that Molokai is an island frozen in time. It’s so quiet and secluded that you might mistake yourself for Robinson Crusoe and get lost in the silence for a moment!
Interestingly, Molokai is also home to Kalaupapa National Historic Park. Steeped in history, this place was once a quarantine site for those suffering from leprosy. Today, it stands as a poignant reminder of the past and a unique piece of Hawaiian history.
View Moloka‘i Island on Google Maps in Hawaiian Islands:
5-Kauai Island
And as for the title of “greenest island in Hawaii,” it belongs to Kauai. 97 percent of the island is covered in forest and offers stunning views of the famous Na Pali cliffs. Given that Kauai is the most isolated and remote island of the archipelago, the question often arises: is Kauai a safe place to visit in the Hawaiian Islands? I must say that the crime rate on the island is very low and it has a completely safe environment.
However, caution is a wise rule and we recommend that you prefer group tours to individual tours.
View Kauai Island on Google Maps in Hawaiian Islands:
6-Lanai Island
In the past, the island was exclusively owned by the Dole Company, which supplied pineapples for the brand. Today, the island is known for its large pineapple plantations. However, in recent years, Lanai has begun to welcome tourism and is slowly preparing to welcome travelers.
The island is especially popular among wealthy visitors looking for private beaches and exclusive resorts. With a sense of tranquility and luxurious amenities, Lanai has become a favorite destination for those looking for a more luxurious experience than Hawaii.
View Lanai Island on Google Maps in Hawaiian Islands:
7-Niihau Island
First of all, Niihau is a forbidden island and you are not allowed to visit it. However, if you are still curious about this unique place, keep reading.
Niihau is a private island that was purchased by Elizabeth Sinclair about 150 years ago and no outsider has been allowed to enter it since then. The natural beauty of the island has remained in its purest form, making it a haven for many endangered species. The population of Niihau is about 70 people, and entry is only allowed if you are personally invited by an island resident!
On Niihau, signs of the digital world and modern communications are almost non-existent, and the island’s energy needs are met only by solar energy. This is an extraordinary place that, if we were allowed to visit, we might feel like we have entered a time machine and been transported to another era.
View Niihau Island on Google Maps in Hawaiian Islands:
8-Kaho‘olawe Island
It’s unlikely that you’ll miss Kaho‘olawe on your trip to the Hawaiian Islands. The smallest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, it was once home to a vibrant Native Hawaiian people. However, today it is uninhabited and offers little to no tourist attractions.
Kaho‘olawe was once used as a site for military testing, including nuclear testing, which had a devastating impact on the island’s environment and the livelihoods of its indigenous people. These military activities, which lasted for decades, caused widespread environmental damage and disrupted both land and sea life. The once-fertile land was left barren, and much of the island’s cultural significance was lost.
Today, efforts are underway to restore Kaho‘olawe. No longer used for military purposes, the island is now a conservation hotspot, with restoration projects aimed at restoring its ecosystems.
However, due to its troubled history and lack of infrastructure, it remains off the beaten track for most travelers. For those who venture there, it is usually as part of a guided tour that focuses on its environmental restoration and cultural significance.
View Kaho‘olawe Island on Google Maps in Hawaiian Islands:
Dos and Don’ts for Traveling to Hawaii
In this article, I’ve tried to make all the essentials for your trip to the Hawaiian Islands easier and more enjoyable. However, there are a few important points that I think are worth sharing in the final section. I hope they’re even more helpful than you might expect.
- One of the most common questions travelers ask about Hawaii is whether there are any shark beaches. Well, the answer is yes – sharks live in all saltwater. However, if sharks are spotted in the waters around the island, warning signs are posted to inform visitors.
- I’m sure you’re still thinking about sharks, so here’s another tip to put your mind at ease: wear a swimsuit that’s significantly lighter or darker than your skin tone. Sharks can see contrasting colors better, so this can reduce the chances of attracting attention.
- Before you grab a drink at a bar, it’s important to know Hawaii’s alcohol laws. By law, you are allowed to have one alcoholic beverage at any time.
- If you are invited to a local home, it is customary and respectful to take off your shoes before entering.
- Never walk outside in a swimsuit. This is considered inappropriate in many parts of the islands.
- If you need a ride, you can use ride-sharing services like Uber. However, keep in mind that fares in Hawaii may be higher than in other places where Uber operates.
- Sea turtles are protected in Hawaii, so it is illegal to feed or touch them. Be sure to admire these beautiful creatures from a distance without disturbing their space.
I think I have covered everything you need for your trip, but if you have any experiences or tips that I have not mentioned, share them in the comments so we can update the article!
