Hawaii Adventures
Snow-covered Mauna Kea summit with observatory domes above a sea of clouds at dawn.
Snow-covered Mauna Kea summit with observatory domes above a sea of clouds at dawn.

Six major islands · Hawaiʻi

Volcano Summits, Sea Cliffs and Reefs Across Hawaii's Six Islands

Where to stay, the best tours and realistic itineraries — everything you need to book Hawaii with confidence.

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Hawaii has six major islands to visit (Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui and the island of Hawaiʻi), each with its own sights and activities. Five main airports serve them: Honolulu (HNL) on Oʻahu, Kahului (OGG) on Maui, Kona (KOA) and Hilo (ITO) on the Big Island, and Līhuʻe (LIH) on Kauaʻi. Haleakalā sunrise, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and Hāʻena State Park all need advance online reservations.

Good to know

  • Five main airports on four islands
  • Haleakalā sunrise by reservation only
  • Diamond Head reservations for non-residents
  • Hanauma Bay slots open two days ahead

Why visit Hawaii

  1. Haleakalā summit sunrise

    Watch the sun come up from the summit of Haleakalā National Park on Maui. Pack warm layers for the summit.

  2. Kauaʻi's Nā Pali Coast

    The Garden Isle's Nā Pali Coast, with Keʻe Beach and the Kalalau Trailhead inside Hāʻena State Park.

  3. Active volcanoes and coffee farms

    The island of Hawaiʻi pairs active volcanoes with coffee farms and beaches. ʻAkaka Falls State Park is near Hilo.

  4. Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay

    A snorkelling nature preserve on Oʻahu run by the City & County of Honolulu. Young children enter free.

Where to stay

Islands to stay on

Oʻahu

Honolulu and snorkelling

Arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. Hanauma Bay and Lēʻahi / Diamond Head State Monument are both on this island.

Which area suits you?

Maui

Beaches and whale watching

Known for its beaches and the summit of Haleakalā. Fly into Kahului Airport (OGG); Maui is the best-known island for humpback whale watching.

Which area suits you?

Kauaʻi

Coastal scenery and hiking

The Garden Isle. Rental counters at Līhuʻe Airport (LIH) face baggage claim; Poʻipū is about 30 minutes' drive and Princeville under an hour.

Which area suits you?

Start here

Things to do in Hawaii

When to go

  1. Mid-December–mid-April

    Humpback whale season: whales travel from Alaska to breed, give birth and nurse calves. Sightings are busiest January–March, and Maui is the best-known place to watch.

  2. Late April–May

    Recommended by a local concierge service for the best balance of weather, crowds and tour availability, just after whale season ends.

  3. Mid-September–October

    The second window for balanced weather, crowds and tour availability. Storms can close parks, so check current status before you go.

Weather

Weather in Hawaii

Weather by month →

Hawaii weather by month

Hawaii weather by month
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
High / Low (°C)
20°
13°
20°
13°
20°
13°
21°
14°
22°
15°
23°
15°
24°
16°
24°
16°
23°
16°
23°
16°
21°
15°
20°
14°
Rain (mm)
147
155
224
192
138
106
120
140
119
135
169
171

Average daily high and low (°C) and monthly rainfall (mm) · Forecast: MET Norway (yr.no) · Climate averages: NASA POWER

Tips before you book

  • Book Haleakalā sunrise entry online up to 60 days ahead or try the batch released 48 hours before; none are issued at the gate.
  • Out-of-state visitors must reserve Diamond Head entry in advance, while Hawaiʻi residents can enter without a reservation.
  • Hanauma Bay entry slots open on the City & County of Honolulu website two days before your visit.
  • Hāʻena State Park on Kauaʻi has a daily visitor cap and requires advance reservations, so check current shuttle access rules.
  • Storms have recently closed Hāʻena State Park and the Kalalau Trail, so check park status before setting out.

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