Active volcanoes, towering cliffs, black sand beaches and rainforests: the Hawaiian archipelago has eight main islands, four of which welcome most visitors. Each has its own personality. Which one should you choose?
Oahu: the liveliest
Oahu is home to Honolulu and Waikiki beach. It is the island of history, with Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace, but also of surfing: in winter, the North Shore gets some of the biggest waves in the world. Ideal to start a trip.
Maui: the most complete
Maui combines superb beaches, humpback whale watching in winter and two unforgettable experiences: the winding, lush Road to Hana, and sunrise at the summit of Haleakala volcano, which requires a reservation.
Big Island: the most spectacular
The largest island, Hawaii (the Big Island), is the island of volcanoes. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lets you approach Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The summit of Mauna Kea and its observatories offer exceptional stargazing.
Kauai: the wildest
Nicknamed "the Garden Isle", Kauai charms with its unspoilt nature: the Na Pali Coast, reached by boat, helicopter or on foot, and Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". A paradise for hikers.
Why not several islands?
Inter-island flights are short and frequent. For a first trip, we recommend combining three or four islands in two weeks, with at least three nights on each.
When to go to Hawaii?
Hawaii can be visited all year round, with temperatures between 24 and 30°C. From April to October the weather is drier; from December to March it is whale season and big-wave season on the north shores.
Four-island self-drive or small-group hiking, our Hawaii trips are built with our USA specialist.
