Travel in Hawaii: when to go, places and advice

Eight islands born of fire in the middle of the Pacific: Hawaii stacks worlds like nowhere else. The active volcanoes of Big Island, sunrise above the clouds on the Haleakala, the emerald-green cliffs of the Na Pali, the mythical rollers of the North Shore and the aloha spirit softening everything. Each island has its character: lively Oahu, romantic Maui, wild Kauai, primeval Big Island. The trip of a lifetime, composed island by island.

Capital: Honolulu
Currency: US dollar ($)
Language: English, Hawaiian
Direct flight: No direct flight, via the US West Coast
Time difference: -11 hr in winter, -12 hr in summer

Itineraries

Our trip ideas in Hawaii

The itineraries in Hawaii are in the works: the day-by-day programme, named hotels, tickets to book flagged in advance. Leave your address to be notified when they come out.

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The right season

When to go in Hawaii?

The weather is fine all year round: 27 °C from April to November, 24 °C in winter, with brief showers on the windward side. April-May and September-October combine calm seas, gentler prices and quiet islands. Winter brings the giant swell of the North Shore, the surfers' paradise, and the humpback whales off Maui; summer, glassy lagoons perfect for snorkelling.

January : Pleasant
February : Pleasant
March : Pleasant
April : Ideal
May : Ideal
June : Pleasant
July : Pleasant
August : Pleasant
September : Ideal
October : Ideal
November : Pleasant
December : Pleasant

Ideal
Pleasant
In-between
Avoid

Quick guide

Understanding Hawaii

Getting around

An inter-island flight (Hawaiian, Southwest) links the islands in 30 minutes; on the ground, a rental car is unavoidable. On Oahu, TheBus does an honest job from Waikiki.

Money

The dollar ($), with some of the highest prices in the United States: almost everything is imported. American-style tips (18-20%). The shrimp food trucks save the meal budget.

Language

English, sprinkled with Hawaiian words everyone uses: aloha, mahalo (thank you), pau (done). The welcome is as gentle as the climate.

Useful apps

The state reservations for the capped sites (Haleakala at sunrise, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay), Surfline for the swell and GoAkamai for Oahu traffic.

Accommodation

The resorts of Waikiki and Wailea, but also condos with kitchens and charming upcountry B&Bs, far gentler on the budget. Book very early, supply is tight.

Etiquette

Touch neither turtles nor monk seals (heavy fines), use mineral sunscreen, compulsory for the reefs, and respect the sacred sites: mana is not folklore.

The iconic places

Waikiki and Diamond Head

Oahu

The mythical beach where modern surfing was born, beneath the profile of the Diamond Head crater, whose climb gives the Honolulu panorama.

North Shore

Oahu

Pipeline, Sunset, Waimea: the most famous waves in the world in winter, a peaceful lagoon in summer, and food-truck shrimp all year round.

Haleakala

Maui

Sunrise above the sea of clouds at 3,055 m, in a crater with the look of Mars. Reservation compulsory, blankets advised.

Road to Hana

Maui

620 bends, 59 bridges, waterfalls and jungle: the most beautiful road in Hawaii is savoured over a whole day, swims included.

Volcanoes National Park

Big Island

Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world: a steaming caldera, lava tubes and black flows running down to the ocean.

Na Pali Coast

Kauai

1,000 m cliffs pleated in green falling into the Pacific, reached on foot by the Kalalau Trail, by boat or by helicopter.

Tap a dot, or browse the list below the map.

Waikiki : The beach where surf is king, Oahu
Diamond Head : The lookout crater of Honolulu
Pearl Harbor : The USS Arizona memorial
Banzai Pipeline : The mythical wave of the North Shore
Haleakala : Sunrise at 3,055 m, Maui
Road to Hana : 620 bends through the jungle, Maui
Kilauea : The active volcano of Big Island
Punaluu Beach : Black sand and turtles, Big Island
Waimea Canyon : The Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Kauai
Na Pali Coast : The emerald cliffs of Kauai