Located in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is the USA’s only island state located outside of North America.
While technically a US state, the islands of Hawaii geographically sit within the Polynesian subregion so boast warm tropical climates throughout the year. This, combined with the abundance of beautiful golden beaches, breathtaking volcanic landscapes and unique melting pot of North American and South East Asian cultures, make Hawaii one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.
Hawaii is made up of 137 volcanic islands, with the 6 major islands visited most often by tourists being Hawaii (or Big Island), Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai and Maui.
Although Hawaii gets a reputation as a luxury honeymoon destination, there are plenty of fun and affordable hostels and things to do in Hawaii which make it a great backpackers destination too.
Which Hawaiian island to visit?
Each Hawaiian island has its own unique offering and plenty of exciting things to do.
Personally, I spent three months exploring four of the main islands; Oahu, Big Island, Kauai and Maui.
Oahu is probably the best known island in Hawaii, being home to the state’s capital city of Honolulu, the legendary surfers’ paradise of Waikiki and historically significant Pearl Harbor.
On Big Island you can find the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; a diverse terrain that spans more than 300,000 acres and includes the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, and the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, which can be explored over 150 miles of hiking trails.
Plus don’t miss whale watching in Maui or exploring the colourful Waimea Canyon in Kauai.
Hawaii is an amazing and diverse destination which has something for every style of traveller, whether you’re looking for family-friendly beaches, romantic hikes through dramatic scenery or adrenaline-fulled adventures.
What are the best destinations for solo female travelers? It’s a good question and one I’ve given a lot of thought to. I travel as a solo female traveler about 98% of the time. I travel around 9 months per year. And I’ve been doing that for over four years. Oh, and I’ve visited over … Read more
Before I went on my around the world trip, volcanoes were the stuff of legends and far-off, exotic places. Landing in South America and progressing on through Central America, I came foot to crater familiar with these fascinating creations of nature. It was an obsession I developed quickly and is one I’ve yet … Read more
I get asked on a regular basis where is the best place I’ve visited. It’s a hard question to answer because over the years I’ve fallen in love with so many destinations and all for different reasons. However, someone asked me a slightly different version of this travel question the other day: where is the … Read more
One second I was in the plane, the next I was toppling face first into open air; free-falling at a speed so fast my ears felt like they were going to explode, yet I couldn’t strip the smile off my face. With my fingers bent into the Hawaiian sign for “hang loose”, I took a … Read more
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, Hawaii is expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit on a budget. Whether you’re backpacking Hawaii, trying to achieve a dream honeymoon without taking out your first mortgage or you’re a family on a budget, you may be surprised to know that you can sleep for … Read more
The day after my hike up Diamond Head I decided to visit Pearl Harbor. History was never my favourite subject at school. My teenage thoughts were more focused on finding the next acid rave (hey, it was the 90s). But I did remember Pearl Harbor. How could I not? The surprise Japanese attack on the … Read more
Due to its historical significance, visiting Pearl Harbor Hawaii was very high on my travel itinerary while I was on Oahu. I knew it wouldn’t be the cheeriest day out but I, like the millions of others who visit Pearl Harbor each year, felt a compelling need to go. Frustratingly, Pearl Harbor isn’t the easiest … Read more
I don’t know what was more painful – the shot in the ass or the $500 bill. Either way is was not my anticipated introduction to Hawaii. As I mentioned in my overview of Hawaii, I spent three months exploring the main four islands: Oahu, Big Island, Kauai and Maui, and what will follow is … Read more
If you’re not sure which Hawaiian Island to visit, I’m here to help you decide. Having spent three months flitting between the islands, I crammed in as many sights and activities as I could and although I have my personal favourite (more on that below), each island offers different experiences depending on the kind of … Read more
On 20th September 2010 I set off on an around the world trip that I thought would last a year. As my career break came to an end, I knew that I couldn’t go back – not because I’d done anything illegal (that I’d been caught for), but because wanderlust has taken root so deep … Read more