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. Don’t miss a hike up Diamond Head volcano. Or what about Sky Diving over North Shore?
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.
I stand at that top of a volcanic tuff ring that was formed over 49,000 years ago and look down at the glitter of green-golden sand. I’m about to step foot on something extraordinarily rare, and suddenly the 17-hour flight, 2-hour drive and 1-hour hike seems completely worthwhile. Carefully, slowly, surely, I pick my way … Read more
According to Mark Twain, Hawaii is “The loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean.” I couldn’t agree more. But there is more to the Hawaiian islands than most of us realise. For example, did you know there are actually 137 Hawaiian islands? I didn’t, either, until I spent 4 months exploring Hawaii. … Read more
Hawaii – the north pacific’s beautiful tropical islands filled with swaying palm trees, hula dancing, big wave surfing and flaming sunsets. And where there is tropical weather, there are exotic fruits. From the medicinal noni juice to world-famous Maui pineapples, there are a lot of Hawaiian fruits to sink your teeth into. Some of them … 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 to shake, so 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
Hawaii is expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit on a budget. Whether you’re backpacking in Hawaii, trying to honeymoon without taking out a mortgage or you’re a family on a budget, you may be surprised to know that you can sleep for as little as $30 a night in Hawaii. The answer: hostels. … Read more
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 pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor Hawaii naval base on 7 December 1941 that dragged … Read more
Due to its historical significance, visiting Pearl Harbor was very high on my list of things to do in 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 place … Read more
I don’t know which was more painful – the shot in the ass or the $500 bill. Either way getting sick within 24 hours of landing in Oahu was not my anticipated introduction to Hawaii. I’m sharing this somewhat personal and painful detail because I tackled the hike up Diamond Head just 48 after being … Read more
In this guide, I’ll give you my 10 top things to do in Oahu. I was a bit overwhelmed researching things to do in Hawaii because almost every article I read told me to swim with sharks, surf the Triple Crown (pro surf championship) or take pre-sunrise hikes up steep inclines. (In fact, it took … Read more