Hawaii

About 2,360 miles off the California coast, the Hawaiian Islands rise out of the Pacific, formed by volcanoes, some of which still spew lava today. A vacation in Hawaii means surf and coral reefs, but also cloud forests, canyons, and a Polynesian culture that proudly maintains its own language and history.

The Islands and Their Landscapes

The archipelago consists of eight main islands and many small islets. Each has its own character. Oʻahu is the most populous, home to Honolulu, Waikiki, and the legendary surf coast of the North Shore. Maui combines long beaches with the crater of Haleakalā, where visitors can watch the sunrise above the clouds from the summit. The Big Island, officially Hawaiʻi, is larger than all the other islands combined; this is where Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the most massive volcanoes on Earth, are located. Kauaʻi, the "Garden Isle," offers the most dramatic scenery with the Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi are quiet and little developed.

Sights in Hawaii

On Oʻahu, the must-sees include the Pearl Harbor memorial with the USS Arizona Memorial, the hike up Diamond Head crater, and ʻIolani Palace in Honolulu, the only royal palace on U.S. soil. On Maui, the Road to Hana winds past waterfalls over dozens of single-lane bridges. In Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, you can observe Kīlauea; during eruptions, the crater glows at night. Mauna Kea hosts telescopes from international observatories and is a sacred mountain to many Hawaiians. Snorkelers head to Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu or to Molokini Crater off Maui, where you may also encounter sea turtles.

Cities and Towns

Honolulu is the capital and economic center, with high-rises, Chinatown, and the Bishop Museum. Kapolei in the west and Aiea near Pearl Harbor are growing, while Kailua on the east coast is known for one of the island's most beautiful beaches. On Maui you'll find the main town of Kahului, with the airport, and the resort town of Kihei. Lahaina, once the kingdom's capital and a whaling port, was largely destroyed by a devastating fire in August 2023; rebuilding is ongoing, and visitors should be respectful toward the local community. Hilo, on the rainy east side of the Big Island, is a cozy town with a farmers market and old wooden storefronts. On the west side of the Big Island, Kailua-Kona thrives on coffee plantations on the slopes and the Ironman Triathlon, which has been held here since the 1980s.

Culture and History

Polynesian seafarers reached the islands about a thousand years ago in outrigger canoes. King Kamehameha I united the archipelago into a single kingdom around 1810, which was overthrown by American businessmen in 1893. In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state. Hawaiian is an official language alongside English, hula is understood as both a religious and storytelling art form, and every spring the best hula groups compete at the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. The word "aloha" stands for an attitude of respect and hospitality.

Food and Drink

Poke, diced raw fish with soy sauce and sesame, is available fresh at any supermarket counter. The "plate lunch" of rice, macaroni salad, and meat reflects the Asian immigrants, as do Spam musubi and saimin noodle soup. Loco moco, rice topped with a burger patty, fried egg, and gravy, originated in Hilo. At a lūʻau, kalua pig from the underground oven and taro poi are served, with shave ice and syrup to cool off.

Getting There and Best Time to Visit

Most flights from Europe go via the U.S. West Coast to Honolulu, Maui (OGG), Kona (KOA), or Līhuʻe (LIH). Planes connect the islands; there are hardly any ferries. Hawaii is warm year-round; in the winter months, big waves bring surfers to the north shores and humpback whales to the waters off Maui. April to May and September to October are considered the best times to visit for quieter beaches and lower prices. Reservations are required for Haleakalā at sunrise and for certain hiking trails and beaches, and reef-safe sunscreen is mandatory.