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Surfer off the coast of Kauaʻi, Hawaii

Hawaii holidays 2025 & 2026

Surfer off the coast of Kauaʻi, Hawaii

A string of far-flung islands in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii conjures up images of tropical paradises with soft, golden beaches, swaying palms and lei-wearing hula dancers. It’s all true, but at the same time there’s much more to this archipelago. Our specialists have explored beyond the obvious and can use their first-hand knowledge to help you plan a tailor-made holiday to Hawaii with a difference.

The powerful volcanic forces that created Hawaii’s islands are still felt today, from the bubbling lava fields of Volcanoes National Park to the black volcanic beaches, partially submerged craters and dormant volcanoes scattered across the six main islands: The island of Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi. Precipitous cliffs rise from the ocean like natural cathedrals. Tangled rainforest streaming with waterfalls covers much of the islands’ interiors, while offshore you can swim among coral reefs and look for humpback whales. One of the better ways to take in the coastlines and seascapes of the Hawaiian archipelago is by cruise ship. You’ll disembark to swim with giant manta rays, hike to the crater of the Hualālai volcano, and kayak in pristine waters inhabited by tropical fish and sea turtles.

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Suggested tours for Hawaii

These tours give you a starting point for what your holiday to Hawaii could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.

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Best time to visit

Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Hawaii, including information about climate, events and festivals.

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Useful information for planning your holiday in Hawaii

What languages are spoken in Hawaii?

Hawaiian and English are the official languages of Hawaii. You may also hear Hawaiian Creole English spoken, which is often called ‘Pidgin’ locally.

What's the currency of Hawaii?

The currency of Hawaii is the US dollar (US$). All major credit cards are widely accepted, and you’ll find ATMs in most towns.

What food and drink should I try in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, you should try traditional dishes such as poke (marinated fish), manapua (steamed pork buns), and Huli-Huli chicken (chicken marinated in a soy glaze). Hawaiian food is influenced by traditions from Polynesia, China, and Japan and you’ll find everything from fish tacos to poi (mashed taro), and kālua pua’a (slow roasted pork) to haupia (coconut cream with arrowroot) on local menus.

Fresh juices, pineapple iced tea, and lots of fruity cocktails are also on offer.

How much should I tip in Hawaii?

Tips of between 15-20% are expected for all bar and restaurant services and about the same percentage should be applied to taxi fares.

Where can I find the latest travel advice for Hawaii?

For the latest travel advice for Hawaii, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.

What can I experience in Hawaii?

Hawaii offers powder-soft beaches, big surf, lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and abundant marine life. While here, you could hike through forested gorges, go whale watching, or see hot lava pour into the sea. You could take a helicopter ride over a smouldering volcano, hike along coastal trails, snorkel with manta rays at night, or take on some of the biggest waves in the world. You can also take in the poignant history of Pearl Harbor, go stargazing at Mauna Kea’s observatory or visit smaller islands to learn about traditional culture in small villages.

Where can I stay in Hawaii?

Hawaii offers a great range of places to stay, from sleek beachfront resorts with a choice of pools, restaurants, and water sports to more intimate guesthouses with local character.

Many hotels offer cultural activities such as lei-making and ukulele playing, or traditional feasts with music and dance. For five-star comfort in a secluded location, you could stay in a cliff-top suite overlooking the ocean or a beachfront villa or cottage. For something more intimate, you could opt for a traditional Hawaiian guesthouse, a rainforest chalet, or a secluded B&B. For more ideas browse out selection of places to stay in Hawaii.

Where should I go in Hawaii?

Hawaii has six main islands, but most visitors go to Oʻahu, the island of Hawaiʻi, or Maui. Oʻahu is the most visited island, home to Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, as well as the surfing hotspot of Waikīkī Beach, volcanic tuff cones, botanical gardens, and Pearl Harbor.

On the island of Hawaii, you can laze on soft sand beaches or visit coffee plantations in the west and explore an active volcanic landscape with hissing craters and smoking fumaroles in the east.

For tropical rainforest, scenic drives, black-sand beaches, and pristine reefs, Maui offers adventure and relaxation in equal measure. On Kauaʻi, you could sail along the dramatic Nā Pali coastline, while Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi offer a glimpse of traditional Hawaiian life and Polynesian culture.

How can I travel responsibly in Hawaii?

Respecting local culture and customs, protecting the environment, and supporting local businesses are the best ways to travel responsibly in Hawaii. Hawaii’s magnificent landscapes are a major draw, but with high visitor numbers even small actions can have a negative impact.

When out hiking stick to the trails and follow the signs. This protects you from danger, respects ancestral lands, and ensures habitats around the trails are left undisturbed.

Dispose of your litter properly and consider actively helping by joining a beach clean-up, for example. Don’t feed wildlife and actively seek out insect repellent and sunscreen that won’t harm wildlife or marine life.

We can also help you choose stays and experiences that do good in the local community, from certified sustainable hiking tours to whale watching adventures that support vital research and education. You can speak to your specialist to find out more.

How long does it take to fly to Hawaii from the UK?

It takes around 18 hours minimum to fly from the UK to Hawaii.

What's the time zone in Hawaii?

The time zone in Hawaii is UTC-10 hours. Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

What's the best way of getting around in Hawaii?

The best way of getting around Hawaii is to combine car journeys with inter-island flights or boat trips. It’s easy to hire a car on the larger islands to drive between sights, but if you want to see more than one island you’ll need to fly or take an inter-island cruise.

Do I need a visa to visit Hawaii?

UK citizens visiting Hawaii can travel on the Visa Waiver Program but must complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application online. Visit the US Customs and Border Protection website at least 72 hours before travel and fill in the required information. In most cases, you’ll receive a response within seconds. If the application isn’t authorised, then you can request a visa through a USA embassy or consulate.

If you have a British Subject (not British Citizen) passport, you’ll need to apply for a USA visa in advance from the US embassy. Passengers who have visited Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Iraq, North Korea, or Iran since March 2011, Cuba since 2021, or hold dual nationality for Iran, Iraq, Sudan, North Korea, or Syria are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, even if they hold a current ESTA. In this case, you must apply to a USA embassy or consulate for a visa.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Hawaii?

Your doctor is best placed to give vaccine advice for Hawaii. You can also check the suggested vaccinations on the Travel Health Pro website and should ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country.

What do I need to check with my passport for travel to Hawaii?

To travel to Hawaii, you’ll need to have an ePassport that has at least two blank pages.

Are there any customs I should be aware of when visiting Hawaii?

In Hawaii, you should be aware of local customs such as aloha, which is a way of life rather than just a greeting. Aloha means welcoming people, being friendly, and treating people with respect. This can mean anything from greeting people with a smile and taking the time to talk to them to driving without aggression.

Hawaiian customs also respect the land and wildlife, so don’t take rocks off beaches, hike off-trail, or feed wildlife. Hawaiian lei (flower garlands) are considered a sign of love and respect, so don’t throw them away when they wilt. Instead, take them apart and put any natural elements back into nature and then dispose of any plastic elements properly.

How can I be respectful of culture when visiting Hawaii?

Hawaiian culture is all about respect for people, the land, and wildlife. Hawaiians like to ‘talk story’, to stop and have a conversation, so slow down and chat to people. Don’t speed on the roads or honk your horn while driving, and don’t refer to the continental US as the mainland. To Hawaiians, the Island of Hawaii is the mainland. Call places by the Hawaiian names, and if you’re invited to someone’s house, bring a small gift or some food and remove your shoes before entering.

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