A Complete Guide to Visiting Hawaii for the First Time
Your first time to Hawaii is magical. But which is the best island to visit and how long should you go for? Our guide can help. We offer crazy useful tips for Hawaii first-timers.
Hawaii
Hawaii is a favorite tropical vacation spot for us, and we’ve visited the Hawaiian islands many times.
Don’t think just beaches though – there’s lots more to Hawaii than kicking back with a cocktail on a beautiful beach!
Quick Hawaii travel information:
Islands: 8 main islands, but there are 137 Hawaiian islands in total
Biggest island: Island of Hawaii
Capital: Honolulu on the island of Oahu
Languages: English and Hawaiian
Currency: United States dollar (USD)
What to buy: Check out the best souvenirs from Hawaii
Hawaii trip planning: Find crazy-useful flight, hotel booking and other tips in our Resources guide
5 Fun facts about Hawaii:
1) Surfing was invented by the Polynesians in Hawaii
2) Hawaii is the only place in the USA that grows coffee beans
3) Billboards are illegal in Hawaii
4) You can mail a coconut from Hawaii
5) The highest sea cliffs in the world are on the island of Molokai
Read about these Hawaiian islands:
See all our Hawaii posts:
Hawaii Bucket List! 75 Epic Things to Do in the Aloha State
Wondering what to do in Hawaii? Check out these fabulous attractions and activities – from snorkeling with sea turtles in Maui to visiting the serene Byodo-In Temple in Oahu.
Snorkeling Molokini + Turtle Town: Best (Most Deluxe) Tour
On Maui, is snorkeling Molokini worth it? Yes! Turtle Town is typically included, so you see giant Hawaiian green sea turtles too. The most deluxe tour is Alii Nui – lots of free bubbly!
Where to Stay on Maui: Best Areas Plus 26 Great Hotels + Condos
Wailea in South Maui has posh condos and hotels. Ka’anapali boasts a fantastic beach and buzz. Paia has a cool surfer vibe. And sun-kissed Kihei is easy on the wallet. So where to stay in Maui really depends on your interests and budget.
5 Beautiful Botanical Gardens in Kauai, Hawaii, You Must See!
Hawai’s lush “garden isle” is a natural spot for several beautiful botanical gardens. Each is unique, from the whimsical Allerton and McBryde Gardens to the life-size bronze sculptures at Na Aina Kai and Limahuli’s lava rock terraces.
Planning a Trip to Hawaii (2022): The Ultimate Guide!
Here’s what you need to know when planning a trip to Hawaii. Check Hawaii’s travel rules. Rent a car early! Avoid Golden Week. Save on flights with companion fares. Find more Hawaii travel tips in this essential guide.
82 Super Cool + Fun Facts About Hawaii!
You can mail a coconut from Molokai. Gambling is illegal. And there’s a forbidden island! These are just some of the intriguing Hawaii facts you’ll want to know before your trip.
Maui Packing List: 35 Essential Items to Pack for Hawaii
Planning a trip to Maui? See here for our extensive Maui packing list, with all the Hawaii essentials you’ll need on your trip.