Hawaii

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Pacific Islander surfers carry their boards to the water.

© Adam Hester/Getty Images

Overview

It's easy to see why Hawaii has become synonymous with paradise. Just look at these sugary beaches, Technicolor coral reefs and volcanoes beckoning adventurous spirits.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Smoke plumes from the Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.

    Kilauea

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    Kilauea volcano lies at the center of activity in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The unassuming bump on Mauna Loa's southeast flank would be easily…

  • Shangri La

    Shangri La

    Oʻahu

    In the shadow of Diamond Head, the former mansion of billionaire tobacco heiress Doris Duke is a sight to behold for art-lovers and celebrity hounds…

  • Outrigger canoe near the beach of Hanalei Bay just after sunrise.

    Hanalei Bay

    Hanalei

    Hanalei Bay is Kauaʻi's postcard-perfect beach, embracing surfers, paddlers, bodyboarders and beach bums alike. It's a perfect crescent of golden sand…

  • The Stones of Life - four stones on Waikiki Beach that were placed there as tribute to four legendary mahu.

    Stones of Life of Kapaemahu and Kapuni

    Waikiki

    Near the police substation at Waikiki Beach Center, four ordinary-looking volcanic basalt boulders are actually sacred and legendary Hawaiian symbols…

  • There is a fisherman about to cast his line in the water over a tall cliff. Spitting Caves Hawaii is a hidden gem of East Oahu.

    Spitting Cave

    Oʻahu

    This impressive, little-known viewpoint is at the end of Lumahai St in Portlock, makai (toward the sea) from the traffic lights at the Koko Marina Center…

  • Interior of Bishop Museum, main gallery with sperm whale hanging from ceiling.

    Bishop Museum

    Honolulu

    Hawaii’s version of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC, the Bishop Museum showcases a remarkable array of cultural and natural history exhibits…

  • iolani palace honolulu hawaii usa

    ʻIolani Palace

    Honolulu

    No other place evokes a more poignant sense of Hawaii’s history. The palace was built under King David Kalakaua in 1882. At that time, the Hawaiian…

  • 26462-334 Hana, Hawaii, Maui, North America, United States Kahanu Gardens, Hana, East Maui.

    Piʻilanihale Heiau & Kahanu Garden

    The Road to Hana

    Probably the most significant stop on the entire Road to Hana, this site combines a 294-acre ethnobotanical garden with the magnificent Piʻilanihale Heiau…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Time to Visit

Deciding when to go to Hawaii has less to do with weather – year-round sunshine and balmy temps are the norm – and is more about crowds and costs.

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Things to Know

With top tips on planning, etiquette and health and safety, these are the key things to know before any vacation in Hawaii.

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Money and Costs

Track your costs – and keep them down – with our list of creative ideas for a famously expensive place.

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Articles

Latest stories from Hawaii

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Chain of Craters Road is a scenic drive located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. The road winds its way through the park, offering stunning views of volcanic craters, lava fields, and the surrounding landscape. The road takes visitors on a journey through the park's history, showcasing the raw power of nature and the forces that shaped the islands over millions of years. Along the way, visitors can stop at several lookout points and hiking trails to explore the park's unique geology and learn about the ongoing volcanic activity in the area. The road also provides access to the coastline, where visitors can see the dramatic effects of lava flows meeting the ocean. 1472230138

Destination Practicalities

First-time guide to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Apr 16, 2025 • 10 min read

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Hawaii and beyond

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