Hawai’i is a post-card perfect group of islands located 2,500 miles off the west coast of mainland USA.
It’s a popular getaway for surfers, honeymooners, hikers, and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the slower pace of island life. The beauty of Hawai’i lies in the land (or Aina), people, and indigenous culture. As a visitor, it’s essential to understand Hawai’i’s complex and painful history and, as with all places, treat this place with an abundance of respect.
With several islands to choose from, Hawai’i has something for every traveler. From the surfing on O’ahu, to the wonders of Maui, to the beauty of Honolulu, to the hidden gems on Lana’i, Hawai’i is a boundless tropical escape. There are beautiful beaches, amazing jungles, stunning waterfalls, excellent diving, and world-class waves.
I love the relaxed atmosphere, the fresh tropical fruit and delicious seafood, and the endless supply of outdoor activities. Hawai’i is the paradise you think it will be. Owing to its Asian And Polynesian roots, Hawai’i offers an intriguing balance of feeling like you’re in a foreign land while also being in the United States. It’s a balance between the three that makes Hawai’i feel like a cultural waystation.
This travel guide to Hawai’i can help you plan an affordable and enjoyable trip — no matter what island you choose!
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Hawaii
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Hawai’i
1. Visit Pearl Harbor
2. Explore Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
3. Explore Honolulu
4. Stargaze at Mauna Kea
5. Go snorkeling or diving
Other Things to See and Do in Hawai’i
1. Explore the Waipi’o Valley
The lush wilderness of the Waipi’o Valley (Big Island) was once home to Hawai’ian kings. Today, it’s covered with taro fields. Waipi’o is named for the river that cuts between the valley walls, giving way to waterfalls until eventually flowing into the ocean at a black sand beach. There are many trails here, but the main hike down into the valley takes you to the black sand beach and back up again. It’s 6.5 miles (10km) and strenuous but worth it. You can also see the valley on an ATV tour, with tours starting at $169 USD per person.
2. Night dive with manta rays
On Big Island, take a sunset cruise along the Kona coast to the Manta Ray Village. Here, you can swim with giant manta rays — some of which measure 18 feet in length and weigh up to 1,600lbs! It’s one of the best spots in the world to swim with mantas. The manta rays feed off the phytoplankton and zooplankton, and they appear to glow underwater due to bioluminescence. Snorkel tours start at $115 USD while single-tank night dives start at $135 USD.
3. Go on a helicopter tour
For a birds-eye view of the islands in all their scenic beauty, take a helicopter tour. They aren’t cheap but they make for a fun once-in-a-lifetime experience to splash out on. Rides are usually an hour long and focus on a single island. Kaua’i, O’ahu, and Big Island all have incredible scenery to soak up. Helicopter tour prices start at $275 USD per person.
4. Attend a Kaanapali Sunset Luau
A luau is a traditional Hawaiian party or feast that is usually accompanied by entertainment. Until 1819, luaus were separated by gender; men and women would eat separately. At the Kaanapali Luau, there’s a traditional Hawaiian dance ceremony, a Samoan fire dance, and a traditional Hawaiian buffet — most of which is cooked in an underground oven. You’ll have a sunset backdrop on the beach throughout the whole thing too. Prices start at $125 USD.
5. Hike the Waimea Canyon and Napali Coast
If you want to see why they call Kaua’i “The Garden Isle,” hike one of the many trails along the west side of the island. The trails are well marked and offer spectacular views of the canyon and coast as well as interesting tropical plants. You can do longer, multi-day treks here as well. The Kalalau Trail is considered the most beautiful hike in Hawai’i, with 22 miles (35km) of trails across valleys, streams, and coastline. You’ll need to apply for a camping permit for a multi-day trip. Permits are $30 USD per site per night.
6. Check out the Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum on O’ahu is a Polynesian anthropological institute that showcases Hawai’i’s cultural art and artifacts. It’s the largest museum in Hawai’i and home to the world’s largest collection of Polynesian artifacts. The Hawaiian Hall is its main gallery, covering Hawaiian mythology (it has a stunning interior with beautiful wooden architecture). There’s also a science center for children. Built in 1889, the museum is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Admission is $24.95 USD.
7. Go river tubing
On Kaua’i, you can go backcountry river-tubing. You’ll drive through abandoned sugar cane plantations and then float down a series of canals in an old irrigation system from the 19th century. As you travel down the river, you pass through dark tunnels and lush rainforest landscapes. Tours start from $112 USD and last around 3 hours. Drinks and snacks are included.
8. Drive the scenic road to Hana
If you’re on Maui, driving the winding road to Hana is a must. It’s a twisty, hairpin-turn journey along the coast with lots of scenic viewpoints and waterfalls. Make sure you stop at the Oheo Gulch and spend time hiking the Pipiwai Trail to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. It’s just a four-mile (6.5km) trek and you get to see some massive banyan trees along the way. For another scenic drive, check out the Kahekili Highway. It’s less busy, has hairpin turns, and has plenty of sights to see too (such as the Nakalele Blowhole).
9. Tour a coffee plantation
Hawai’i is one of the few places in the USA where coffee is grown. For an in-depth coffee plantation tour, head to the Kuaiwi Farm in Kona on Big Island. You’ll learn all about the coffee process from beginning to end, as well as how a variety of other organic staples are grown, including cacao, pineapples, and bananas. Tours are $25 USD and include samples.
10. Learn to surf
Surfing is huge in Hawai’i. O’ahu North Shore is especially a popular place for surfers of all levels and major competitions are often held here. If you want to learn how to surf, sign up for some classes (or even a multi-day surf camp). North Shore O’ahu Surf School has some great instructors and their two-hour classes are $80 USD. You can find surfboard rentals around the islands for around $25 USD per day.
11. See the sunrise at Haleakala
Haleakala is a 3,055m (10,023ft) dormant volcano on Maui offering one of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll ever see. It’s really, really cold at the top (bring gloves and a hat) and the drive up is precarious but the views over Maui at the top are worth it. You can also do the challenging 12-mile (19km) volcano hike across flower farms, pine forests, and pebbly volcanic landscapes. It’s super easy to do on your own, however, tours are also available (they last 6 hours and start at $170 USD). If you’re traveling from the mainland, do this on one of your first days as your jetlag will work in your favor so you can wake up early with ease.
12. Hike Diamond Head
Diamond Head is O’ahu most famous landmark. Located on the eastern end of Waikiki, this dormant volcano and its extinct crater have a scenic lookout point at the top. Getting here is a popular hike. Super popular, in fact, so you’ll want to start the hike as early in the morning as possible before the busloads of tourists show up. It’s just $5 USD to visit and parking is $10 USD per vehicle.
13. Hike the Ka’iwa Ridge
Better known as the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, this moderate, 1.8-mile hike takes you to the ridge overlooking the crystal blue waters of Lanikai and Kailua beaches. There’s no shade so it’s best to do this hike in the early morning or late afternoon. While Diamond Head may be more convenient if you’re staying in Waikiki, the drive out to this hike is well worth it.
14. Hit the beach
It’s hard to find a bad beach to hang out on in Hawai’i. Most of them have powder-white sands, swaying palm trees, and epic sunsets. Check out Papakolea Beach/Green Sand Beach (Big Island), Kailua Beach (O’ahu), Ala Moana Beach Park (O’ahu), Makena Beach (Maui), Hanalei Beach (Kaua’i), Polihua Beach (Lana’i), and Kaanapali Beach (Maui), to name a few. There’s so much stunning coastline in Hawai’i and you can often just pull your car over and relax on any random beach without it getting too overcrowded.
15. See Hilo
Hilo is the busiest town on Big Island and its historic downtown area is chock full of galleries, museums, shops, and restaurants. One of its must-see highlights is the Farmer’s Market, which is open seven days a week but holds “big markets” every Wednesday and Saturday. You’ll find everything from fresh fruit to smoothies to handmade jewelry here, and there are often musicians and street performers too. Be sure to walk around the Liliuokalani Gardens and enjoy its Japanese rock gardens and pagodas. Also, don’t miss Two Ladies Kitchen, which has some of the best and freshest mochi (Japanese rice cake) you’ll find outside of Japan.
16. Explore Lana’i
Known as Pineapple Island, Lana’i is the 6th smallest island in Hawai’i. It’s also the smallest publicly-accessible inhabited island too (just over 3,000 people live here). The island is a 45-minute ferry from Maui and is home to beautiful beaches, scenic nature trails (Munro and Naha are two popular trails), and a couple of golf courses. It’s a relaxing place to get away for a day or two if you want to avoid the crowds. Consider renting a 4×4 jeep or hiking the Kealia Kapu-Kaunolu Village Heritage Trail. If you’re visiting on a day trip, take the first ferry in and the last one out to maximize your time.
17. Visit Moloka’i
This is the 5th smallest island and arguably the “most” Hawai’ian as it’s home to the highest number of native Hawai’ians per capita. With only 8,000 people here, it has a very rural feel and is very different from the tourist hubs of the larger islands. Located just north of Maui, it’s a good place to visit if you want to get a feel for the quiet life in Hawai’i. Don’t miss Kepuhi Beach, a popular spot to swim and surf.
For more information on other destinations in the United States, check out these guides:
Hawai’i Travel Costs
Hostel and camping prices – A bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs $50-70 USD per night. For a room with 8 beds or more, expect to pay around $30-45 USD. Private rooms with a shared bathroom cost $80-100 USD per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast.
Hawai’i also has lots of campgrounds. To stay at any of Hawai’i’s state parks (camping.ehawaii.gov), apply for a permit ($30 USD per night for non-residents) at least a month in advance. Otherwise, you might not get a spot.
You can also find private campgrounds for as little as $10 USD per person. Some people recommend wild camping on beaches for free, but this isn’t actually allowed in most places due to the delicate environment. Plus, it’s too easy to wander onto sacred grounds, which is a big no-no.
Budget hotel prices – Hotel prices vary depending on where you are. Expect higher prices in the more touristy areas of Hawai’i, especially along Waikiki Beach and around Maui. Nightly rates for a budget two-star hotel room start at about $200-300 USD in peak season for places in Waikiki and Maui, while they cost $150-175 USD if you stick to the less touristy areas.
There are lots of Airbnb options around Hawai’i. Private rooms start at $75 USD per night but average closer to $150 USD while an entire home or apartment costs $120 USD per night (though they average over $250 USD).
Note: There are strict laws around short-term rentals in Hawai’i and each island has its own rules. Be mindful of this when booking.
Food – Hawai’ian food is a mix of Polynesian and mainland US influences, with other Asian influences (especially Japanese) thrown into the mix as well. Seafood is the main staple, with tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo being some of the most popular offerings. Pork and chicken are common as well (especially Kalua pig, which is slow-roasted pork cooked underground).
Poke (diced or cubed raw fish) is one of the most popular dishes as it mixes well with all kinds of fresh salads. Of course, you can also find numerous Spam dishes here as well. Spam was served to soldiers in World War II, owing to its long shelf life and the fact it didn’t need to be refrigerated. It evolved into a cultural staple from there.
For food on the go, hot dogs cost around $4 USD. A meal of poke or a hearty salad from a deli costs about $11 USD while a half-chicken is $10 USD. A classic Spam musubi starts at $3 USD. Drop by a 7-11 for a similar experience to a Japanese konbini with Hawai’ian delicacies.
You can find plates of chicken, rice, and salad (what locals call a “plate lunch”) for $10-15 USD. A big plate of garlic shrimp costs $12 USD. Vegetarian cost about that much too. Buffets on the islands start at $25 USD.
Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs $9.50 USD for a combo meal. A piña colada or wine costs $10-15 USD while beer costs $7-10 USD. For a latte or cappuccino, expect to pay around $5.50 USD. Bottled water costs $2 USD.
For high-end dining, a whole prix-fixe menu with three courses costs at least $50 USD. Otherwise, a main course starts at $30 USD for seafood or steak, while pasta or vegetarian is only slightly cheaper. Soup and salad starters start from about $12 USD.
If you have a bigger budget, a luau costs between $50-150 USD.
If you cook your own food, expect to pay $75-80 USD per week for groceries that include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic staples. You can save money if you shop at discount stores such as Cost-U-Less (Big Island and Kaua’i), Don Quijote (O’ahu), and Big Save (Kaua’i), which offer reasonable prices for food and alcohol.
Backpacking Hawai’i Suggested Budgets
If you’re backpacking Hawai’i, plan on spending around $85 USD per day. On this budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm or camp, cook most of your meals, do free activities like hiking and walking tours, limit your drinking, and take public transportation to get around.
On a mid-range budget of $190 USD per day, you can stay in private hostel room or Airbnb, eat all your meals out at inexpensive restaurants serving traditional cuisine, do some surfing or diving, have a few drinks at the bar, and take the occasional taxi.
On a “luxury” budget of $485 USD per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, take private guided tours, snorkel or dive as much as you want, rent a car to get around, and do as many activities and excursions as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!
You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.
Hawai’i Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Hawai’i is expensive. It’s a tourism hotspot, most of its food is imported, and there’s a LOT to see and do. But if you want to lower your costs, here are some ways to save money in Hawai’i:
- Stay at Maui’s Banana Bungalow for free tours – The Banana Bungalow on Maui runs daily free tours, covering most of the island’s highlights. Cut costs by staying here.
- Travel off-season – Traveling during low seasons (mid-April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-December) can save you money on lodging.
- Buy local – Due to high import costs, many products and groceries can be expensive. Instead, take advantage of the plethora of local produce and goods. A great way to find them is at farmers’ markets all across the islands. Not only do they sell fresh produce to cook at your hostel, but many local food purveyors also set up shop so you can stock up on pre-made meals. Check these websites for different market options.
- Visit the discount groceries – Discount stores such as Cost-U-Less (Big Island and Kaua’i), Don Quijote (O’ahu) and Big Save (Kaua’i) offer inexpensive food and alcohol. Note that locally-grown produce is significantly cheaper than imported stuff, so stock up on local food as much as possible.
- Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. Many of the nice resorts here are owned by big hotel chains where you can stay for free with points.
- Couchsurf – If you’re on a tight budget, stay with a local via Couchsurfing. You’ll not only get free accommodation but you’ll get access to an insider who can share their tips and advice with you.
- Rent a bike – If you’re on O’ahu, download the Biki app to access the island’s bike-sharing platform. Single rides start at $4 USD while a 300-minute pass is $25 USD.
- Be smart with your car rental – If you want to rent a car just for a few hours, the Hui Car Share app has vehicles available in many tourist hot spots for an hourly rate. It may be cheaper than a full-day rental depending on your needs.
- Skip the taxis – Uber and Lyft are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared/pool option (where you share a ride with other people) offers even better savings. You can save money off your first rides with the following codes: Lyft (MATTHEW999 to save $10 USD) and Uber (jlx6v to save $15 USD).
- Get a Go Oahu pass – This discount pass offers discounts to 40+ O’ahu attractions. Passes are available from 1-7 days, starting at $82 USD.
- Take a free walking tour – I love free walking tours. They’re a great way to get oriented and see the major sights without breaking the bank. Try the tour of Honolulu with Hawaii Free Tours. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
- Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so skip the bottled water. You’ll save money and reduce your environmental footprint. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter that ensures your water is always clean.
Where to Stay in Hawai’i
Hawai’i has lots of hostels. Here are my recommended places to stay in Hawai’i:
- The Beach Boutique Hostel (O’ahu)
- Banana Bungalow (Maui)
- Aloha Surf Hostel (Maui)
- My Hawaiian Hostel (Big Island)
- Pineapple Park (Big Island)
- Hilo Bay Hostel (Big Island)
How to Get Around Hawai’i
How you get around Hawai’i depends on which islands you’re visiting. Some islands (like Maui and O’ahu) have better infrastructure for getting around compared to places like Kaua’i.
Bus – Buses are the only public transportation option in Hawai’i (though Lana’i and Moloka’i do not have buses). O’ahu has the most extensive transit system, with decent coverage and frequent buses. It’s simply called The Bus, and a one-way fare from Honolulu to Waikiki is $2.75. Prices go up from there based on how far you travel.
You can also get a day pass for $5.50 USD — ask the bus driver when you board. The bus company’s official website is terrible for trip planning so you’re better off using Google Maps.
Maui Bus, Kauai Bus, and Hele-On Bus (Big Island) also operate island-wide, with prices starting at $2 USD and daily passes costing $4-5 USD. Again, none of these websites are very user-friendly so use Google Maps to plot your route.
Air – Flying is the main (and often only) way to travel between the islands. Flights are generally cheap, quick, and super casual (most of the time, you don’t even get assigned seats). Hawai’i’s domestic airlines are Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines. Southwest also has some flights between islands as well.
Flights are generally affordable. For example, one-way flights from Maui to Honolulu cost around $110 USD while Kaui to Maui is $120 USD. Honolulu to Hilo (Big Island) is $115 USD.
Car Rental – While not usually the cheapest option, having a car in Hawai’i is the best way to get around. Prices start from about $35 USD per day (if you rent for a week or more). For shorter rentals, expect to pay $50 USD or more per day.
Ferry – You can only take a ferry between Maui and Lana’i. Everywhere else, you’ll need to fly. The ferry is about $30 USD each way. You can reserve a ticket on go-lanai.com.
Taxis – Taxis are expensive. Everything is meter-based and starts around $3.50 USD and then costs an additional $3.50 USD per mile. Skip the taxis if you can!
Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. They’re available on most of the islands.
Hitchhiking – This is one of the easiest places to hitchhike in the US. For tips and info, check out Hitchwiki. It’s the best hitchhiking resource.
When to Go to Hawai’i
Peak season in Hawai’i starts in the middle of December and lasts until the end of March/mid-April, as that is when mainland Americans are trying to escape the colder winter months. The average daily temperature during this time is 78°F (26°C).
Traveling during low seasons (mid-April to mid-June/mid-September to mid-December) offers nice weather and fewer crowds (and slightly cheaper prices). The average daytime summer temperature is 85°F (29°C).
It’s always hot and sunny here so there’s never really a bad time to visit!
How to Stay Safe in Hawai’i
Hawai’i is a safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare and tend to be confined to certain areas of Honolulu (especially where drug and gang violence are a problem). As a general rule, however, avoid walking alone late at night.
You may encounter petty crime, like theft, so keep your valuables secure. The islands are notorious for car break-ins so make sure yours is always locked. Never leave any valuables in your vehicle.
Heed any warnings or alerts about severe weather or volcanic eruptions (although they’re rare). Always check the weather before you go hiking.
If you’re not a strong swimmer, stay out of the ocean. NEVER swim alone — the rip tides here are strong.
Above all: respect the land. Much of Hawai’i is considered sacred. You will show enormous disrespect if you trespass onto any sacred, private property, or litter anywhere on the islands. Do NOT do it.
Bring a refillable water bottle and skip single-use plastics like straws and cutlery. Plastic bags are banned so be sure to bring a reusable tote for groceries or shopping.
Lastly, the Hawaiian sun can be very intense so respect it and your skin by making sure you wear ample sunscreen. All sunscreen must be reef safe to protect the habitat. This local brand works well and is safe for kids too.
If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.
Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones, so they’ll know where you are.
If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it when you’re in Hawai’i. Follow that rule, and you’ll be fine.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
Hawai’i Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
Below are my favorite companies to use when I travel around Hawai’i. They are included here because they consistently turn up the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and, overall, are better than their competitors.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Momondo – This is my other favorite flight search engine because they search such a wide variety of sites and airlines. I never book a flight without checking here too.
- Airbnb – Airbnb is a great accommodation alternative for connecting with homeowners who rent out their homes or apartments. The big cities have tons of listings!
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have a no money down policy, great interface, and the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- EatWith – This website allows you to eat home cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
- World Nomads – I buy all my travel insurance from World Nomads. They have great customer service, competitive prices, and in-depth coverage. I’ve been using them since I started traveling in 2003. Don’t leave home without it!
Hawaii Gear and Packing Guide
If you’re heading on the road and need some gear suggestions, here are my tips for the best travel backpack and for what to pack!
The Best Backpack for Travelers
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt
If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.
What to Pack for Your Trip
Clothes
- 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 bathing suit
- 5 T-shirts (Unbound Merino is my preferred company. If you’re a member of NM+, you can get 15% off your purchase)
- 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
- 1 pair of flip-flops
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
- 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 tube of toothpaste
- 1 razor
- 1 package of dental floss
- 1 small bottle of shampoo
- 1 small bottle of shower gel
- 1 towel
- Deodorant
Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)
- Band-Aids
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibacterial cream
- Earplugs
- Tylenol
- Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)
Miscellaneous
- A key or combination lock (safety first)
- Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
- Plastic bags (great for laundry)
- Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
- LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)
Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:
Clothing
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 sarong
- 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
- 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
- 2-3 long-sleeve tops
- 2-3 T-shirts
- 3-4 spaghetti tops
- 1 light cardigan
Toiletries
- 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
- 1 hairbrush
- Makeup you use
- Hair bands & hair clips
- Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)
For more on packing, check out these posts:
Hawai’i Travel Guide: Suggested Reading
Detours: A Decolonial Guide to Hawaii, by Hokulani K. Aikau & Vernadette Vicuna?? Gonzalez
When most people picture Hawai’i they think of beaches, lush jungles, hula girls, and surfing. While those are all certainly elements of modern-day Hawai’i, there is a complex history here that is often overlooked. This book unpacks the many struggles Hawaii’i faces, from climate change and overtourism to colonialism and an ever-increasing cost of living. It’s a nuanced, eye-opening account of life in paradise beyond the tourism commercials.
Sharks in the Time of Saviors, Kawai Strong Washburn
This award-winning debut novel was one of President Obama’s Favorite Books of 2020. Sharks in the Time of Saviors weaves the legends of Hawai’i’s legendary gods into an epic family saga. It’s story of exile, survival, and the pursuit of salvation, full of breathy prose and a wellspring of passion. It’s an engrossing read!
This is Paradise: Stories, by Kristiana Kahakauwila
This gritty collection of short stories highlights the best and worst of modern-day Hawai’i. These short stories illuminate the various tensions between locals and the tourists that feed their economy, as well as the balancing act between tradition and progress. It’s a series of detailed portraits of life on the islands, bursting with sharp observation and insight.
The Bowl of Light: Ancestral Wisdom from a Hawaiian Shaman, by Hank Wesselman
In 1996, a revered Hawaiian elder befriended an American anthropologist. As their friendship evolved, the shaman began passing on the wisdom he had collected over the course of his life — along with the stories and traditions of his culture. Bowl of Light shares those teachings, providing a banquet of food for thought as well as insight into the spiritual heritage of the Hawai’ian people. It’s educational, insightful, and uplifting.
The Not-Quite States of America, by Doug Mack
The United States of America is more than just 50 states. There’s also the non-states of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. In this funny, detailed, fact-rich book, Doug Mack explores these territories largely forgotten by the rest of the country, which play a more important role in our country than we realize. I had the pleasure of listening to Doug talk about his book in NYC, and he’s a wealth of knowledge — just like his book! This one of those travel books that expands your mind about the place you don’t really know.
Hawai’i Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:
The Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles: Where to Stay During Your Visit
New York Itinerary: What to Do and See in 5 Days in NYC
The Great American Road Trip: A 4-Month Itinerary Around the USA
Salt Lake City Is Cooler Than You Think
Road-Tripping New England: My Suggested Itinerary
Highlights from My 5th U.S. Road Trip
