[takeaways] • Hawaii's five must-visit islands are Oahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Big Island, and Molokaʻi, each offering a distinctly different experience.
• Big Island is the largest island in the entire United States, home to at least 11 of the planet's climate zones.
• Molokaʻi, the "Friendly Isle," is home to the tallest sea cliffs in the world and has deliberately avoided mass development.
• The dry season runs May to October, with the wet season from November to April — September and October offer the smallest crowds and mildest weather.
• Hawaii is the most expensive US state to live in, so booking outside peak season and budgeting ahead can make a real difference.
• A SIMOVO eSIM for the USA saves you money on roaming and means no relying on spotty WiFi or hunting for local SIMs. [/takeaways]
Hawaii is an island paradise that, for many people, is the perfect getaway spot. Fantastic sunshine, iconic culture, and amazing beach scenes — few vacation destinations can really hold a candle. However, if you've never been to the islands before, you might just be wondering what all the fuss is about.
There's a reason why Hawaii is considered a premium getaway destination by so many people — and why it's at the top of so many travel bucket lists. In this guide, we take you through the best things to do in Hawaii, where to go, and what you'll want to prioritize when you get here. Just don't forget to grab your SIMOVO eSIM for the USA before you set off!
Hawaii overview for first-time visitors
For many people, Hawaii is a corner of paradise that they've only ever seen online or on TV! It's an immensely dramatic landscape thanks to its otherworldly volcanoes, stunning beaches, and gorgeous forests. However, plenty of vacationers head here for the culture and the cuisine, too.
It's considered sacred land to local people, and its bright, blue waters will likely have you feeling the same way. For surfers and snorkelers, too, Hawaii is one of the best destinations on the continent for catching massive waves and spotting colorful marine life (respectively!).
For those who prefer to stick to walking the mainland, you can watch active volcanoes from afar, walk around the emerald cliffs, or just hop in a car and drive around the spectacular coastal roads.
And then, there's the tropical cuisine and the authentic community spirit across the islands — it's one of the most welcoming of the US states to vacationers, and provided you are respectful in return, you'll always be made to feel at home. Hawaiian food must be tasted to be believed, too — you really haven't tried the best Lau Lau or Lomi Lomi Salmon unless it's prepared by a native chef in Hawaii itself.
Hawaii is a vacation spot with more than just sunny days and sandy walks, of course, so let's dig deep into a few of the bigger reasons why you should book flights and hotel rooms here ASAP.
Best things to do in Hawaii
If you're completely new to Hawaii, we recommend checking out Oahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Big Island, and Molokaʻi as priorities. Make sure your phone is fully charged and be prepared to take plenty of photos and videos for people back home, too.
[numbered title="Oahu" pill="Capital and iconic beaches"]Oahu is regarded by many as the must-see island across the whole of Hawaii — and whether you're looking to swim with dolphins, trail volcanic craters, or walk fascinating forest stretches like the Mokulēʻia Trail, there's always something to appeal to you here. It's home to Honolulu, the capital city of Hawaii, the world-famous Waikiki Beach, and the classic laid-back beach town atmosphere along the North Shore. If you're interested in history, too, it's well worth looking into the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.[/numbered] [numbered title="Maui" pill="Whales and windsurfing"]From whale migrations to breezy windsurfing, as Erica Gellerman states, there's tons to Maui that you'll be missing out on if you spend all of your vacation time in Oahu (though, who could possibly blame you, all the same?). If you're a keen snorkeler, dive down deep into the Molokini Crater, which is actually a conservation and sanctuary area — it's perfect for getting up close and personal with some gorgeous wildlife.[/numbered] [numbered title="Kauaʻi" pill="Dramatic and cinematic"]Kauaʻi is, as Compass Roam's guide explains, a little more of a secret escape compared to Maui and Oahu, which does give it something of an unexplored feel — relatively speaking, because it has certainly started becoming more popular over the past decade. From green coastal mountains to the Pacific Grand Canyon, it's certainly one of the more dramatic locations to explore across Hawaii, and it has a genuinely cinematic feel, as if you're traversing through an adventure movie or two released in the 1990s.[/numbered] [numbered title="Big Island" pill="America's largest island"]As the name suggests, Big Island is Hawaii's main event as far as size and scope is concerned, and it's also the biggest island in the whole of the US. It's here where you'll be able to watch Hawaii's most impressive active volcanoes (from a safe distance!), wander through to take photos of the Rainbow Falls, and explore historic villages offering that classic Hawaiian welcome. Do be warned, however, that Big Island is home to at least 11 climate zones — you'll never know what to expect weather-wise![/numbered] [numbered title="Molokaʻi" pill="The Friendly Isle"]Molokaʻi is only last in our list of things to see and do in Hawaii purely by chance, as it's likely to be a great adventure for people looking for less of a tourist destination when they vacation on the islands. It's famous for its distinct lack of skyscrapers and flashy lights, and for being home to the tallest sea cliffs in the world. It's known as the "Friendly Isle", but you're unlikely to see many tourists here — mainly because the island's community of several thousand people has protected it against mass development.[/numbered] [esim flag="🇺🇸" label="United States" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$11.90" href="/products/united-states" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Save on roaming — no spotty WiFi or hunting for local SIMs[/esim]
Best time to visit Hawaii
There's no real best time to visit Hawaii, but keep in mind that the region observes dry and wet seasons. The former runs from May to October, and the latter from November to April. If you're really looking for the smallest crowds and the mildest weather, we highly recommend booking flights and accommodations around September and October.
It's also around this time of year that the costs of visiting Hawaii will be greatly reduced. Consider that Hawaii is the most expensive state to live in, and you'll soon realize why budgeting ahead makes perfect sense.
Speaking of budgeting, make sure to download a SIMOVO eSIM for the USA to your phone before you travel to Hawaii! Doing so will save you serious money on mobile roaming charges applied by your home network. It also means you won't have to rely on spotty WiFi or hunt around for local SIMs to keep you connected.
Hawaii travel tips
If you're set on exploring the best that Hawaii has to offer, here are a few final tips to keep in mind so your next adventure goes as smoothly as possible.
[tip title="Budget ahead using our Hawaii cost guide"]As mentioned, Hawaii costs are no joke, but that doesn't mean you can't make a trip work to your budget. Check out our guide to how much it costs to go to Hawaii so you can plan ahead.[/tip] [tip title="Save room in your budget for authentic souvenirs"]One of the best reasons to visit Hawaii, period, is to invest in some fantastic authentic souvenirs you can take home to friends and family. Save some money so you can take koa wood, coffee, and shell jewelry home as souvenirs from Hawaii.[/tip] [warning]Be respectful of local wildlife — you should especially be careful of animals such as monk seals and sea turtles. In some cases, it's illegal to approach wild animals in Hawaii.[/warning] [warning]The waters across Hawaii's most stunning beaches are very inviting, but you never know when the weather will force a heavy wave or two. Plan ahead by checking the forecasts and asking lifeguards on duty what you can expect for the day before taking a dip.[/warning] [faq] [q]What are the best things to do in Hawaii?[/q] [a]Hawaii's five must-visit islands are Oahu (home to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach), Maui (whale watching and the Molokini Crater), Kauaʻi (the Pacific Grand Canyon and dramatic scenery), Big Island (America's largest island, with active volcanoes and at least 11 climate zones), and Molokaʻi (the "Friendly Isle," home to the tallest sea cliffs in the world).[/a] [q]Which is the biggest island in Hawaii?[/q] [a]Big Island (Hawaiʻi Island) is both the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and the largest island in the entire United States, at just over 4,000 square miles. Its size and volcanic terrain give it an unusually wide range of climate zones.[/a] [q]When is the best time to visit Hawaii?[/q] [a]Hawaii has a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April. September and October offer the smallest crowds, mildest weather, and generally lower prices for flights and accommodation.[/a] [q]Is Hawaii expensive to visit?[/q] [a]Yes — Hawaii is the most expensive US state to live in, which also affects travel costs. Booking flights and accommodation during the shoulder season (September and October) and planning your budget in advance can help make a trip more affordable.[/a] [q]What wildlife rules should I know about in Hawaii?[/q] [a]Always be respectful of local wildlife, particularly monk seals and sea turtles. In some cases, it's illegal to approach wild animals in Hawaii, so keep a safe and legal distance and never attempt to touch or feed them.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for visiting Hawaii?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO eSIM for the USA is a convenient way to stay connected throughout your Hawaii trip — it saves money on roaming charges and means no relying on spotty WiFi or hunting for a local SIM card on arrival.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇺🇸" label="United States" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$11.90" href="/products/united-states" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Get connected before you land in Hawaii[/esim]
