Honolulu
8 hostels · dorms from $29
The capital, with Waikiki Beach and most of Hawaii's hostels.
Points of interest
- Waikiki
- Diamond Head
- Pearl Harbor
- Hanauma Bay
- Chinatown
State guide
Things to do in Hawaii
Volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific: surf and sunsets on Oahu, sunrise above the clouds on Maui, active volcanoes on the Big Island and the cliffs and canyons of Kauai.
20
Hostels across its 5 main cities
8.8
Average, from 31,209 reviews
7+
Days, one or two islands
The Aloha State
Hawaii is a chain of volcanic islands around 3,800 km from mainland USA, the only state outside North America. It has its own culture, language and history, as a Polynesian kingdom until 1893, and an easy-going spirit of aloha. Each of the main islands has a different character.
Oahu has Honolulu, the state capital, with Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head, and the North Shore, where giant waves arrive in winter. Maui has the road to Hana, the summit of Haleakalā and great snorkelling. The Big Island, officially Hawaii Island, has Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where Kīlauea has been erupting in episodes since December 2024, as well as snowy Mauna Kea. Kauai, the Garden Isle, has the Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
Give Hawaii at least a week, and focus on one or two islands: inter-island flights are short, but each island deserves time. It is warm all year, with winter bringing big surf on north shores and humpback whales offshore.
Where to base yourself
Honolulu on Oahu for most travellers, then Maui or the Big Island.
Haleiwa
1 hostel · dorms from $42
A surf town on Oahu's North Shore.
Points of interest
- North Shore surf
- Waimea Bay
- Shrimp trucks
Maui
4 hostels · dorms from $40
Beach towns and a volcano summit.
Points of interest
- Haleakalā
- Road to Hana
- Molokini
Kailua-Kona
4 hostels · dorms from $40
The sunny west side of the Big Island.
Points of interest
- Manta ray night snorkel
- Kona coffee farms
- Beaches
Hilo
3 hostels · dorms from $26
The rainy, green east side of the Big Island, near the volcano.
Points of interest
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Rainbow Falls
- Farmers' market
The islands of Hawaii
Pick one or two islands. Oahu is the busiest and cheapest; the others are quieter and wilder.
Oahu
Honolulu, surf, historyThe busiest island, with Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor and the North Shore.
Maui
Haleakalā, Road to HanaBeaches, a volcano summit and the winding Road to Hana.
Hawaii Island (the Big Island)
Volcanoes, stargazingActive volcanoes, Mauna Kea and manta rays off Kona.
Kauai
Cliffs, canyons, hikingThe Garden Isle, with the Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
Things to do
Things to do in Hawaii
On Oahu, swim and surf at Waikiki, hike Diamond Head (non-residents need a reservation), visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, snorkel at Hanauma Bay (reservations required) and watch big-wave surfers on the North Shore in winter.
On Maui, watch the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā (a sunrise reservation is needed), drive the winding Road to Hana past waterfalls, and snorkel at Molokini Crater. Lahaina was devastated by wildfire in August 2023; visitors are asked to be respectful as the town rebuilds.
On the Big Island, visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where Kīlauea's eruptions can sometimes be seen from viewpoints, stargaze from Mauna Kea, swim with manta rays at night off Kona and see green sea turtles on the black sand at Punaluʻu. On Kauai, hike or take a boat along the Nā Pali Coast and visit Waimea Canyon.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
All beaches in Hawaii are public and free, including those in front of resorts. Watching surfers on the North Shore and sunset from any west-facing beach costs nothing.
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial's visitor centre and grounds are free, and tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial programme are free apart from a small booking fee.
Many state parks, Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay charge non-residents entry and parking.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Hawaiian food mixes Polynesian, Asian and American influences. Try poke, raw fish salad, from supermarkets and poke shops, a plate lunch of meat, rice and macaroni salad, loco moco, spam musubi and shave ice. Kalua pork cooked in an underground oven is served at a lūʻau.
Food is expensive because most of it is shipped in, but poke counters, food trucks and plate lunch places are good value. Kona coffee from the Big Island is famous.
Tipping is 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
Nightlife
Going out
Honolulu has the most nightlife, with bars in Waikiki and Chinatown, live Hawaiian music and clubs at weekends. Sunset drinks by the beach are the main event everywhere.
On the other islands, nights are quieter, with bars in Kona, Paia and Kihei on Maui, and on Kauai's north shore.
Drinks are expensive.
Getting around
Getting around
Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye airport is the main gateway, with direct flights from the US mainland and Asia. Inter-island flights are short, and there are no ferries between most islands.
On Oahu, TheBus covers the island, and Honolulu's Skyline rail line is growing. On the other islands, public transport is limited and a hire car is almost essential.
Roads such as the Road to Hana are narrow and slow; allow plenty of time.
Costs
What Hawaii costs
Hawaii is one of the most expensive places in the USA. Dorm beds start around $40 to $70, and food costs more than on the mainland.
There is a general excise tax of around 4 to 4.5 per cent on most purchases. From January 2026, the 'green fee' raised the state's accommodation tax to 11 per cent, and with county taxes and general excise tax, the total tax on a room can approach 19 per cent.
Reservations and fees for Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head and Haleakalā add up. Hire cars are expensive, so book early.
Safety
Safety and scams
Hawaii is generally safe. Car break-ins at beaches and trailheads are common: leave nothing in the car.
The ocean is the biggest danger. Strong currents, high surf and shore breaks cause drownings every year, especially on north shores in winter. Swim at beaches with lifeguards, and follow warning signs. Do not touch turtles or monk seals, which are protected.
On volcanic areas, stay on marked trails and follow park closures. Flash floods can hit streams and waterfalls quickly. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Surf contests, hula festivals and whale season.
Staff pick
17 Oct – 28 Nov
Hawaii Warriors
Honolulu
The Hawaii Warriors deliver exciting college football set against the backdrop of Honolulu, known for their fast-paced offense and loyal local following. Their games…
Staff pick
27–28 November
Jo Koy
Honolulu
Joseph Glenn Herbert, professionally known as Jo Koy is an American stand-up comedian. A recipient of Canada's prestigious Gemini Awards, the American-Filipino comedian revealed…
Staff pick
5 December
Honolulu City Lights
Honolulu
Honolulu City Lights at the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds in Honolulu, United States, is a beloved holiday celebration that brings the community…
Staff pick
13 December
JAL Honolulu Marathon
Honolulu
The JAL Honolulu Marathon in Honolulu, United States, is one of the largest marathons in the country, welcoming participants from around the globe each…
Staff pick
14 Oct – 31 Dec
Cirque du Soleil: Auana
Honolulu
Cirque du Soleil: Auana is a new production inspired by the spirit and storytelling traditions of Polynesian culture. Blending breathtaking acrobatics, dance, and live…
Staff pick
16–18 October
Honolulu Pride
Honolulu
Honolulu Pride is a dynamic celebration of LGBTQIA/MVPFAFF+ resilience and unity, set in the heart of Waikīkī, Honolulu, United States. Presented by the Hawai‘i…
Staff pick
18 October
Big Island Style Slack Key Guitar Festival
Kailua-Kona
Experience the soulful sounds of Hawaii at the Big Island Style Slack Key Guitar Festival in Kailua-Kona, where twelve talented artists take the stage…
Staff pick
6 November
America
Honolulu
Funny enough, the rock band America was formed in London. The three band members were sons of US Air Force personnel stationed in London…
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels across the islands, straight from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
Gingerhill Farm
Kailua-Kona
Dorms from $65 a night
See dates and book
Honu Waikiki by ALOH
Honolulu
Dorms from $38 a night
See dates and book
Aloha Surf Hostel
Maui
Dorms from $48 a night
See dates and book
Howzit Hostels
Maui
Dorms from $48 a night
See dates and book
The Beach Waikiki by ALOH
Honolulu
Dorms from $39 a night
See dates and book
Kona Beach Hostel
Kailua-Kona
Dorms from $40 a night
See dates and book
Hamakua Guesthouse
Hilo
Dorms from $26 a night
See dates and book
Backpackers
Haleiwa
Dorms from $42 a night
See dates and book
Sustainable
My Hawaii Hostel
Kailua-Kona
Dorms from $50 a night
See dates and book
Seaside Women's Hostel by ALOH
Honolulu
Dorms from $39 a night
See dates and book
Pineapple Park Kona
Kailua-Kona
Dorms from $40 a night
See dates and book
Banana Bungalow Maui Hostel
Maui
Dorms from $40 a night
See dates and book
When to go
Hawaii is warm all year. April to May and September to October are quieter and cheaper. Winter brings big surf and humpback whales, and summer has calmer seas on north shores.
Jan
Whales, big surf
Feb
Whales
Mar
Spring break
Apr
Quieter
May
Quieter
Jun
Summer, calm north shores
Jul
Busy
Aug
Hottest
Sep
Quieter
Oct
Quieter
Nov
Big surf begins
Dec
Whales, holidays
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Honolulu, rounded.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Honolulu prices.
Treat these as a guide. Inter-island flights and car hire cost extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Hawaii questions
The ones we get asked most.
Which Hawaiian island should I visit?
Oahu is the easiest and cheapest, with the most hostels. Maui, the Big Island and Kauai are quieter and wilder.
How many days do you need in Hawaii?
At least a week, focusing on one or two islands.
Do I need reservations in Hawaii?
Yes, for Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head for non-residents and Haleakalā sunrise, among others. Book ahead.
Can I see lava in Hawaii?
Kīlauea has been erupting in episodes since December 2024. When it is active, the glow can sometimes be seen from viewpoints in the national park. Check park updates.
Do I need a car in Hawaii?
On Oahu you can manage with buses. On the other islands, a car is almost essential.
Is Hawaii expensive?
Very. Accommodation, food and car hire cost more than on the mainland, and room taxes rose in 2026.
When is the best time to visit Hawaii?
April to May and September to October for fewer crowds. Winter for whales and big surf.
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