{"id":1306439,"date":"2026-10-12T11:21:02","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T11:21:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?page_id=1306439"},"modified":"2026-10-12T13:57:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T13:57:23","slug":"hawaii","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/north-america\/usa\/hawaii\/","title":{"rendered":"Hawaii"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":200,"featured_media":0,"parent":1306307,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"hw-hub-state","meta":{"footnotes":"","hw_hub_hero_eyebrow":"","hw_hub_hero_h1":"","hw_hub_hero_intro":"","hw_hub_hero_image":"","hw_hub_hero_overlay":"","hw_hub_hero_cta":"","hw_hub_why_title":"","hw_hub_why_body":"","hw_hub_why_link_label":"","hw_hub_why_link_url":"","hw_hub_why_cards":"","hw_hub_stats":"","hw_hub_countries_title":"","hw_hub_countries_intro":"","hw_hub_featured":"","hw_hub_regions":"","hw_hub_hostels_title":"","hw_hub_hostels_intro":"","hw_hub_hostels_cta_label":"","hw_hub_hostels_cta_url":"","hw_hub_hostels_source":"","hw_hub_hostels_location_type":"","hw_hub_hostels_location_id":"","hw_hub_hostels_currency":"","hw_hub_hostels_count":"","hw_hub_hostels_cache":"","hw_hub_hostels":"","hw_hub_when_title":"","hw_hub_when_intro":"","hw_hub_seasons":"","hw_hub_costs_title":"","hw_hub_costs_body":"","hw_hub_cost_rows":"","hw_hub_cost_note":"","hw_hub_money_reads":"","hw_hub_rail_title":"","hw_hub_rail_body":"","hw_hub_rail_link_label":"","hw_hub_rail_link_url":"","hw_hub_rail_image":"","hw_hub_routes":"","hw_hub_events_title":"","hw_hub_events_intro":"","hw_hub_events_source":"","hw_hub_events_continent":"","hw_hub_events_count":"","hw_hub_events_cache":"","hw_hub_events_cta_label":"","hw_hub_events_cta_url":"","hw_hub_events":"","hw_hub_events_pills":"","hw_hub_reads_intro":"","hw_hub_article_rows":"","hw_hub_show_read_time":"","hw_hub_all_title":"","hw_hub_all_body":"","hw_hub_all_cta":"","hw_hub_trips_title":"","hw_hub_trips_note":"","hw_hub_trips":"","hw_hub_faq_title":"","hw_hub_faq_note":"","hw_hub_faqs":"","hw_hub_cta_title":"","hw_hub_cta_body":"","hw_hub_cta_buttons":"","hw_hub_newsletter_title":"","hw_hub_newsletter_body":"","hw_hub_newsletter_shortcode":"","hw_hub_hub_term":"","hw_hub_scope_rows":"","hw_hub_country_hero_eyebrow":"","hw_hub_country_hero_h1":"","hw_hub_country_hero_intro":"","hw_hub_country_hero_image":"","hw_hub_country_hero_overlay":"","hw_hub_country_hero_cta":"","hw_hub_country_stats":"","hw_hub_country_intro_title":"","hw_hub_country_intro_body":"","hw_hub_country_facts":"","hw_hub_country_cities_title":"","hw_hub_country_cities_intro":"","hw_hub_country_cities_live":"","hw_hub_country_cities":"","hw_hub_country_trips_title":"","hw_hub_country_trips_intro":"","hw_hub_country_trip_types":"","hw_hub_country_do_title":"","hw_hub_country_do_body":"","hw_hub_country_do_points":"","hw_hub_country_do_tag":"","hw_hub_country_do_more":"","hw_hub_country_food_title":"","hw_hub_country_food_body":"","hw_hub_country_food_points":"","hw_hub_country_food_tag":"","hw_hub_country_food_more":"","hw_hub_country_nightlife_title":"","hw_hub_country_nightlife_body":"","hw_hub_country_nightlife_points":"","hw_hub_country_nightlife_tag":"","hw_hub_country_nightlife_more":"","hw_hub_country_transport_title":"","hw_hub_country_transport_body":"","hw_hub_country_transport_points":"","hw_hub_country_transport_tag":"","hw_hub_country_transport_more":"","hw_hub_country_money_title":"","hw_hub_country_money_body":"","hw_hub_country_money_points":"","hw_hub_country_money_tag":"","hw_hub_country_money_more":"","hw_hub_country_safety_title":"","hw_hub_country_safety_body":"","hw_hub_country_safety_points":"","hw_hub_country_safety_tag":"","hw_hub_country_safety_more":"","hw_hub_country_entry_title":"","hw_hub_country_entry_body":"","hw_hub_country_entry_points":"","hw_hub_country_entry_tag":"","hw_hub_country_entry_more":"","hw_hub_country_season_title":"","hw_hub_country_season_intro":"","hw_hub_country_season_note":"","hw_hub_country_season_rows":"","hw_hub_country_budget_title":"","hw_hub_country_budget_intro":"","hw_hub_country_budget_note":"","hw_hub_country_budget_rows":"","hw_hub_country_budget_currency":"","hw_hub_country_events_title":"","hw_hub_country_events_intro":"","hw_hub_country_events_source":"","hw_hub_country_events_country":"","hw_hub_country_events_count":"","hw_hub_country_events_cache":"","hw_hub_country_events_cta_label":"","hw_hub_country_events_cta_url":"","hw_hub_country_events":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_title":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_intro":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_cta_label":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_cta_url":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_source":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_location_type":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_location_id":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_currency":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_count":"","hw_hub_country_hostels_cache":"","hw_hub_country_hostels":"","hw_hub_country_team_title"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guide","hw_hub_state_hero_h1":"Things to do in Hawaii","hw_hub_state_hero_intro":"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.","hw_hub_state_hero_image":"1307944","hw_hub_state_hero_overlay":"light","hw_hub_state_hero_cta":"See the islands | #regions\r\nWhat it costs | #money","hw_hub_state_live_stats":"1","hw_hub_state_stats":"7+ | Days, one or two islands","hw_hub_state_intro_title":"The Aloha State","hw_hub_state_intro_body":"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.\r\n\r\nOahu 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 Haleakal\u0101 and great snorkelling. The Big Island, officially Hawaii Island, has Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where K\u012blauea has been erupting in episodes since December 2024, as well as snowy Mauna Kea. Kauai, the Garden Isle, has the N\u0101 Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon.\r\n\r\nGive 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.","hw_hub_state_facts":"Main airport | Honolulu\r\nTime zone | Hawaii Time, no daylight saving\r\nTaxes | 4\u20134.5% excise tax; room taxes near 19%\r\nTipping | 18\u201322% in restaurants\r\nGetting around | Flights between islands, a car on most\r\nEmergency | 911\r\nTap water | Safe to drink\r\nReservations | Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, Haleakal\u0101 sunrise\r\nHow long to stay | A week or more\r\nBest months | April, May, September and October","hw_hub_state_areas_title":"The islands of Hawaii","hw_hub_state_areas_intro":"Pick one or two islands. Oahu is the busiest and cheapest; the others are quieter and wilder.","hw_hub_state_areas_zoom":"7","hw_hub_state_hostels_pins":"1","hw_hub_state_areas":"Oahu | Honolulu, surf, history | The busiest island, with Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor and the North Shore. | 21.4389 | -158.0001 | \nMaui | Haleakal\u0101, Road to Hana | Beaches, a volcano summit and the winding Road to Hana. | 20.7984 | -156.3319 | \nHawaii Island (the Big Island) | Volcanoes, stargazing | Active volcanoes, Mauna Kea and manta rays off Kona. | 19.5429 | -155.6659 | \nKauai | Cliffs, canyons, hiking | The Garden Isle, with the N\u0101 Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. | 22.0964 | -159.5261 | ","hw_hub_state_itin_title":"","hw_hub_state_itin_intro":"","hw_hub_state_itin":"","hw_hub_state_do_title":"Things to do in Hawaii","hw_hub_state_do_body":"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.\r\n\r\nOn Maui, watch the sunrise from the summit of Haleakal\u0101 (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.\r\n\r\nOn the Big Island, visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where K\u012blauea'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 Punalu\u02bbu. On Kauai, hike or take a boat along the N\u0101 Pali Coast and visit Waimea Canyon.","hw_hub_state_do_points":"Waikiki | Surf and swim in Honolulu\r\nHaleakal\u0101 sunrise | Reservation needed\r\nHawaii Volcanoes | K\u012blauea's eruptions\r\nN\u0101 Pali Coast | Cliffs on Kauai","hw_hub_state_do_tag":"things-to-do","hw_hub_state_do_more":"All things to do in Hawaii","hw_hub_state_free_title":"And what it costs nothing to do","hw_hub_state_free_body":"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.\r\n\r\nThe 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.\r\n\r\nMany state parks, Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay charge non-residents entry and parking.","hw_hub_state_free_points":"Beaches | All public, all free\r\nPearl Harbor | Free visitor centre\r\nNorth Shore | Watch the big surf in winter\r\nSunsets | From west-facing beaches","hw_hub_state_free_tag":"free","hw_hub_state_free_more":"All free things to do in Hawaii","hw_hub_state_food_title":"Eating and drinking","hw_hub_state_food_body":"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 l\u016b\u02bbau.\r\n\r\nFood 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.\r\n\r\nTipping is 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.","hw_hub_state_food_points":"Poke | Raw fish salad\r\nPlate lunch | Meat, rice and mac salad\r\nShave ice | The classic treat\r\nKona coffee | From the Big Island","hw_hub_state_food_tag":"food","hw_hub_state_food_more":"All food guides for Hawaii","hw_hub_state_nightlife_title":"Going out","hw_hub_state_nightlife_body":"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.\r\n\r\nOn the other islands, nights are quieter, with bars in Kona, Paia and Kihei on Maui, and on Kauai's north shore.\r\n\r\nDrinks are expensive.","hw_hub_state_nightlife_points":"Waikiki | Beach bars\r\nChinatown, Honolulu | Cocktail bars\r\nLive music | Hawaiian music nightly\r\nSunset | The main event","hw_hub_state_nightlife_tag":"nightlife","hw_hub_state_nightlife_more":"All nightlife guides for Hawaii","hw_hub_state_transport_title":"Getting around","hw_hub_state_transport_body":"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.\r\n\r\nOn 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.\r\n\r\nRoads such as the Road to Hana are narrow and slow; allow plenty of time.","hw_hub_state_transport_points":"Inter-island flights | Short and frequent\r\nOahu | TheBus covers the island\r\nOther islands | A hire car is almost essential\r\nRoad to Hana | Narrow and slow","hw_hub_state_transport_tag":"transport","hw_hub_state_transport_more":"All transport guides for Hawaii","hw_hub_state_money_title":"What Hawaii costs","hw_hub_state_money_body":"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.\r\n\r\nThere 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.\r\n\r\nReservations and fees for Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head and Haleakal\u0101 add up. Hire cars are expensive, so book early.","hw_hub_state_money_points":"Dorm bed | From around $40\u201370\r\nRoom taxes | Up to around 19% since 2026\r\nGeneral excise tax | Around 4\u20134.5%\r\nAttractions | Reservations and fees add up","hw_hub_state_money_tag":"budget","hw_hub_state_money_more":"All budget guides for Hawaii","hw_hub_state_safety_title":"Safety and scams","hw_hub_state_safety_body":"Hawaii is generally safe. Car break-ins at beaches and trailheads are common: leave nothing in the car.\r\n\r\nThe 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.\r\n\r\nOn volcanic areas, stay on marked trails and follow park closures. Flash floods can hit streams and waterfalls quickly. In an emergency, call 911.","hw_hub_state_safety_points":"Emergency | 911\r\nOcean | Swim with lifeguards\r\nCar break-ins | Leave nothing visible\r\nWildlife | Keep away from turtles and seals","hw_hub_state_safety_tag":"safety","hw_hub_state_safety_more":"All safety guides for Hawaii","hw_hub_state_layout":"cities","hw_hub_state_cities_title":"Where to base yourself","hw_hub_state_cities_intro":"Honolulu on Oahu for most travellers, then Maui or the Big Island.","hw_hub_state_cities_live":"1","hw_hub_state_cities":"Honolulu |  | The capital, with Waikiki Beach and most of Hawaii's hostels. | Waikiki; Diamond Head; Pearl Harbor; Hanauma Bay; Chinatown | 1306571\nHaleiwa |  | A surf town on Oahu's North Shore. | North Shore surf; Waimea Bay; Shrimp trucks | 1306569\nMaui |  | Beach towns and a volcano summit. | Haleakal\u0101; Road to Hana; Molokini | 1306573\nKailua-Kona |  | The sunny west side of the Big Island. | Manta ray night snorkel; Kona coffee farms; Beaches | 1306572\nHilo |  | The rainy, green east side of the Big Island, near the volcano. | Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; Rainbow Falls; Farmers' market | 1306570","hw_hub_state_cities_tag":"","hw_hub_state_cities_more":"","hw_hub_state_season_title":"When to go","hw_hub_state_season_intro":"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.","hw_hub_state_season_note":"Average highs for Honolulu, rounded.","hw_hub_state_season_rows":"January | 27 | 4 | Whales, big surf\r\nFebruary | 27 | 4 | Whales\r\nMarch | 27 | 4 | Spring break\r\nApril | 28 | 3 | Quieter\r\nMay | 29 | 3 | Quieter\r\nJune | 30 | 4 | Summer, calm north shores\r\nJuly | 31 | 5 | Busy\r\nAugust | 31 | 5 | Hottest\r\nSeptember | 31 | 3 | Quieter\r\nOctober | 30 | 3 | Quieter\r\nNovember | 29 | 4 | Big surf begins\r\nDecember | 27 | 5 | Whales, holidays","hw_hub_state_events_title":"What is on while you are there","hw_hub_state_events_intro":"Surf contests, hula festivals and whale season.","hw_hub_state_events_source":"api","hw_hub_state_events_count":"8","hw_hub_state_events_cache":"24","hw_hub_state_events_cta_label":"All events in Honolulu","hw_hub_state_events_cta_url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/events\/north-america\/usa\/honolulu\/","hw_hub_state_events":"Merrie Monarch Festival | After Easter | Hilo | The world's most important hula festival. |  | \nVans Triple Crown of Surfing | November and December | North Shore, Oahu | Pro surfing on giant waves. |  | \nWhale season | December to April | Around the islands | Humpback whales breed in Hawaiian waters. |  | \nAloha Festivals | September | Across the islands | Celebrations of Hawaiian culture. |  | ","hw_hub_state_budget_title":"What your trip will cost","hw_hub_state_budget_intro":"Per night, for one person, based on Honolulu prices.","hw_hub_state_budget_note":"Treat these as a guide. Inter-island flights and car hire cost extra.","hw_hub_state_budget_rows":"Shoestring | 55 | 35 | 10 | 15\r\nMiddle of the road | 110 | 70 | 50 | 45\r\nComfortable | 250 | 130 | 80 | 100","hw_hub_state_budget_currency":"$","hw_hub_state_hostels_title":"Where to stay","hw_hub_state_hostels_intro":"The highest-rated hostels across the islands, straight from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.","hw_hub_state_hostels_cta_label":"All hostels in Honolulu","hw_hub_state_hostels_cta_url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hostels\/north-america\/usa\/honolulu\/","hw_hub_state_hostels_source":"api","hw_hub_state_hostels_count":"12","hw_hub_state_hostels_cache":"12","hw_hub_state_picks":"","hw_hub_state_hostels":"","hw_hub_state_faq_title":"Hawaii questions","hw_hub_state_faq_note":"The ones we get asked most.","hw_hub_state_faqs":"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.\r\nHow many days do you need in Hawaii? | At least a week, focusing on one or two islands.\r\nDo I need reservations in Hawaii? | Yes, for Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head for non-residents and Haleakal\u0101 sunrise, among others. Book ahead.\r\nCan I see lava in Hawaii? | K\u012blauea 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.\r\nDo I need a car in Hawaii? | On Oahu you can manage with buses. On the other islands, a car is almost essential.\r\nIs Hawaii expensive? | Very. Accommodation, food and car hire cost more than on the mainland, and room taxes rose in 2026.\r\nWhen is the best time to visit Hawaii? | April to May and September to October for fewer crowds. Winter for whales and big surf.","hw_hub_state_cta_title":"Say yes to hostels, meet the world","hw_hub_state_cta_body":"Compare hostels across Hawaii: live prices, real reviews and free cancellation on most bookings. Then meet the people already there in the app.","hw_hub_state_cta_buttons":"Find hostels in Honolulu | https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hostels\/north-america\/usa\/honolulu\/\r\nGet the app | https:\/\/hostelworld.onelink.me\/IdiK\/f5a50nhd","hw_hub_state_newsletter_title":"Get the good stuff monthly","hw_hub_state_newsletter_body":"New city guides, deals and route ideas. No filler.","hw_hub_state_newsletter_shortcode":"","hw_hub_state_hub_term":"hawaii","hw_hub_state_country_slug":"usa","hw_hub_state_parent_hub":"north-america\/usa","hw_hub_state_currency":"USD","hw_hub_state_scope_rows":"1"},"class_list":["post-1306439","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","wpbf-post"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hawaii Travel Guide: Islands, Costs and Hostels<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Plan a trip to Hawaii: which island to choose, Honolulu and Waikiki, Maui, the Big Island volcanoes, 2026 fees and the top hostels.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/north-america\/usa\/hawaii\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" 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