The Hawaiian archipelago is the 50th US state (joined 1959), located 3,850 km SW of California in the middle of the Pacific — the world's most geographically isolated archipelago. 137 volcanic islands including 8 main ones (Oahu, Maui, Big Island/Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, Kahoolawe), 28,000 km², 1.4 million inhabitants, tropical climate with constant trade winds (28°C year-round), spectacular geography combining active volcanoes, multicoloured beaches, vertiginous cliffs and coral reefs.
The archipelago is also a unique US Polynesian cultural bridge — settled by Polynesian navigators around 400-800 AD, Hawaii preserved its Polynesian culture (hula traditional dance, ukulele, leis flower necklaces, luau feasts, surf invented here). Hawaiian kingdom unified 1810 by Kamehameha I, royal overthrow 1893, American annexation 1898, became 50th state in 1959.
The region organises around 4 main tourist islands. Oahu (Honolulu capital, most populated island) — metropolitan and beach hub: Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, North Shore surf. Maui (2nd most visited) — nature and romance hub: Road to Hana, Haleakala, Lahaina, Kaanapali/Wailea beaches. Big Island (Hawaii) (largest island) — volcanic hub: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (active Kilauea), Mauna Kea 4,207 m, multicoloured beaches. Kauai (Garden Isle) — landscape hub: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay.
Our recommended formula for a successful trip: 14 days for the Oahu + Maui + Big Island combination (5+5+4 nights). In 10 days, two islands maximum. Distance from Europe (18-22h with mandatory LA stopover, massive jet-lag -12h) imposes minimum 10 days.
Read also
- Honolulu — Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head: Hawaii's capital and the urban beach option.
- United States — Complete country-continent guide: ESTA, currency, regions.
- California — Combinable from Los Angeles or San Francisco — 5h30 domestic flight to Honolulu.
- Florida — The more accessible US beach alternative: Miami, Orlando, Keys.