Hawaii offers a rare combination of volcanic drama, tropical landscapes, vast open spaces and deeply rooted cultural traditions. Each island has its own personality and key offerings: Oahu pairs iconic beaches with lively neighbourhoods and a strong food scene. Maui balances luxurious resorts, coastal trails and marine life encounters. Kauai is defined by rainforest peaks and quieter, nature led experiences. Across the archipelago, you can find warm hospitality, world class beaches, vibrant reefs and a lifestyle shaped by respect for land and sea. From laid back surf towns and scenic drives to spa resorts, championship golf and exceptional dining, Hawaii combines adventure with calm, offering an escape that can be as active or as restorative as you choose.
A Guide to The Hawaiian Islands for a Luxury Holiday
Rising volcanically from the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii is one of the world’s greatest holiday destinations, a chain of islands, where year-round sunshine, a relaxed Aloha lifestyle and incredible scenery come together like nowhere else on earth. Each island takes on its own character and personality, and it’s very easy to explore different islands […]
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Hotels by Island
USEFUL INFO
How to Get There
Hawaii is well connected by air from the UK, Europe, North America and Asia. Most transatlantic and international flights route through Los Angeles, San Francisco or other US west coast hubs before connecting onward to the islands. From the UK, expect a total journey time of around 17 to 20 hours, including connection time. Direct flights from the US mainland take between five and six hours from the west coast and around ten hours from the east coast.
The main arrival airports are Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on O’ahu, Kahului Airport on Maui, Līhu’e Airport on Kaua’i, and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport on the Big Island. Honolulu is the most common entry point for international visitors and offers the most onward connection options.
Getting Between Islands
Inter-island flights are frequent, efficient and straightforward, with Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines operating regular services between the main islands throughout the day. Flight times range from around 30 minutes between the closest islands to just over an hour for the longest routes, making it easy and practical to combine two or more islands on a single trip. Book inter-island flights in advance as popular routes fill quickly, particularly during peak season.
Getting Around
A hire car is recommended on most islands outside of Honolulu, where public transport and ride-share services are reliable and widely available. On Maui, Kaua’i and the Big Island in particular, a car gives you the freedom to explore beaches, national parks, upcountry roads and resort areas at your own pace — and is really the only way to do the islands justice. Book well in advance as rental cars are in high demand across all islands year-round.
When to Visit
Hawaii enjoys a warm, tropical climate throughout the year with average temperatures ranging from 75 to 85°F at sea level, making it a genuinely year-round destination. That said, there are some seasonal considerations worth knowing.
The dry season from April to October brings warmer temperatures, lower rainfall and calmer seas, ideal for boat trips, snorkelling and outdoor activities. The wetter season from November to March sees slightly cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, particularly on the north and east sides of the islands, though the south and west shores of most islands remain largely sunny. Whale watching season runs from December to April, with peak sightings between January and early April, particularly around Maui, Lāna’i and the Big Island. Summer is the most popular time for families, while spring and autumn offer excellent weather with fewer visitors and better hotel rates.
Weather patterns vary significantly, not just between islands but between coastlines on the same island. Windward sides are typically lush, green and wetter, while leeward sides are drier and sunnier. On Kaua’i’s north shore, for example, rain is far more frequent than on the south shore’s Poipu Beach just thirty minutes away.
Holiday Types
Hawaii offers something genuinely different for every kind of luxury traveller. O’ahu suits those who want a blend of city energy, world-class dining, iconic beaches and historic sites alongside their resort experience. Maui appeals to couples and families seeking refined resorts, outstanding whale watching, scenic drives and the dramatic landscapes of Haleakalā. Kaua’i is the island for nature lovers, hikers and those drawn to a slower, more elemental rhythm of travel, barefoot luxury at its finest. The Big Island attracts those drawn to dramatic volcanic landscapes, world-class stargazing, manta ray encounters and spacious resort hotels on the Kohala Coast. Lāna’i offers the ultimate in privacy and seclusion through its two exceptional Four Seasons properties, while Moloka’i remains the most authentically Hawaiian of all the islands for those who want to experience the archipelago entirely on its own terms.
Across all the islands, luxury hotels range from large, family-friendly resorts with every amenity imaginable to quieter, more intimate boutique properties, with a strong shared emphasis on service, outdoor living and a genuine connection to Hawaiian culture.
Passports and Entry
US citizens do not require a passport to visit Hawaii as it is the 50th state. International visitors will need a valid passport and the appropriate US visa or ESTA authorisation, which should be arranged well in advance of travel. Hawaii follows the same entry requirements as the US mainland.
Time Zone
Hawaii observes Hawaii Standard Time (HST), which is GMT-10, ten hours behind the UK in winter and eleven hours behind during British Summer Time. Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the difference changes depending on the time of year. Hawaii is five hours behind New York and two hours behind Los Angeles year-round.
Articles & Reviews
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