Hawaii Travel Guide: 2025's Best Destinations, Events, Attractions and More

by Scott Laird
Last updated: 2:00 PM ET, Sat January 11, 2025

Hawaii remains a perennial favorite for leisure travel, but the state’s tourism industry faces continued pressure. Affordable housing concerns have led to many island counties limiting vacation rentals.

Maui’s tourism recovery remains in slow-motion; although much of the island is open for business and Lahaina’s recovery and rebuild continues, many island residents still face trauma and uncertainty, attempting to make clear the message that the island is welcoming tourists, but that they must visit mindfully, demonstrating care and concern for the local community.

Elsewhere in the Aloha State, tourism continues, with many travelers visiting for the first time, trying new destinations on repeat trips, or making annual migrations to their favorite haunts.

Throughout its history, the Hawaiian Islands have drawn visitors with warm Aloha spirit, distinctive experiences that can’t be found anywhere else, and diverse natural beauty.

Read on to discover the top spots in Hawaii for travelers in 2025.

Best Destinations in Hawaii

Each of the Hawaiian Islands offers a distinctive personality and endemic features. For example, there’s the Napali Coast (best explored by air or sea) on Kauai and Diamond Head, known locally as Leahi, on Oahu — one of the world’s most famous oceanfront vistas, with the urban tourist district of Waikiki nestled at its feet. The volcanic crater of Haleakala on Maui, meanwhile, feels like the surface of the moon, and the active volcanoes on the Island of Hawaii are a truly unique feature.

Each of these destinations are revered and celebrated in mele (song) and hula (dance) traditions that have evolved as Native Hawaiians have been joined over the centuries by settlers from across the Pacific Rim — melding into a distinctive culture with roots in the past.

Best Attractions in Hawaii

Hawaii has attractions, for sure. There’s rarely a luau far away (choose from a traditional midcentury-style one at Waimea Valley’s Toa Luau on Oahu, or opt for a more contemporary luau rooted in stories of the local land at The Feast at Mōkapu at Andaz Maui), but proximity to attractions isn’t necessarily the greatest way to book a stay.

Instead, do a vibe check when selecting a region to stay and play in, bearing in mind that many of the islands are small and easily navigable. On Kauai, the most centrally located lodging is on the Coconut Coast — the expansive pool at Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort is a hot spot — but the most luscious sunsets tend to be on the island’s south shore (try Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa or Whalers Cove Resort, where the sunrises are also spectacular). On Oahu’s sleepier North Shore, there are spectacular sunset views at the luscious new The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay.

During the winter season, a popular Hawaii attraction is whale watching, which can be done from any of the islands. However, humpback whales tend to favor the channels between Maui and Lanai. Departing from Maalaea, Maui, Pacific Whale Foundation eco-tours bring visitors up close with the gentle giants of the Pacific.

Hawaii’s small towns are also starting to come into their own. Lihue, Kauai, and Kahului, Maui — both long regarded as non-resort areas — are becoming noted for locally grown bars, restaurants, and shops selling made-on-island arts and crafts.

Must-See 2025 Events in Hawaii

Hawaii is known for events throughout the year. Lunar New Year is particularly well-observed in Honolulu’s Chinatown in February. In April, the 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival — the pinnacle event of which is a world-renowned hula competition — will take place in Hilo. Hula fans can also enjoy the annual Prince Lot Hula Festival in July for utterly local flavor. In June, King Kamehameha Day celebrations are held throughout the state. In July, Koloa Plantation Days celebrate the sugar plantation heritage of Koloa, Kauai.

July and August bring Obon celebrations in the Japanese-American communities of all the islands. In October, both the Hawaii International Film Festival and Hawaii Food & Wine Festival are top draws.

Zero entry Waikolohe pool at Disney's Aulani Resort

Best Places for Families in Hawaii

On Oahu, Disney’s Aulani Resort is a top spot, but as a destination, virtually the entire Aloha State is well-suited for families — particularly those with young children — with tranquil beaches kissed by gentle surf, family-friendly luau and hula shows, and a culture that has long revered children.

Younger travelers may also enjoy the expansive pools and lagoons at Waikiki’s Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort or the legendary waterslide at Grand Hyatt Kauai. On the Island of Hawaii, there’s a lazy river and dolphin lagoon at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Many big-name resort brands — including Westin, Hyatt, Sheraton, Four Seasons, and The Ritz-Carlton — operate kids clubs at each of their Hawaii properties, and those that don’t offer specific amenities for young ones.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, meanwhile, offers Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment activities for guests 5 and older. Kids will also enjoy the all-ages activities at Oahu’s Paradise Cove Luau or dedicated kids programming at Bishop Museum.

Best Places for Couples in Hawaii

Twosomes can enjoy extra-quiet interludes at the adults-only pool at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea or the super-secluded rooms and suites at sister property Four Seasons Resort Lanai, where many accommodations offer views of Haleakala on neighboring Maui.

Couples wanting a longer stay with more condo-like amenities and a distinct taste of Old Hawaii will like the oceanfront cottage accommodations on the west side of Kauai at Waimea Plantation Cottages, where fully equipped units are made from historic plantation cottages moved to the site from various locations around Kauai — many of the cottages are more than 100 years old!

On Hawaii Island, hidden away on Kahuwai Bay and set on the grounds of an ancient fishing village is Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, where some units are perched just above the crashing surf with supreme sunset views. Sunset views also abound at Fairmont Orchid, where couples seeking extra pampering can indulge in Fairmont Gold accommodations, which provide daily food and beverage presentations in an exclusive ocean view lounge.

Best Places for Group Travel in Hawaii

Hawaii’s larger resorts are well-suited for big groups, from multigenerational family gatherings to corporate retreats. Many resorts offer a variety of accommodations for groups, ranging from standard and suite to club-level. Larger resorts also offer the benefit of expansive function spaces and restaurants sizable enough to accommodate bigger parties.

There are also alternatives to booking vacation rentals, which are heavily regulated on most of the Hawaiian Islands. Condo-style accommodations, with up to three-bedroom units suitable for groups, can be booked with two popular condo outfitters — Outrigger Resorts & Hotels and Castle Resorts & Hotels — but it’s worth noting that condo properties often have more limited options for event space than hotels or resorts.

Cruises can also be a great option for groups in Hawaii; Norwegian Cruise Line is the only cruise company operating large-ship cruises entirely within the Hawaiian Islands on its Pride of America vessel (other cruise lines, with ships registered outside the U.S., can only call in Hawaii on voyages that include a foreign port call).

NCL's Pride of America in Hilo, cruise, cruise ship, cruise travel

Best Places for Solo Travel in Hawaii

Hawaii is a fine destination for solo travelers, whether they’re seeking exciting nightlife in Waikiki or good old-fashioned seclusion in Hana on East Maui. While there aren’t specific locales in Hawaii that are particularly well-suited for solo travel, it’s worth noting that solos seeking vibrant nightlife will generally only find it on Oahu — the scenes on neighbor islands tend to pack it in early.

Solo travelers planning on hiking, swimming, or beach-going on their own should leave a detailed itinerary with their hotel or a friend at home. It also makes sense to invest in a waterproof key and phone pouch so you don’t leave valuables in the car or on the beach while swimming. Solo travelers may find the most value in oceanfront hotels, resorts, or condo properties, so they can simply leave valuables in the room while enjoying time on the beach.

Best Foodie Destinations in Hawaii

The island with the most varied dining options is most certainly Oahu, where gastronomic kitchens at Halekulani and The Kahala Hotel & Resort offer dishes that focus on the latest culinary techniques paired with fresh island ingredients.

Non-resort areas in Hawaii are also good spots for tasting culinary innovation. Tasting Kauai offers a food tour of downtown Lihue every Saturday. On Maui, in addition to casual favorites like Paia Fishmarket and Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, Kahului’s noodle shops and taco trucks have started getting more attention.

Also on Maui, agrotourism opportunities are growing at Surfing Goat Dairy, which offers farm tours. During “kid season” — when the baby goats are born from December to late spring — travelers can even sign up to cuddle with the baby goats. The fresh and aged cheeses and goat-milk chocolate truffles are the real stars of the show here, though, and they’re available in the gift shop after you’re done snuggling the goats.

On Hawaii Island, oceanfront restaurant Ulu has reopened with a new menu at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. There’s also a new sushi lounge and omakase-style experience at the second-floor Noio.

Best Places for Adventure Travel in Hawaii

Adventure travel can be a difficult undertaking in Hawaii, as intrepid explorers often unwittingly trespass onto private or off-limits land, or they exceed their own limitations and require rescue from island first responders — taking up precious resources that could be devoted to community residents.

Because of this, Hawaii operators tend to focus on soft, guided adventures — think: parasailing, ziplining, or surfing — and activities can usually easily be arranged by resort concierges.

On Kauai, a distinctive soft adventure activity offered by Kauai Backcountry Adventures is mountain tubing through old plantation canals. Visitors to each of the islands can also enjoy hiking various trails, mostly through state parks.

Tourists who plan to hike without a guide should take plenty of water, inform their accommodations or a family member of their plans, wear sturdy shoes, and make sure the trails are actually accessible to the public before setting out. State park websites update frequently with trail closures and conditions, and paying close attention to posted information can be life-saving. Hikers should also know their limits and turn around at the first sign of difficulty in unknown terrain or challenging conditions.

Surfer flying above wave crest with palm trees in background

Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts in Hawaii

For popular televised sports, Oahu is the undisputed champion. Every year, the Hawaii Bowl is held in Honolulu around Christmas, and the University of Hawaii hosts other teams in Honolulu throughout the season. Volleyball is also a popular spectator sport in Hawaii, even rivaling football.

Surfing — a sport invented by Hawaiian royalty — also has many tournaments in Hawaii throughout the year at some of the most legendary surf breaks, such as the north shores of Oahu and Maui.

Hawaii is also a golfer’s paradise, with well-known courses designed by the sport legends on each of the four main islands, particularly in Kapalua, Maui; Princeville, Kauai; and the Island of Hawaii’s Kohala Coast.

Unique to Hawaii

The biggest draw of Hawaii for many visitors may be the unique culture — a pan-Pacific blend of Polynesian, Asian, and European contributions, all underlined by native Hawaiian heritage that is still reclaiming its voice and position in these islands that the kanaka maoli (Indigenous people of Hawaii) have stewarded and called home long before Europeans arrived.

The Aloha State’s superlatives ring loud and frequently: The only island state. The only state that was once a sovereign kingdom. The only state with a royal palace. The only state that grows coffee on a commercial scale. The only state where “interstate freeways” aren’t actually interstate. In addition to superlatives, Hawaii is a place of moolelo (stories).

The stories of this island chain can be told by many, but it’s important to listen to the voices most rooted in this aina (land): that of kanaka maoli. On Oahu, Hoomau Oahu Tours offers exactly that — tours that center Native Hawaiian voices. Visitors can also support Native Hawaiian-owned businesses during their visit to ensure their tourism dollars go directly to Hawaii’s most rooted residents. They can also volunteer their time to support local communities during their visit through the Malama Hawaii program.

As one of the world’s most isolated land masses, the Hawaiian Islands are like few other places on Earth. It’s a destination that is truly extraordinary — and that’s what’s driving the massive visitor interest among both first-time and repeat visitors.

The author recognizes the importance of Hawaiian language diacritical marks such as the kahako (macron), but notes some of these may be omitted in the text for web browser compatibility.

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