Blog & Guides

Lei Day and the Hawaiian Tradition of Lei Making

Instead of celebrating May Day on May 1, which is a European tradition of celebrating the beginning of summer, Hawaiʻi celebrates Lei Day. The celebration not only honors the Hawaiian lei, but also the colors and flora, designated to each Hawaiian island.

Discover the Beauty and Meaning of Native Hawaiian Plants

Learn which plants and flowers are from Hawaiʻi and which ones are not.

What to Pack for Every Hawaiʻi Activity

A practical guide to what to pack for snorkeling, hiking, beach days and more, so you can feel prepared without overpacking.

Whale Watching on Oʻahu

Whale watching on Oʻahu runs from December through April. Find the top tours and best places to spot whales from shore.

The Risk No One Tells You About Before Visiting Hawaiʻi

Whale Watching on Maui

Spotting humpback whales can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. As these majestic creatures migrate to the warm waters of the islands during the winter months, there are several ways you can increase your chances of seeing them up close.

Kalaupapa Tours on Moloka'i: A Story of Tragic Isolation

The Kalaupapa Saints Tour, conceptualized and founded by Kalaupapa resident Meli Watanuki and operated by Seawind Tours and Travel, was created to ensure that visitors hear the story of Kalaupapa by someone who lived it.

Chinatown, Honolulu

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Honolulu Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the U.S., full of lei stands, noodle factories, temples and produce markets.

Pack Versus Buy: Hawaiʻi Edition

What to pack and what to skip when you're preparing for your trip to Hawaiʻi.

A Visitor’s Guide to Ala Moana Shopping Center

Enjoy the best of shopping and dining at Ala Moana Center, a paradise for shoppers in Honolulu.

Pick Your Favorite Hawaiian Island

With six main islands in Hawai'i to explore, you’ll enjoy learning the unique characteristics and personalities of each one.

Where to Stay in Kailua-Kona: Royal Kona Resort

A weekend (or a whole week) at the Royal Kona Resort is a perfect getaway, no matter where you’re coming from and no matter what your group looks like. It sits oceanfront in the middle of Kailua-Kona’s busiest area for tourists, making it convenient and lively, yet relaxing and beautiful.

Ko ʻOlina, Oʻahu

Ko ʻOlina, which means "Place of Joy" in Hawaiian, spans 642 acres along the leeward coast of Oʻahu, 17 miles west of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Sitting right up against the Waiʻanae Mountain Range, this long-time place of refuge gets ample sunshine and the best sunsets on the island.

Waikīkī, Oʻahu

Located on the south shore of Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu, Waikīkī is Oʻahu's main hotel and resort district and generates approximately 42 percent of Hawaiʻi's visitor revenue. But there is more to this neighborhood than its iconic shoreline.

Goat Yoga on Oʻahu: What to Expect and Where to Book

Sweet Land Farm, a sprawling goat farm in central Oʻahu known for entertaining farm tours, artisan cheeses and decadent desserts, partners with nearby yoga studio Canopy from late January through April to offer goat yoga on select Sunday mornings.

7 Things to Do on Maui for the Adventure Seeker

From hiking and snorkeling the most epic spots on Maui to whale-watching by raft, boat or kayak, here are our top favorite adventures.

20 Unforgettable Things to Do in Honolulu for Free

Discover amazing things to do in Honolulu for free. Enjoy the island's attractions, beauty and culture without the price tag.

85% of Survey Respondents Considering Hawaii as an alternative to traveling abroad — more than any other U.S. destination

Hawaii.com surveyed 300+ people in the United States in March, 2026 to understand if recent world events had an effect on their travel plans.