Guide to Hawaiian islands

Guide to Hawaiian Islands

Your at-a-glance guide to these idyllic islands
By Seren Morris

Hawaiian islands are a dream destination: you've got stunning beaches, lush mountains, fresh, tasty cuisine, and authentic displays of culture.

Thinking about going on vacation to Hawaii? Check out our guide to the Hawaiian Islands before you go. Learn all the important facts about the 50th state of America, plus the top things to do, see, and eat!

Quick facts about Hawaii

makapuu-lighthouse-lookout-oahu-hawaii

Quick facts about Hawaii

  • When did Hawaii become a state? Hawaii joined the United States on August 21, 1959. Hawaii has been a state for 60 years and is the most recent state to join the US.
     
  • Where is Hawaii? Hawaii is an island in the North Pacific Ocean, off the west coast of the United States. Geographically, it's a part of Oceania.
     
  • How many islands are in Hawaii? What are the islands of Hawaii? There are eight islands in Hawaii. They are Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi.
     
  • How big is Hawaii? The eight islands’ landmass spans more than 6,422. The island of Hawai’i, or the Big Island, has a landmass of 4,028. This makes up 63% of the state’s total landmass.
     
  • What is the capital of Hawaii? Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and it is located on Oahu island.

Our pocket guide to the Hawaiian islands

kapolei-hawaii-on-west-coast-oahu

Our pocket guide to the Hawaiian islands

Oahu is the most visited Hawaiian island, and for good reason. This island attracts millions of visitors every year, who want to see the beautiful landscape, visit historic sights, and experience Hawaiian culture. Oahu is home to Honolulu (the state capital), the famous Waikiki Beach, and Pearl Harbor

Maui is the second most-visited island. It's a great destination for those who want to relax on the beach, go hiking, or try water sports. Another popular Hawaiian destination is Hawai’i, or The Big Island, as it’s also known. Head here if you want to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Molokai
Kalaeloa Harbor, Molokai

You may also be interested in visiting the smaller islands like Kauai, which has a tropical rainforest. Or Molokai for an authentic cultural experience. However, Lanai is a privately owned island with a luxury resort. Therefore, it may not be the ideal spot for a family sightseeing vacation. 

Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe are considered forbidden islands and not open to the public.

If you want a vacation with lots of sightseeing opportunities, cultural experiences, and adventurous activities, Oahu is your best bet.

What is there do on Oahu?

Hiking in Oahu

What is there do on Oahu?

There is so much to do in Oahu. From sports activities like paddleboarding and surfing to hiking and biking, there are lots of ways to experience Oahu’s landscape.

For those more interested in sightseeing and historic attractions, you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor.

Or, if you want to experience traditional Hawaiian culture on your vacation, attend a luau or take a hula or ukulele class. Oahu is also a great destination for shopping and dining. You can buy handmade souvenirs and try traditional Hawaiian food.

What is traditional Hawaiian food like?

Poke bowl

What is traditional Hawaiian food like?

There are lots of dishes native to Hawaii. Try Imu Pork which is roasted in an underground pit then shredded, or Island Chicken with Huli Huli Sauce, which is chicken in a sweet and savory teriyaki-style sauce.

Tuck into a fresh Poke bowl like Ahi Poke, Spicy Ahi Poke & Clam Poke, which is a raw fish dish, or Lomilomi Salmon which is a salmon and fresh tomato salad. You just have to try Poi, a food staple made from taro leaf, and Haupia – a coconut-based dessert.

What traditional Hawaiian activities can I try?

Hawaiian hula and ukulele

What traditional Hawaiian activities can I try?

  • Hula dancing is a Polynesian dance developed in Hawaii, and there are two kinds of hula. The ancient hula dance is called Hula Kahiko, and the Western-influenced hula is called Hula ʻAuana. A hula dance typically accompanies a song or chant.
     
  • Music fans should take a ukulele class while in Hawaii. The ukulele is a guitar-like instrument based on the Portuguese machete. A Hawaiian-made ukulele also makes a great gift or souvenir!
     
  • Anyone visiting Hawaii should attend a luau. A luau is a traditional Hawaiian celebration involving food and entertainment. Luaus are used to celebrate events like birthdays, weddings, and graduations.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® 

Clearly, Hawaii is a great vacation spot. Oahu would be our choice of destination as it has a diverse range of fun things to see and do.

Discover our full line-up of Oahu attractions including the Polynesian Cultural Center, Makani Catamaran Sail, and Fire Dance Workshop, and save up to 50% vs paying at the gate.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

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Blog

Why Rent a Moped in Honolulu?

What better way to experience the capital of Hawaii than to rent a moped in Honolulu? On a moped, you have the ability to navigate the busy city streets, visit the beaches or travel the windy roads of the Hawaii coastline. Home to more than 75% of the state’s population, Honolulu is always a busy place for tourists and locals. If you’re looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the downtown area, a moped may be the answer. If you'd like to work your moped rental in a larger vacation itinerary, then a Go Oahu®Card may be a smart choice. Save up to 55% on combined admission to top tours, cruises, museums, and of course, your moped rental. Or, customize your own pass and save a guaranteed 20%. Why Use a Moped Instead of a Car in Honolulu? In choosing a moped over a rental car, you’ll be able to save money, help the environment and never have to stress about parking. In fact, Honolulu’s parking laws make moped parking easier than ever. Even if you’ve never driven a moped before, you can learn operation techniques from the rental staff of several moped rental stations, including Hawaiian Style Rentals. Hawaiian Style Rentals also offers tours right from their store. These tours help you to avoid getting lost on foreign land or spending the entire day looking at a map. The tour will bring you from storefront to waterfront as you cruise along the beaches of Lanikai, learn about local points of interest and hidden gems. You’ll see views from Diamond Head, the beautiful community of Kahala and many incredible resorts. On the highway, you can enjoy testing out the mopeds’ speed as your tour guide brings you to the historic Hanauma Bay. Save on Admission What could be better than seeing the islands’ fantastic scenery on the open road? Renting a moped will insure that you have a memorable and exciting trip to Hawaii. So make your Oahu vacation a memorable one with a moped rental from Hawaiian Style Rentals. And remember, you can save on your rental, plus admission to other popular Oahu attractions, with the Go Oahu®Card.
Katie Sagal
Blog

5 of the Best Oahu Snorkeling Beaches for Your Vacation

Go snorkeling and explore Hawaii's vibrant coral reefs and unique sea life. We put together a list of a few of our favorite and best snorkeling beaches on Oahu. Snorkeling is a great activity for visitors of all ages and skill levels. There are lots of places to rent equipment throughout the island so all visitors need to do is set aside some time, find a good spot, and spend the day scoping out the vibrant sea life and beautiful shorelines of Hawaii. Hanauma Bay Kuilima Cove The gentle surf, clear shallow waters, and sheltered shoreline make Kuilima Cove on the north shore a great place for novice or first-time snorkelers. Pack your beach gear and relax on the white sandy beaches after your snorkeling adventure. Kahe Point Beach Park Sharks Cove Kaena North Shore What to bring snorkeling Bathing suit Towel Sunscreen and/or consider wearing a layer of UPF clothing to protect yourself from the sun (your back will be very exposed as you swim). Bring a waterproof camera to get pictures of the vibrant sea life. Tip: make a day of it and pack a beach bag. Equipment to rent Face mask or goggles Snorkel Flippers Life vest or floating device (optional, but recommended) Get a discount on your snorkeling Save up to 55% on snorkel gear rentals in Oahu and admission to over 30 additional activities for one low price with the Go Oahu® Card All-Inclusive Pass. The more you do, the more you save. Or, pick and choose things to do in Oahu when you build your own Oahu pass and save 20%, guaranteed when you buy 2 or more attractions.
Casey Makovich
Blog

10+ Things to Do in Oahu in Spring 2020 - April to June Activities & More

Oahu is an excellent springtime destination for many reasons. While the weather is probably just warming up where you’re coming from, it’s perpetually warm in Oahu and they’re ready to go when it comes to outdoorsy fun. It’s also less of a busy season for American tourists in Oahu, so you’ll likely encounter fewer lines and shorter wait times for big attractions. If you’re looking for things to do in Oahu in Spring 2020, check out our list of some of the best activities and attractions, including... Hanauma Bay Snorkel Polynesian Cultural Center Diamond Head Hike Sea Life Park Hawaii and more! Save on Springtime Activities in Oahu Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the Go Oahu pass. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all available Oahu attractions, passes, and prices. Please note, some of these special spring events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go Oahu pass. Embark on a Snorkel Adventure Explore the Polynesian Cultural Center Enjoy the Warming Waters Play at Sea Life Park Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art Get Out and Get Active! Find Your Zen Space If you loved exploring the cultures of Polynesia, then you won’t want to miss out on learning about the Japanese heritage of Oahu as well. Visit the serene Byodo-In Temple and meditate on the nature of a global world, and soak up the peace and mindfulness that a temple nestled in the wilderness can bring. Getting In: Admission to the Byodo-In Temple is included with the Go Oahu pass. Local Events in SpringWaikiki Artfest Kapiolani Park Monthly Lei Day Celebration May 1, 2020 Kapiolani Park This annual celebration is held every year on May 1 to honor the spirit of Aloha that makes Oahu so special. Come to see these beautiful flower garlands in all their glory, and to see the new Lei Court. Featuring an impressive line-up of musical and dance performances, exhibits, and a parade and ceremony, the Lei Day Celebration is sure to please the entire family. Getting In: Admission to Lei Day is free. Remember to Save on Admission Did we miss anything? A few things to do in Oahu in the spring, including some special events, other seasonal activities in April, May, and June. Please note, the spring events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not available with the Go Oahu pass. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your spring vacation itinerary.
Katie Sagal

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