Imagine a place where volcanoes breathe fire, sea turtles glide beneath the waves, and every sunset feels like a postcard. That’s Hawaii — the United States’ only tropical island state and the world’s favorite escape. Here, you can surf, hike, dive, or just sink your toes into soft sand and let the ocean do the talking. Whatever your pace, Hawaii promises an unforgettable chapter in your travel story — your very own “ALOHA time.”

1.  Recommended Main Islands of Hawaii

(1) Oahu — A blend of vibrancy and culture
Representative attractions: Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor Memorial, North Shore surf area.
Suitable for: First-time visitors to Hawaii, travelers who enjoy both urban and natural experiences.
Highlights: Climb Diamond Head to watch the sunrise in the morning, explore downtown Honolulu at noon, watch the sunset at Waikiki Beach in the evening, and experience a Hawaiian hula dance performance at night.

(2) Maui — The Most Romantic Resort Island
Representative Attractions: Road to Hana, Haleakalā Volcano, Lahaina Town.
Suitable for: Couples, newlyweds, photography enthusiasts.
Highlights: Drive along the Road to Hana and enjoy the magnificent scenery where waterfalls, rainforests, and ocean views intertwine; climb the mountain at dawn to watch the sunrise over the volcano and experience one of the most peaceful moments of your life.

(3) Hawaii Island — The Island of Volcanoes and Stars
Representative Attractions: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Observatory.
Suitable for: Adventurers, nature lovers.
Highlights: Witness the breathtaking sight of flowing lava and gaze at the Milky Way at night for a breathtakingly beautiful starry sky.

(4) Kauai — The most pristine “Jurassic Island”
Representative attractions: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon.
Suitable for: Outdoor hikers, photography enthusiasts.
Highlights: Take a boat or helicopter tour to overlook the canyon and coastline, experiencing the awe-inspiring power of pristine nature.

2. Best time to visit
Suitable year-round: Stable climate, average temperature 24–30°C.
Best season: April–October (dry season, sunny, suitable for outdoor activities).
Avoid: December–February is peak season, prices are higher and there are more tourists.

3. Arrival & Inter-island transportation

(1) International/Mainland flights
Most international flights land at Honolulu International Airport (HNL, Oahu). If you are going on an inter-island trip (strongly recommended to have at least 2–3 islands), common inter-island flights include Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele, Alaska, etc. (2) Ticket Price Reference: Inter-island ticket prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years, but a more realistic budget is approximately $80–$150 per segment (lower during off-season/promotions, higher during peak season). Please check promotions and baggage rules in advance to avoid extra charges.

(3) Airport Transfers: From HNL to Waikiki: Taxi/ride-share approximately $35–$60; airport shuttle buses and shared transfers are usually cheaper (depending on the number of passengers).

If you are staying at a resort, many hotels offer paid shuttle or paid parking/shuttle services (check if this is included in the room rate).

4. Island Transportation (Car / Bus / Flights / Tours)

(1) Car Rental (most commonly used, especially on Maui/Big Island/Khao Yai)
Price Range: Varies depending on car type and season; small cars are approximately $60–$90/day, higher during peak season or for special models (SUV/4x4); long-term rentals often have discounts. It is recommended to book in advance and compare prices. Insurance: CDW/PL/LI coverage is important for car rentals in the US. Check if your credit card covers it and consider purchasing additional local insurance to reduce the deductible.

Gas/Parking: Gas stations are plentiful but scarce in remote areas; hotel/resort parking often charges a resort fee of $20–$50 per night (depending on the hotel). Note that free street parking is rare.

Roads and Driving: The Road to Hana is winding and narrow; mountainous/volcanic areas have high altitudes and large temperature differences between day and night, so drive cautiously at night.

(2) Public Transportation (mainly Oʻahu TheBus): A single trip costs approximately $3.00 (cash). A HOLO card allows for multiple top-ups, making it more cost-effective. Convenient for short trips within the city and to the city center/beach, but not practical for remote attractions or mountainous areas.

(3) Inter-Island Flights: Short flight time (30–50 minutes); if your itinerary is tight, it is recommended to book early and allow for layovers.

(4) Sightseeing/Shuttle/Chartered Vehicles Many popular activities (Haleakala sunrise, Napali coast boat tour, helicopter tour) require advance booking, and prices vary greatly (e.g., helicopter and boat tours often cost $150–$400+ per person).

5. Accommodation (Prices, Taxes, and Practical Options)

(1) Budget/Airbnb/Hospital: $80–$180 per night (depending on island and location).

Mid-range Hotels/Resorts: $200–$400 per night.

High-end Resorts: $400+ per night (top resorts and ocean view suites can cost even more).

(Prices differ between Oahu Waikiki, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, with significant increases during peak season.)

(2) Taxes & Additional Fees (Very Crucial) These are added together at the state and county levels and have been adjusted in recent years; please check the "taxes + resort fee" listed on your booking page. (For example, the state TAT was once ~10.25%, with ongoing discussions and county-level surcharges; each county also has an additional 3% local tax and general business tax/GET.) Be sure to confirm which taxes and fees are included in the final bill before booking.

(3) Booking Recommendations
Book 2–4 months in advance (earlier during peak season/holidays).
Check the cancellation policy and whether a resort fee is charged.
If you want to experience ocean views, sunsets, or convenience (close to Waikiki or Lahaina), consider budgeting more for these.

6. Food and Daily Meal Budget - Average Meal Cost Per Person

Breakfast/Light Meal: $10–$20 per person.
Lunch (Food truck or regular restaurant): $12–$25 per person.
Dinner (Casual restaurant): $20–$45 per person; upscale restaurants or restaurants with scenic views can reach $60–$120+ per person.
Airport/resort prices are usually higher, and fast food/light meals are often >$15. Must-try: Poké, Loco Moco, Garlic Shrimp (North Shore stalls), Shave Ice, local seafood.

Savings: Get simple meals from local food trucks or supermarkets; a big lunch and a light dinner can balance your budget.

Tipping custom: American restaurants generally give a 15-20% service charge (calculated before the bill).

7. Major Attraction Entrance Fees / Important Fees & Reservations

(1) Haleakalā Sunrise Reservation: To watch the sunrise between 3:00 and 7:00 and park in the elevated parking lot, advance reservations are required. The reservation fee is $1 per vehicle (it is recommended to book in advance at Recreation.gov). Walk-ins can enter after 7:00. (2) Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Common entrance fee/related activity fee is approximately $30 per vehicle (or per person); specific activities (guided tours, camping) have additional charges.

(3) National Parks/Reserves: Many popular attractions have parking or occupancy restrictions, especially during peak season or holidays. Therefore, check the official website/book in advance.

(4) Activities (helicopter tours, Napali boat tours, whale watching, diving): Prices range from $100 to several hundred US dollars per person. Compare prices in advance and choose reputable suppliers.

8. Sample Budget (per person, 7-day short trip example, budget is an estimate)

(1) Airfare (international round trip, excluding inter-island flights): Varies greatly depending on the departure city, not included in this article.

Intra-island trip: 2-island itinerary (including 1 inter-island flight $120 + 5-day car rental $75/day) ≈ $120 + $375 = $495. (2) Accommodation: Mid-range hotel $250/night × 6 nights = $1500 (taxes not included).

(3) Meals: $50/day × 7 = $350.

(4) Activities (helicopter/boat/volcano park, etc.): $300–$600 (optional).

(5) Miscellaneous expenses (parking, fuel, souvenirs, entrance fees): $200–$400.

Total (example, excluding international airfare): Approximately $3,000 ± (depending on accommodation class and activity selection).

9. Time Suggestions and Itinerary Pace (What to do when)

(1) Sunrise/Sunset: Sunrise/stargazing in Haleakalā (Maui) and Mauna Kea (Big Island) requires advance booking and attention to high altitude and cold weather (temperatures can drop to near freezing). Sunrise bookings in Haleakalā are particularly popular and should be made several weeks in advance. Recreation.gov

(2) Surfing: The North Shore's big wave season is usually winter (November–February), suitable for wave watching but not for beginners to swim. The North Shore is calm in summer, suitable for beginners.

(3) Volcanoes/Hiking: Depart in the morning or early afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the day. Bring enough water and sunscreen.

(4) Inter-island connections: Allow at least 2–3 hours for airport transfers, check-in, and rental car pickup/drop-off; if you plan to participate in daytime ground activities, try to schedule them for the second day after arrival (to reduce travel fatigue).

10. Practical Precautions (Safety, Internet, Culture, Health)

(1) Sunscreen and Hydration: UV radiation is strong; bring SPF30+, sunglasses, and a hat. Rehydrate promptly after beach activities.

(2) Respect Local Culture and Nature: Hawaiians have a strong respect for nature and culture (e.g., certain rocks and sacred sites should not be entered or photographed without permission). Please respect "no access / private" signs. Using the greeting "Aloha / Mahalo" will make interactions more friendly.

(3) Internet: Signal may be weak in remote areas. It is recommended to prepare a SIM card, eSIM, or mobile Wi-Fi (especially important for navigation when driving).

(4) Emergency Numbers: The US unified emergency number is 911. Medical and first aid costs are high; it is strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance that includes rescue and emergency care coverage.

(5) Wildlife: Turtles and dolphins are protected; keep your distance when observing them (do not touch or feed them).

11. Booking and Packing Checklist

(1) Booking Checklist: Flights → Hotels → Inter-island flights → Car rental → Haleakala sunrise or national park reservations → Featured paid activities (helicopter/boat tours).

(2) Essential Packing Items: Passport/ID card, driver's license (international driving permits depend on departure location), sunglasses, sunscreen, surfwear or sun-protective clothing, hiking/trekking shoes, portable water bottle, beach towel, camera, eSIM/SIM card or Wi-Fi hotspot.