MAIN Travel USA Hawaii

Hawaii... the name conjures up magical images of tropical beaches and sun drenched vacations.

A top honeymoon destination, a great family vacation spot, and a popular business meeting destination, the islands of Hawaii bring a taste of native culture that sets them apart from the mainland as a leisure destination.

Hawaii became an official U.S. territory in the early 20th century and, a few decades later, was the reason the U.S. entered World War II, following the Japanese attack on an American naval base near Honolulu at Pearl Harbor.

Today, the U.S. military presence is easy to see on most of the islands. Active and retired members of all branches of the armed forces, along with their families, are happy to call Hawaii their adopted home.

Hawaii's warm climate, sandy beaches, warm breezes and scenic beauty make it a vacationer's paradise and immensely popular with honeymooners, surfers, spring breakers and sun worshipers from around the world.

Hawaii is comprised of eight main islands - Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau - and its most famous beach, Waikiki, is located on Oahu's south shore.

But the sun, sand and surf are only a small part of the island attractions!

The culture of the first people still defines the Hawaiian experience. Visitors are greeted with a flower lei and a bright smiling Aloha! as they arrive. Beach luaus, outrigger canoe races and hula dances are the most familiar ancient traditions that you can share, but if you take the time to see the less traveled sections and museums, you'll also learn the rich history of the people who first settled the land.

In addition to its tropical allure, Hawaii also offers vacation goers national parks and historic centers such as the Haleakala National Park on Maui, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and Iolani Palace, the former residence of the islands' last monarchs.

In August, Oahu honors legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku with a water sports fest (and Hawaii's only dog surfing competition) on the scenic shores of Waikiki.

2024 Hawaii travel events and festivals

Just up ahead, check out our 2024 Hawaii travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information. Happy travels!

June 6 - June 9, 2024 -- Kapalua Wine & Food Festival Maui - Up your wine game with tasting seminars and enjoy feasting on special wine dinners at this annual festival at the Kapalua Resort.

June 11, 2024 -- King Kamehameha Celebration - statewide - From Downtown Honolulu to the island of Lanai, Hawaii goes all out to honor the original island king with festive parades, colorful floral displays and traditional hula dancing.

July 18 - July 28, 2024 -- Koloa Plantation Days Kauai - Head for the south shore for this annual festival honoring the many ethnic groups that came to Hawaii to work on sugar plantations -- and the Hawaiians who welcomed them -- through music, dance, costumes, and food throughout the ten-day festival.

August 16 - August 25, 2024 -- Duke’s OceanFest Oahu - Oahu honors legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku with a water sports fest (and Hawaii's only dog surfing competition) on the scenic shores of Waikiki.

also see -> Hawaii Wineries & Vineyards

You may also like: Hawaii travel fun facts

Kid-friendly Hawaii

Besides Hawaii beaches, of course, no trip to Hawaii would be complete without a genuine Hawaiian luaus which are wonderful family feasts offered by many resort hotels and restaurants throughout the islands.

While visiting Oahu, don't miss the Waikiki Aquarium, and the Honolulu zoo. For an extra special thrill, also make your way to Sea Life Park where, in addition to seeing spectacular displays of sharks and reef fish kids get an opportunity to swim with the dolphins!

Located about a half-hour drive from Waikiki, make an entire day trip to the Dole Plantation where kids can learn about pineapple growing aboard the Pineapple Express, and later take a stroll through the Pineapple Garden Maze.

More about Hawaii travel around the Web:

Go Hawaii - The official tourism site chock full of useful info on family vacations, golfing, wedding & honeymoon planner, art, history & culture plus hotel booking, dining, weather info and separate guides for each island.

Aloha from Maui - Top attractions, activities, wedding & honeymoon planner, maps, pictures, travel tips, and a good backgrounder on Hawaiian culture.

The Oahu Visitors Bureau - The official site featuring facts, information and pictures of popular golf courses, favorite wedding spots, family fun, sports, art & culture, hotels & restaurants, plus additional guides to Waikiki, Honolulu, the Windward Coast and shore areas.

Molokai - The Most Hawaiian Island - Generous helping of info on accommodations, transportation, visitor activities, a special report on the Kalaupapa Peninsula, photo tours, FAQ's, weather info, event schedule.

Discover Kauai - The complete guide including island culture, visitor attractions, parks & beaches, hotels & restaurants, event calendar, related links.