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Hawaii
Curated by Our Guild Explorers · Updated August 2026
The Aloha State · Capital: Honolulu · The West
Volcanoes, rainforests and the finest beaches in the United States.
Why go
What makes Hawaii worth the trip.
Tropical paradise
Warm water and world-class beaches every month of the year.
Volcanic drama
Active volcanoes on the Big Island and craters on Maui.
Distinct culture
A Polynesian heritage found nowhere else in the country.
Hawaii on the map
The capital and the places worth building a trip around. Click a marker for a quick note and hotels.
Hawaii — State Facts
A short history
Hawaii's history begins with Polynesian voyagers who navigated open ocean by stars and swells to settle the islands over a thousand years ago, building a sophisticated society under a system of chiefs and kapu. The islands were unified into a single kingdom in 1810 by Kamehameha I, whose dynasty ruled until the monarchy's overthrow in 1893 with American business and government involvement.
Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1898 and, after a strategic role in the Second World War marked by the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, it entered the union as the 50th state in 1959. Sugar and pineapple plantations shaped its economy and its diverse population for over a century before giving way to tourism and the military.
Today Hawaii balances a global tourism economy with a strong, ongoing movement to preserve and revive Native Hawaiian language, land rights, and cultural practice. Volcanic activity continues to shape the Big Island, while surfing, hula, and luau traditions rooted in Hawaiian culture remain central to island life.
Hawaii was a sovereign kingdom until 1893, and Iolani Palace in Honolulu — the only official royal residence on U.S. soil — still stands as a reminder of Queen Liliuokalani's reign.
Where to go
The signature places to build a trip around.
Honolulu
Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and the famous North Shore surf.
Selected hotels
Oahu / Waikiki
Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and the famous North Shore surf.
Selected hotels
Maui
The road to Hana, Haleakalā sunrise and resort beaches.
Selected hotels
Big Island
Volcanoes National Park and black-sand beaches.
Selected hotels
Kauai
The lush 'Garden Isle' and the Nā Pali coast.
Selected hotels
Skip the packed Waikiki sunset crowd and drive out to Lanikai Beach on Oahu's windward side for sunrise instead — fewer people, better light, and a shave ice truck waiting nearby once you're done.
When to go
Year-round; winter brings big surf and whales, summer the calmest seas.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Big surf on the North Shore and peak whale-watching season, plus busy holiday crowds.
Spring (Mar–May)
Warm, drier weather with fewer crowds and good value before summer. Spring break is peak beach season on Waikiki and Maui.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Calmest seas, great for swimming and family travel, though flights fill up fast.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Shoulder season with warm water, lighter crowds and lower prices.
Hawaii FAQ
What is the capital of Hawaii?
Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii.
What is the largest city in Hawaii?
Honolulu is both the capital and the largest city in Hawaii.
When did Hawaii become a state?
Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959.
What is Hawaii known for?
Hawaii is known for volcanoes, rainforests and the finest beaches in the United States.
When is the best time to visit Hawaii?
Year-round; winter brings big surf and whales, summer the calmest seas.
Plan your Hawaii trip
Browse hotels and flights through the Guild's travel partner, and explore more of the United States.
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