The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their breathtaking landscapes, ranging from cliffs to wild forests, from golden or black sandy beaches to mountains full of hiking trails. The capital Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu, is the most populous city in the entire archipelago and is a great starting point for discovering this paradise on earth!
Here are all our tips on how best to organise a trip to the Hawaiian Islands: where they are, when to go and what to see!
Informed travel: useful info
Inhabitants: 1,431,603
Capital: Honolulu
Languages: Hawaiian, American English
Local currency: American dollar ($) / €1.00 = $1.19
Climate: tropical, with a hot season from June to October and a relatively cool season from December to March
Time zone: GMT-10 (-11h compared to Italy, -12h when daylight saving time applies in Italy)
Vaccinations: no vaccination required
Entry requirements: passport expiring after return to Italy, ESTA authorisation for the USA (cost $14.00, approx. €12.20)
Distance from Italy: 13,035 km (22-24 flight hours) from Rome to Honolulu
Security info: visit the USA section on the Farnesina website
Where to find us
Hawaii is an archipelago in the North Pacific Ocean and part of the United States of America. It is almost 4,000 km from the American coast and has eight major islands, namely Niihau, Kauai, Oahu (where the capital Honolulu is located), Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui and the largest island of Hawaii. These are joined by a series of smaller, uninhabited atolls.
How to get there
FromMilan or Rome: there are no direct flights from Italy. On average, one must plan at least two stopovers, one in a European city (such as Frankfurt or Paris) and then in an American city, usually San Francisco or Los Angeles. Average duration 22 to 24 h - Compare flights from Rome or Milan
From major European capitals: there are no direct flights from Europe, you must plan at least one stopover in America, generally Los Angeles (from Paris direct flight with Delta or Air France) or San Francisco (from Frankfurt direct flight with Lufthansa or United). On average 20 h - Compare flights to Hawaii Islands
When to go? Info on climate and best time
The Hawaiian archipelago has completely different islands and landscapes, and the climate can change even within the island itself...
Both precipitation and temperatures are influenced by the trade winds, constant winds from the northeast: for example, the capital Honolulu is one of the hottest locations in Hawaii, as it is located on the leeward side of the trade winds on Ohau Island. The islands of Niihau and Kahoolawe, on the other hand, are almost entirely arid! Moreover, the higher you go up in altitude, the more the temperatures tend to drop, making it necessary to wear heavier clothes.
From June to November, Hawaii may be affected by tropical cyclones, peaking between August and October. It is important to note, however, that hurricanes rarely hit this archipelago!
Let's look specifically at the climate in the capital Honolulu.
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Precipitation (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 19 / 27° | 8 days / 45 mm |
February | 19 / 27° | 8 days / 50 mm |
March | 20 / 27° | 9 days / 60 mm |
April | 21 / 28° | 8 days / 20 mm |
May | 22 / 29° | 6 days / 20 mm |
June | 23 / 31° | 6 days / 15 mm |
July | 24 / 31° | 7 days / 15 mm |
August | 24 / 32° | 6 days / 20 mm |
September | 24 / 31° | 7 days / 20 mm |
October | 23 / 31° | 8 days / 40 mm |
November | 22 / 29° | 9 days / 55 mm |
December | 21 / 28° | 9 days / 55 mm |
Climate: tropical, with a hot season from June to October when hurricanes may occur (called kau in Hawaiian) and a relatively cool season from December to March (hooilo in Hawaiian). Rainfall is constant throughout the year.
Best period: generally all year round, as the risk of hurricanes is minimal. However, the safest period is from December to May.
Period to avoid: the hurricane season starts in June and ends in November, with a peak between late August and early October. It must be said, however, that hurricanes strike this archipelago very rarely!
Tips: light clothes, preferably in natural fibres, short-sleeved shirts, flip-flops and everything you need for the beach. For trekking, comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, sunglasses. Umbrella and mackintosh. For the cool season mid-season clothes and a sweatshirt for the evening
Hurricanes in Hawaii: forecasts, statistics and months most at risk
Last hurricane tooccur: Hurricane Lane, 15 August 2018 - 29 August 2018, category 5 with wind speeds of 260 km/h
Number of hurricanesin the last 10 years: 3 of strong intensity / 4 of negligible intensity
Months most at risk: August and September
Alert level during the risk period: 7/10
Which island to go to?
The Hawaiian archipelago has numerous islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, with beautiful atolls. There are 8 main and largest ones: Hawaii Island, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe. The best places to stay, due to the presence of hotels and services, are the Island of Hawaii, Maui, Kauai and Oahu. Kahoolaew, on the other hand, is completely uninhabited, while Niihau is privately owned.
In addition to these islands, there are a whole series of smaller islands, which with several atolls form the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands complex, also called the Leeward Islands. Some of these are Nihoa, Necker, Maro Reef, Layan, Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Midway Atoll and many others.
Finally, in addition to all these mentioned, the State of Hawaii has about 137 more islets located in the Hawaiian chain and include all those islands and atolls off the main islands.
Let us look in detail at the islands where it is recommended to stay:
Oahu: this is the island that is home to the capital Honolulu, served by the International Airport. It is the most populated and is home to Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach and the Haiku Stairs. Ideal to start discovering the archipelago - find out more
Hawaii Island: the largest of the archipelago, also called The Big Island. It is served by two airports. Rich in cities and clubs with wonderful beaches or surrounded by nature
Maui: home to the ancient capital of the archipelago, Lahaina. It is served by Kahului Airport. Also called Valley Isle, it is rich in valleys, waterfalls and beautiful beaches. Ideal if you are looking for contact with nature - find out more
Kauai: fourth largest island and the northernmost of the eight main islands. Served by Lihue Airport. It is also called Garden Isle because of its beautiful lush nature. The settlements are mainly villages and some parts of the island are not accessible by car, making it ideal for those seeking contact with nature.
10 things to see: beaches and places of interest
Honolulu and Pearl Harbour: located on Ohau. The capital is a hub of life and experience and you definitely can't miss the Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Wakiki: Ohau's famous resort with beaches such as Waikiki Beach, Kahanamoku Beach or Fort DeRussy Beach. Here you can go surfing and snorkelling, enjoy a drink by the sea or take a boat excursion.
Hanauma Bay: beautiful Ohau beach converted into a nature reserve for the preservation of underwater life. Daily admissions are limited and it is also a great place for snorkelling, as there are plenty of Hawaiian fish
North Shoreand surfing: Ohau's North Shore is a 10 km long stretch of coastline considered a surfers' mecca. Here you can encounter spectacular waves thanks to the constant wind. Off the North Shore it is possible to dive with sharks
The landscapes ofKauai: represents the wilder side of Hawaii, thanks to its spectacular landscapes, villages and some areas not accessible by car. Don't miss a visit to the National Tropical Botanical Garden and the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast
Roadto Hana: Maui's most famous road and one of the most beautiful scenic roads in all of Hawaii. Drive along it and you will come across waterfalls, breathtaking views, lush nature and many traditional villages
Haleakala National Park: on the island of Maui, this national park covers a dormant volcano that is about 3,000 years old! Don't miss asunrise hike to see one of the most beautiful sunrises in Hawaii
Molokini Crater: this is a small island not far from the coast of Maui, the ideal place for snorkelling. This is because the island is mostly submerged and turtles, sharks, manta rays and lots of tropical fish live here.
Crater Rim Drive: on the Island of Hawaii you can drive around the crater of the Kilauea volcano, either by car (ideal if you are short on time) or on foot, in which case you need to budget a day
Big Island Beaches: The beaches on Hawaii Island are each more beautiful than the last. Don't miss the wonderful Mauna Kea Beach, with its white sand, and Makalawena Beach, one of the most beautiful in the archipelago.
What to do in Hawaiian Islands: excursions and tours
How much does a holiday in Hawaiian Islands cost? Prices, offers and tips
Hawaii is a particularly expensive destination. On average, a flight from Italy costs around €1,000.00 round trip, and if you do not book well in advance, prices soar, especially in high season. Not to mention the possible internal flights, with prices varying depending on the destination.
Accommodation is also quite expensive, especially in the more touristy cities and islands. Not to mention that Hawaii is also a luxury destination, with wonderful resorts on paradise atolls. If you are on a tight budget, however, you should opt for flats and small traditional guesthouses.
Finally, a rental car is recommended for visiting the islands, in order to have more autonomy and discover the beauty that Hawaii has to offer. On average, a rental starts at $50.00 per day (€42.10). If you want to visit all 4 main islands, budget at least 14 days so you can see everything at your leisure and in no hurry!
SEE ALSO: Hawaii cruise: when to go, prices and itinerary
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €75.00 per room - see offers
Cheap flights: to Honolulu from €720.00 - look at the offers
Flight + hotel: to Honolulu 7 days from €1,650.00 per person - look at the offers