Global Escapes

Hawaii

Warm water, volcanoes, waterfalls and the spirit of aloha. The easiest place in the world to slow down.

By the Global Escapes travel team · Updated

Best time to go
April to May and September to mid-December for value; mid-December to March for whales
Trip length
7 to 12 days, on one or two islands
From Atlanta
About 10 hours to Honolulu
Time difference
5 hours behind Atlanta in winter, 6 in summer
Entry
No passport needed
Currency
U.S. dollar

Why Hawaii is always a good idea

Each island has its own personality, and choosing the right ones is the key to a great trip.

Oʻahu has Waikiki, Pearl Harbor and the North Shore. Maui has Haleakalā and the Road to Hāna. Hawaiʻi Island has active volcanoes and manta ray night snorkels, and Kauaʻi has the dramatic Nā Pali Coast.

Most first trips pair two islands with a short flight in between. Families love Oʻahu and Maui, and couples often finish on Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi or a quiet resort on the Kohala Coast.

Getting around

  • Honolulu to MauiAbout 40 minutes by air
  • Honolulu to KonaAbout 45 minutes by air
  • Honolulu to KauaʻiAbout 35 minutes by air
  • Waikiki to the North ShoreAbout 1 hour by car
  • Wailea to Haleakalā summitAbout 2 hours by car
  • Kona to Volcanoes National ParkAbout 2.5 hours by car
HonoluluNorth ShorePrincevillePoipuLanaiWaileaHaleakalāKonaVolcanoes
Short inter-island flights

When to go

The best months, the busy weeks and the quieter windows, so you can choose the trip that fits.

  1. JanWhales, big North Shore surf
  2. FebWhale season peaks
  3. MarSpring break
  4. AprGreat value, calm seas
  5. MaySunny and uncrowded
  6. JunSummer family travel
  7. JulSummer holidays
  8. AugWarmest water
  9. SepFewer people, better rates
  10. OctSettled weather, festivals
  11. NovFirst whales arrive
  12. DecHoliday weeks book early

Peak season Shoulder season Low season

Average temperatures and rainfall

Approximate average daily high and low in °F, with average monthly rainfall in inches.

Spring

April and May are among Hawaii’s best-kept secrets: sunny, uncrowded and good value, with calmer seas on most north shores.

Summer

School holidays keep June and July busy. Summer brings the calmest ocean on north-facing shores and the warmest water of the year.

Fall

September through mid-December brings fewer visitors, better hotel rates and warm, settled weather before the winter swells arrive.

Winter

Humpback whales arrive from about December through April, peaking January to March. Big surf rolls into Oʻahu’s North Shore, and holiday weeks book out early.

Where to go

The places our travelers love most, and what each one does best.

Waikiki & Honolulu

Beach, shopping and dining in one walkable stretch, with Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head close by.

Best for First-timers, families

Oʻahu’s North Shore

Surf towns, shrimp trucks and, in winter, some of the biggest waves on earth.

Best for Surf watching, day trips

Maui

Polished resorts in Wailea and Kāʻanapali, snorkeling at Molokini and whale watching from shore in winter.

Best for Couples, families, resorts

Haleakalā & the Road to Hāna

Sunrise above the clouds on a 10,000-foot volcano, and a slow, winding drive past waterfalls.

Best for Bucket-list moments

Kauaʻi

The Garden Isle: Nā Pali cliffs, Waimea Canyon and quiet beaches. See the coast by boat, helicopter or on foot.

Best for Nature lovers, honeymoons

Kona & Kohala

Sunny resorts on old lava fields, manta ray night snorkels and Kona coffee farms.

Best for Snorkeling, resorts, coffee

Volcanoes National Park

Craters, lava tubes and, when Kīlauea is active, a glow you can see at night.

Best for Families, science, wonder

Lānaʻi

A tiny, quiet island with two Four Seasons resorts and almost no traffic.

Best for Luxury escapes, couples

From the travel blog

Waikiki, Hawaii

Easy beach days, Diamond Head sunrises and a short hop to the North Shore.

Read the guide

Good to know

The small things that make a big difference once you arrive.

Two islands, not four

Island hopping is easy, but every move takes half a day. Two islands in a week, or three in two weeks, is the sweet spot.

Reserve the big moments

Haleakalā sunrise, Diamond Head and some state parks and trails now need advance reservations. We handle them with everything else.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Hawaii bans sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect the reefs. Mineral sunscreen is the way to go.

Respect the ocean

Winter surf on north shores can be powerful. Swim at lifeguarded beaches and ask about conditions before you go in.

Car or no car

You’ll want a car on every island except Oʻahu, where Waikiki is easily walkable.

Use the time change

Coming from Atlanta, you’ll wake up early for the first few days. Perfect timing for a sunrise.

Questions we hear a lot

Which islands are best for a first trip?

Oʻahu and Maui make a great first pairing: Waikiki and Pearl Harbor, then resorts, beaches and Haleakalā. Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island are wonderful second islands.

Do we need a passport for Hawaii?

No. Hawaii is a U.S. state, so a driver’s license or REAL ID works for your flights.

When can we see humpback whales?

From about December through April, with the most whales from January to March. Maui is the best island for whale watching.

Which island is best for families?

Oʻahu and Maui have the most for kids, from calm beaches and snorkeling to easy hikes and aquariums.

How many days do we need?

Seven days for one island, ten to twelve for two. Fewer moves means more beach time.

Let’s plan your Hawaii trip

Tell us when you’re thinking of going and who’s coming along. An advisor will take it from there.

Start planning Call 706.549.1164