Updated December 1, 2021
Hawaii is just one of those places that you don’t need to justify to anyone. No one’s actually going to say, “Hawaii? Why visit Hawaii?”
It’s synonymous with paradise for a lot of people. Once you’ve been, you’re going to want to keep coming back.
There are lots of tropical islands out there, though. What is it about Hawaii that makes people want to return, over and over?
Check out 16 answers to the question, “Why visit Hawaii?” over anywhere else, and what keeps people coming back.
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Why visit Hawaii? Why not?
OK, you may get this question if you’re on your umpteenth visit or something, but even in that case, there’s enough to do on the islands that it’d take you a lifetime to run out of activities in Hawaii.
Unless you have an aversion to things that are awesome, e.g. poke, flower crowns, scenic vistas, the kindness of strangers, you won’t come across many reasons, if any, for NOT visiting the Hawaiian islands.
If someone does ask you, just respond with a “Well why heck not?!?” and see what happens. I have more ammo below if need be.
Hawaii reminds people of paradise.
You know you’ve seen an episode or two of Hawaii Lif” on HGTV. It’s impossible to miss somehow, and there’s a reason why they have plenty of material.
People equate Hawaii with paradise.
They go, realize what they’ve been missing out on, and try to get back to Hawaii as soon as possible. If they’re fancy like on that TV show, they may even try to enter the real estate market so that they can lounge on their lanai on the daily.
So why is Hawaii a paradise? Why do people like Hawaii?
Never mind that the media tells us so, what with the number of movies that are filmed there. You’ve basically been conditioned to view Hawaii as a paradise thanks to 50 First Dates, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and uhh…Jurassic Park.
Those velociraptors had it good.
It’s also what you’ll see around you when you go. Hawaii tourist destinations are diverse and world-class, with something for everyone no matter what you’re into.
Hawaii has beaches in every color.
There’s orange sand on Papohaku Beach on Molokai, red on Kaihalulu Beach on Maui, or black on Punaluu Beach on Hawaii, or the Big Island, to name just a few.
Fun fact: If you visit a black sand beach in Hawaii you’re stepping on volcanic materials, lava fragments, and basal rock bits. The color comes from the iron in those materials.
The islands have a beach no matter what you’re after, whether that’s surfing, lounging, or sunset gazing.
In fact, Hawaii’s beaches are consistently ranked on lists of the best beaches. We were on one of the most beautiful recently, per Conde Nast Traveler. Sunset Beach on Oahu is perfect for what it’s named for, and for some snorkeling in the summertime if you can’t sit still for long.
The point is, you won’t run out of shore if you’re headed to Hawaii for a beach vacation.
The fruit is better than anywhere else.
In Hawaii, you’re surrounded by lush, green vegetation, and all of a sudden you’ll have the urge to eat fresh fruit that you didn’t care that much about back on the mainland.
Mango. Star fruit. Guava. Lychee.
It’s all so succulent and yummy that you’ll find yourself wanting a side with every meal.
Yes, the pineapples are delectable, too…at least that’s what I hear. I have an issue with the texture and what they do to my teeth, but will never turn down a piña colada.
Visiting one island won’t give you the full Hawaii experience.
You may think you’ve been to Hawaii following your long weekend on this or that island. You’ll quickly realize that you could have a completely different experience if you visited a different island on your next trip.
Hawaii will easily surprise you if you let it.
Kauai is “The Garden Island,” and typically considered the most tropical of the Hawaiian islands, with rushing waterfalls and jungle treks across its mostly uninhabited lands.
Oahu is “The Gathering Place,” a nod to it housing the majority of Hawaii’s population. Leave the tourist strip along Waikiki and you’ll be rewarded with what you’ve been picturing.
Maui is “The Valley Isle,” known for its stellar beaches and the Road to Hana.
The island of Hawaii, or “The Big Island,” has volcanoes, yes, but also landscapes across the four climate zones, all on one big island.
Lanai, “The Pineapple Island,” offers travelers both a luxury escape and a more rugged adventure, depending on the route you take.
Molokai, “The Friendly Isle,” is just that: warm, welcoming, and laid-back.
Now I’m all distracted, thinking about my next trip there!
It’s a gateway to travel for many.
For many, Hawaii is a bucket list trip that they dream about making a reality when the time comes to finally take a vacation.
It’s often the first on people’s lists when they think of where they can go to escape the daily grind, and disconnect from their responsibilities for a bit while they decompress.
When you tell your family and friends that you’re going to Hawaii, they’ll nod in agreement and appreciation, and perhaps with a little bit of envy.
Once you go, Hawaii tends to become a special place for people.
They keep coming back because it was the place that allowed them to feel a certain way. Perhaps it was the first big trip they took, and they want to make new memories.
There’s a comfort there in knowing that they’ll probably have a fantastic trip if they go to Hawaii.
There are more flight options every day.
In normal, non-pandemic times, there’s more competition in the air for travel to Hawaii, which is good for travelers looking to get out there for the first or twentieth time.
The boost comes on the heels of the entry of Southwest Airlines onto the scene. The airline is already a preferred airline for so many due to their on-board jokes and generally stellar customer service.
What’s that mean for you?
Fun fact: It could mean fare wars.
Alaska Airlines, already in an alliance with Hawaiian Airlines, has been trying out new routes that are underserved in their eyes in terms of flights going in and out of the islands.
Hawaiian Airlines, alongside all of the other large airlines that already fly there, has been experimenting with offering basic fares with fewer perks for travelers, hoping to fill seats that are falling victim to the increase in competition.
Only time will tell how low the prices will go as airlines struggle to compete, but the time to get to Hawaii is now!
Hawaii travel doesn’t have to be that expensive.
OK, Hawaii isn’t known for budget travel despite what I just said about airfare competition. We all saw what was happening during the pandemic around rental cars.
As things calm down, pricing should return to levels that seem less wacky, and a little flexibility on your end could do you wonders.
It isn’t necessary to stay at a hotel chain or giant resort if you don’t want to, for example. There are all kinds of little boutique hotels and extended stays no matter which island you’re eyeing that don’t cost nearly as much.
I promise that you won’t miss the corner Red Lobster.
Booking early is always recommended in a hot destination like Hawaii. Last-minute bookings likely won’t net you savings, as there’s really not a “slow” time to visit the islands.
There isn’t really a “worst” time to visit Hawaii.
The average amount of daily sunshine stays fairly consistent throughout the year on the Hawaiian islands, even during the wet season.
Yes, Hawaii has seasons. It’s one of those things people don’t think about in their Hawaii planning. The wet season is typically November-January.
Note: Average daily high temperatures fall in the mid-70s on a bad day, and approach the upper 80s in the peak of summer.
I’ve gone during the rainy season twice now, and have had to contend with some crummy weather.
There’s a reason the islands are so lush and green, though. Hawaii gets some rain, and that’s OK.
Often, what’s happening on one side of an island isn’t happening on the other, and vice versa. You can usually drive to find some good weather, or wait it out with a cocktail or three under an umbrella at a beachside bar.
Embrace the rain for a day, as it’ll probably be better the next day.
Besides, traipsing through the mud to see a waterfall is fun. Even when it’s raining, the temperatures are still mild enough that it’s often warmer than where you came from.
This doesn’t mean I plan my Hawaii trips around the rainy season. It has just worked out that way. I’d like to try out the low shoulder seasons next, spring or fall, for a taste of what it’s like with fewer tourists.
For folks from the U.S., it’s the exotic non-international vacation.
There are people out there that don’t have a passport. Shocking, I know. It’s true, and that’s OK.
For them, a trip to Hawaii can be that exotic vacation they’ve still been dreaming of, without having to make arrangements for an international vacation.
It’s a non-threatening place to be, what with the Hawaiian leis they drape you with at every turn, the English they speak, and the variety of food options on the islands to suit even the pickiest of palates.
I’m not meaning to simplify things here. There’s just a level of comfort with Hawaii that you won’t get somewhere that’s outside of the United States for some Americans.
And I’m not talking about those people who don’t know that Hawaii is part of the United States. Sigh. I’m not talking to those people, either.
The diversity of landscapes in Hawaii is unlike anywhere else.
The level of diversity in Hawaii in terms of its landscapes is often unexpected for first-time visitors.
You may picture beaches and palm trees, and Hawaii has plenty of that to offer.
There’s so much more that the Hawaiian islands have to offer for the intrepid traveler. Some of the best things in Hawaii are a little harder to reach. It’s one of the cool things about Hawaii.
The Big Island’s lava fields at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are one of the most popular attractions in the world, let alone the Hawaiian islands.
Note: If you’ve been to Arizona’s Grand Canyon and didn’t think it was overrated — I know someone who refers to it as a “big hole,” which continues to blow my mind — Kauai’s Waimea Canyon is referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It’s also not overrated, but I guess it depends who you ask.
The Nā Pali Coast on Kauai is, I’ll risk the cliché, breathtaking.
So yes, do spend time on the beaches. They’re world famous for a reason.
Take some time to drive away from the resort, though. Go inland, or visit the opposite coast.
You’ll regret not doing more exploring if all you do is read the latest John Grisham novel under a beach umbrella. Well, maybe you won’t. I don’t know you. That also sounds kinda great, but just not for the whole time.
It’s a top honeymoon destination for a reason.
A visit to Hawaii consistently ranks on annual lists of top honeymoon destinations, particularly for people from North America.
That happens for a reason.
Hawaii just gives off a romantic vibe, from your very first lei to the beach sunset on your last night there.
It’s ideal for honeymooners looking for a bit of rest and relaxation, with world-renowned beaches, opportunities for couples spa time, and so many options for trying delicious food, from casual take-out spots to luxury tasting menus.
It’s also ideal for adventurous couples looking to get their blood pumping on hikes, cliff-diving, or any manner of water sports on whichever island you choose.
Hawaiian food was made for foodies.
Hawaiian food is one of my favorite Hawaiian things.
You’ll find some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste on the islands, and some of the best sushi this side of Japan. Don’t sleep on the delicious home cooking, though.
It’s the pork and how they mix the sweet and the savory in their best dishes, and yes, it’s even about the Spam. It’s food trucks and heaping platters of shrimp and that fresh fruit I was talking about.
If you’re on a budget, hit the grocery store a few times during your trip and take advantage of the local wares.
The food on the islands is eclectic and delicious, and enough to make someone want to go visit Hawaii again and again.
You can island hop on the regular.
If you’re there for longer or of the restless sort, it’s easy to island-hop from one island to the next. If you’re on Maui, you can easily take a day trip to Molokai or Lanai on the two passenger ferries that offer that option.
Otherwise, short flights are available from island to island, typically with quick stops on Oahu.
As each island is unique, you’ll have a different experience as soon as you step foot on a different island. It’s also just fine to spend your trip focused on one of the Hawaiian islands. It’s your Hawaii trip to make what you want of it.
Hawaiian culture is so welcoming.
There are people out there who tend to take advantage of the kindness of Hawaiians, but it’s a key component of what makes the Hawaiian islands so special.
The Hawaiian culture is just welcoming to visitors.
Yes, tourism dollars matter on the islands. It’s a huge piece of economy. It doesn’t feel like that’s why Hawaii embraces you in that warm hug as soon as you arrive, though.
It’s a part of the culture.
The values on the islands are based on compassion for others, humility, and a respect for nature and your surroundings. We could all use some more of that in daily life these days.
You just get a feeling you won’t anywhere else.
It’s hard to describe what it’s like to visit Hawaii for the first time unless you’ve done it.
Why is Hawaii so special? Hawaii is special for what some call the “Aloha spirit.” It’s the general vibe amongst the people you’ll encounter.
Everyone is so positive, despite the traffic jams in Honolulu, and that positivity is spread from person to person.
It’s about a connectedness to yourself, what drives happiness for you, and a connectedness to the world around you.
That sounds pretty great, right?
This one speaks to me the most. We’ve been to a lot of places that boast beautiful beaches, even the topless variety that may be more up Brian’s alley. We’ve been to a lot of places that offer opportunities for scenic vistas and fun adventures.
There’s just that something about Hawaii that’s more than the flight deals we’ve been seeing lately. (That certainly helps, though.) It’s that Aloha spirit. It’s contagious.
What’s your reason for returning to Hawaii, again and again? Did I miss any of the top reasons for why you should visit Hawaii? Let me know in the comments!
Ready to Go to Hawaii?
Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. school breaks), you should use Skyscanner. It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.
Deals to Hawaii are getting easier to come by, what with new routes being added to and from the islands. Another strategy is following the major airlines that fly there, like Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Hawaiian Airlines, to catch good deals that may come up for your city.
Your Accommodations: We primarily use Booking.com for our trips for the cheapest rates. They have a good range of lodging options from city centers to the middle of nowhere. The more stays you book with them, the more you’ll get back, too.
For comparison’s sake, I usually cross-check with Hotels.com to see whether I’m getting the best deal, as they also have a great loyalty program or, specific to Hawaii, Vrbo.
Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld. Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.
Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel and travel tips, visit my Travel Tools page.
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