Hawaii & US Pacific Islands

The Hawaiian Islands plus US Pacific territories such as Guam, the Northern Marianas and American Samoa, with volcanic coasts, coral beaches and island culture, open year-round.

In this plan, this region is split off from the census Pacific division and includes the state of Hawaiʻi, along with Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa and the US Minor Outlying Islands (the latter mostly uninhabited islands or restricted protected areas that ordinary visitors cannot reach). Hawaiʻi is the core. On Oʻahu, Honolulu and Waikīkī Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and North Shore surfing are the best known; Maui has sunrise at Haleakalā, the Road to Hāna and whale watching; Kauaʻi, known as the "Garden Isle," has the spectacular Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon; and the Big Island of Hawaiʻi has Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with its active volcano, the Maunakea observatories and the Kona coffee region. In the western Pacific, Guam and Saipan are relatively close to East Asia and focus on beach resorts, duty-free shopping, diving and snorkeling, while Rota and Tinian are quieter; American Samoa preserves traditional Samoan culture, with difficult access and few visitors. A common Hawaiʻi plan is one or two islands over 7–10 days, and first-timers can choose Oʻahu plus Maui, or the Big Island; Guam or Saipan need only 4–5 days. Travel between the Hawaiian islands is by inter-island flights, and renting a car on each island is recommended; for Guam, Saipan and the outlying islands, also check visa and entry policies. Wear sun protection and protect the coral reefs, book some popular trails and sights in advance, and watch surf conditions and rip currents when swimming.

Destinations

Itineraries