Millions of tourists search for cheap flights to Hawaii each year. The 2,500km-long archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, tourist cliches aside, has something for everyone - surfers, divers, happy honeymooners, families with small children.
There are six main islands: Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Oahu and Kauai. For first-time visitors to Hawaii or if time is short, Oahu may be the best island. It's the most populous island, Honolulu is the state capital, but it offers the rainforests and hiking trails and city life. Waikiki Beach is very popular with those who like to catch the rays, while the north shore is very popular with surfers who like to catch the waves.
Hawaii (the Big Island) is bigger than all of the other islands combined, and, it has 11 of the world's 13 climactic zones. The snowcapped mountains and active, bubbling volcanoes give way to soft, sandy beaches.
Maui is the second-largest island. The beaches are considered by many to be among the best in the world, and between December and April, it's a popular destination for whale watching.
Kauai is the most northern island. From the Coconut Coast's soft, golden-sand beaches to the Waimea Canyon (the Pacific's Grand Canyon) it's a wonderful destination for adventure travellers.
Molokai and Lanai are idyllic islands, where you can pretend you are the only holidaymaker in the world.
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The average temperature hovers between 22 and 30 degrees year-round. April to November is warmer and drier than November-March, but this is when the wave swells are higher, which suits surfers. The wettest spot is Mt. Waialeale, on Kauai; it gets 1234cm of rain per year. Puako gets the least rain, about 23cm. The trade winds ensure that temperatures are comfortable year-round. Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30.
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Peak Season:
Mid-December to mid-April, July-August and December (until just after Christmas) are the high season times on Hawaii's islands.
Off Season:
Hawaii doesn't really do low season. It's a hugely popular destination year-round. However, May, September, October, November (until the middle of the month) and early December (until about the 18th) are months when demand is slightly lower and you may pick up some discounted flights and accommodation.
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Several airlines offer inter-island flights including go! Airlines (website: www.iflygo.com), Hawaiian Airlines (website: www.hawaiianair.com) and Island Air (website: www.islandair.com). Once on an island, renting a car will offer greatest independence and allow you to get off the beaten track.
Oahu: Cars, mopeds and motorbikes are available to hire. Taxi stands are located at most shopping centres. The public transport system is called The Bus, a reliable and cheap way of getting around. The Waikiki Trolley runs around Waikiki. There are four lines and more than 30 stops, including all the historic sites.
Hawaii: Shuttle, tour bus, and taxi are the most popular ways to get around. The Hele-On Bus runs between Kona and Hilo.
Kauai: The Kauai Bus serves the island.
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- Lydgate Beach Park, south of the Wailua River in Kapa'a, is a quieter spot than the fave Po'ipu Beach Park. Snorkelling is safe; there are rock-encircled ponds to discover and there are pavilions for barbecuing and picknicking. Showers and restrooms round out a perfectly equipped beach.
- Shangri La in Honolulu is the former residence of fabulously wealthy socialite Doris Duke who, over her life, assembled a fascinating collection of Islamic art . The modernist-style building, built in 1937, is open to small groups of visitors to tour. Book tours several months in advance.
- The best dive sites: Off the west coast of Maui - Molokini, Black Rock and Five Caves. Kauai - Ni'ihau. Molokai - south side. The south side of Molokai is the longest barrier reef in Hawaii. Divers will get up close and personal with Cusk eel larva, Blenny larva, Lobate comb jellyfish, Pyrosome and Venus's Girdle.
- Hanauma Bay, east of Waikiki, is an excellent snorkelling spot.
- The Fish Market in Kilauea has the best fresh fish on the island. Locals flock here as well as tourists. The Ahi wraps are highly recommended.
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Oahu:
Honolulu International Airport (HNL) (website: www.state.hi.us) The airport is located on Oahu Island about 10km west of downtown Honolulu and 15km west of Waikiki Beach.
Big Island:
Kona International Airport (KOA) (website: hawaii.gov)
Hilo International Airport (ITO) (website: hawaii.gov)
Kauai:
Lihue Airport (LIH) (website: hawaii.gov)
Port Allen Airport (PAK) (website: hawaii.gov)
Maui:
Kahului Airport (OGG) (website: hawaii.gov)
Hana Airport (HNM) (website: hawaii.gov)
Kapalua Airport (JHM) (website: hawaii.gov)
Molokai:
Kalaupapa Airport (LUP) (website: hawaii.gov)
Molokai Airport (MKK) (website: hawaii.gov)
Lanai:
Lanai Airport (LNY) (website: hawaii.gov)
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No visa is required for Australians or New Zealanders as both countries are on the waiver list. The air ticket should be return, non-refundable and for a stay of three months or less.
Australians and New Zealanders will need to obtain an ESTA, electronic travel authorisation, in advance of travel.
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Passports should be machine-readable and be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure.
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