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Island of Hawai‘i

Island of hawai‘i destination management action plan.

The foundation of the Hawai‘i Island Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) is based on  HTA’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025  and the  Hawai‘i Island Tourism Strategic Plan 2020-2025 . The action plan will be used for the recovery and rebuilding of tourism. The County of Hawai‘i developed four cohorts, or action-specific working groups, which represent the four goals of its Tourism Strategic Plan to assist in the development of actions. A steering committee representing members of the community, visitor industry and other sectors were each part of one of the cohorts.  The Steering Committee developed the final proposed DMAP actions and will support the implementation of the DMAP. HTA and county tourism officials reviewed the committee’s proposed action items to determine if they are executable and within HTA and the county’s mandates. The draft DMAP was approved by the HTA Board of Directors in February 2021.  Click here   or the cover image below to view the plan.

About Island of Hawai‘i

The island of Hawai‘i is the youngest and largest in the Hawaiian chain .   Home to all but four of the world’s sub-climate zones, Hawai‘i Island features five national parks, sites and trails, as well as diverse geological features, including the lush valleys of the Hilo and Hamakua Coasts. In 2019, Hawai‘i Island had an estimated population of 202,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Tourism is one of Hawai‘i Island’s main industries. In 2019, 1.77 million visitors spent a total of $2.3 billion on Hawai‘i Island. There were approximately 35,556 visitors on any given day. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has significantly impacted the visitor industry. As of December 2020, Hawai‘i Island was down 72.1% in visitor arrivals and down 59.2% (Kona) and 81.3% (Hilo) in air seats when compared to the same time a year ago. Hawai‘i County lost 10,900 jobs or -15.6% of non-agriculture wage and salary jobs in the third quarter of 2020 alone, with accommodations jobs decreasing the most at 4,000 jobs or -69.0%. This was followed by food services and drinking places, which lost 1,500 jobs or -21.7%

Steering Committee

Members of the community, visitor industry, and other sectors to help identify actions.

View the Members

Planning Process

The foundational documents and process in the creation of the Destination Management Action Plan.

More About the Plan

Follow Our Progress

A status of the implementation of the Destination Management Action Plan.

Read the Latest

Aloha, welcome to hawaii.gov The official website of the Aloha State

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• 9/28/24 – EROSION IMPACTS ON OʻAHU’S NORTH SHORE Saturday, September 28, 2024 05:32 PM from Department of Land and Natural Resources (HONOLULU) – The DLNR and City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) are notifying neighborhood homeowners and the community of the potential risk to property, health...
• HIEMA OCTOBER MONTHLY WARNING SIREN TEST Friday, September 27, 2024 03:54 PM from Office of the Governor DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE KA ʻOIHANA PILI KAUA   HAWAI‘I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY KEʻENA HOʻOMALU PŌULIA O HAWAIʻI     JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR KE KIAʻĀINA MAJOR GENERAL KENNETH S. HARA...
• Full closure of Kāne‘ohe Bay Drive beginning Monday, Sept. 30 Friday, September 27, 2024 03:13 PM from Department of Transportation HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) notifies drivers that paving work in Kāne‘ohe continues with Kāne‘ohe Bay Drive townbound, Monday, Sept. 30.   Crews will be working between...
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Hawaii Travel Guide

Hawaii travel advice, things to do, accommodations, tours, and activities, aloha - e komo mai, welcome to hawaiiguide.

Hawaii is a land of great  diversity , beauty, and many contradictions. The permeating spirit of Aloha , the rich culture of the people, and the sacred and historical traditions passed down for generations continue to define these isolated islands. Mother Nature pulled out all the stops when forming this incredible place. 

From lush rainforests to barren deserts , Hawaii is as eclectic a place as you'll ever visit. A favorite getaway for people worldwide, Hawai'i has become famous for its miles of beaches , erupting volcanoes , lush rainforests , exquisite food , and exotic flora and fauna .

Hand-Selected Hawaii Tours & Activities

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, you’re in for an unforgettable treat. We can honestly say that, even after almost 25 years of visiting! Hawaii is a paradise for travelers worldwide with its white sand beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, there’s something for everyone.

One of the best ways to experience the islands is by taking one of the many  Hawaii tours, excursions, and activities  available. These activities can range from adventurous hikes and zipline tours to dolphin and whale watching.

Explore Hawaii Tours

Complimentary Hawaii Concierge

Tell us about your interests, and our personalized concierge will recommend the best hotels or resorts, tours and activities tailored just for you .

Instead of sifting through countless options (there are over 2,000+ Hawaii tours to choose from, and over 200+ unique lodgings), let our intelligent concierge chatbot guide you to the perfect experiences on each island, focusing  only on what you want .

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Makua ‘Tunnels’ Beach on the North Shore of Kauai

At HawaiiGuide.com , we understand that planning a trip to Hawaii can seem a bit overwhelming. From which island to visit , when to travel , what tours and activities to try, what to pack , where to visit, and what to expect once you get there- it can all make your head spin!

That's why we've assembled this website and organized it accordingly; to help make your Hawaiian vacation seamless - from start to finish . If you're just getting started, we recommend you begin your journey here .

Explore the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai | Oahu | Molokai | Lanai | Maui | Big Island

FREE Hawaii Summary Guidesheets

Updated with a new summary map for  each Hawaii Island  + estimated driving times from popular starting points.

Includes the top  must-see & do  attractions,  best times to visit ,  where to stay  briefing,  airport detail , a monthly  weather summary , and where to find the most  noteworthy local ono 'grindz'  (best eats) on each respective Hawaiian Island.

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John & Victoria Derrick - Editors

About Hawaii-Guide

Our team & website.

Hawaii-Guide.com (HawaiiGuide.com) was developed by John & Victoria Derrick, two certified Hawaii destination experts , to provide Hawaii visitors with everything they’ll need to create the perfect Hawaii trip. Each year, we currently help as many as  15 million travelers  with planning their ideal Hawaii trip(s). Since 2002, our Hawaii website has assisted tens of millions of additional visitors in the process of planning and booking the Hawaiian vacation of their dreams. For 20 years now, this website, and our team have been dedicated to being the  one-stop resource for all things Hawaii . We'd genuinely love to be your virtual guide to the islands of Hawaii; Plan, Book, Pack, and Go with Hawaii Guide! Now, more than ever, we believe in the promotion of  responsible travel and sustainable/regenerative tourism . Be a pono traveler and malama Hawaii !

Kilauea Eruption on the Big Island

DISCOVER THINGS TO DO

Hawaii sights, beaches, hikes, and more....

Plumeria - Hawaii's most popular lei flower

EXPLORE HAWAII

Which island & when to visit.

What is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?

When is the best time of year to travel to hawaii.

Ultimately, in our honest opinion - there isn't an inopportune time to go to Hawaii. Visiting Hawaii is a dream come true for many visitors, and who can blame them? The weather is  fantastic  nearly year-round, there's  something to do  for  everyone , and the food is  phenomenal  (try laulau, trust us!).

In this article, we'll tackle a number of important topics to help you decide when to visit, including monthly Hawaii Hotel & Airline Rates, the Best Time for FAQ (Whalewatching, Hiking, Getting Married, etc.), Weather through the year, and we even have a quiz to help select your top four months!

Best time to visit?

Take the Quiz »

Which Hawaii Island should you visit?

Take our quiz to find the best hawaiian island for you....

Like many visitors to Hawaii, you're probably wondering  which Hawaii island to visit  and thinking about which one would be best for you and your travel party. Unlike many destinations, Hawaii is not really one destination - but six unique, eclectic, and diverse island destinations that all happen to be within the same state.

The islands are very diverse, and each one has its own unique offerings, making choosing an island rather difficult, especially for first-time visitors. And once you've started visiting the islands, coming back to a different island can often feel like a totally different place with a whole new set of experiences, sights, and attractions. Like us, we’re sure you’ll soon have a personal favorite. But until you know from experience, take our handy ' Which Island to visit Quiz ' to determine your best match.

Which Island?

Endemic Iiwi - Native Hawaiian Honeycreeper

Nene - Hawaiian State Goose

Brazilian Cardinal on the Big Island of Hawaii

Moa - Red Jungle Fowl (a.k.a. Kauai Chicken)

Things To Do On Each Island

Maui - The Valley Island

Travel guide to maui.

Maui has been a favorite tourist destination for decades because it represents the quintessential tropical getaway . With its beautiful coastal views, eclectic volcanoes, wildlife sanctuaries nearby, and a vast majority of the island left wild and free from rampant development; there are countless things to do in Maui that will leave you authentically charmed!

With its resorts along the coastline, picturesque beaches, majestic palm trees, and rich agriculture, it's no wonder that people from all over the world flock to this verdant island to get a taste of what Hawaii is really all about.

Maui is the second-largest landmass in the Hawaiian island chain, at approximately 727 square miles, and the second-most visited island in Hawaii. In our opinion, it makes for a great choice for those who are first-time visitors.

Explore Maui »

Maui Attractions »

Oahu - The Gathering Place

Travel guide to oahu.

Known as the "Gathering Place," Oahu is Hawaii's most populous island; and many believe it the perfect representation of paradise. Oahu is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and the world-famous Waikiki Beach. These areas host thousands of tourists daily. To say Oahu is brimming with amazing things to see and points of interest is a massive understatement. Nearly anywhere you go on Oahu, you're bound to find something fascinating.

Oahu is the third-largest island in the state of Hawaii, but it is definitely ranked first in population. Nearly a million people share Oahu's 600 square miles of mountains and beaches - that's a full three-quarters of the state's population.  Oahu is also the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands.

Explore Oahu »

Oahu Attractions »

Kauai - The Garden Island

Travel guide to kauai.

Kauai is an island full of splendor, raw beauty, and culture; an island that, like no other, represents the true spirit of aloha. The island really is a true hidden gem of sorts . Over 90% of the island cannot be reached by road. In fact, the most beautiful part of the whole island, the majestic Na Pali Coastline, has no road near it - and most Kauai lovers like it that way. The island, arguably we'll admit, also boasts more coastline filled with amazing beaches than any other island in the chain. If you love verdant scenery, enjoy hiking, and are looking for a more rural Hawaiian vibe, this is the island for you!

Kaua'i is the oldest of all the main Hawaiian Islands, dating back some 5.1 million years. The island is nearly circular in shape with a land area encompassing 533 square miles. Kauai is both the fourth-largest island in the Hawaiian chain and is the fourth most visited island in Hawaii.

Explore Kauai »

Kauai Attractions »

Hawaii - The Big Island

Travel guide to hawaii island.

The Big Island of Hawaii seems determined to break the norm; the stereotype of the average tropical island, that is. Here you'll find the ongoing battle between green forests, black lava fields, the ocean, and the rain almost incomprehensible; the  diversity  is simply stunning . On the Big Island, it's always best to expect the unexpected. Even the beaches don't follow the rules here. It's almost easier to find a black sand beach than a white one, and if you're adventurous enough, you can even sink your toes into one of the world's few green sand beaches.

The Big Island of Hawaii is the third most popular Hawaiian island among visitors and is, of course, the largest island in the state. The landmass of the Big Island is approximately the same size as the state of Connecticut, about 4,050 sq. miles, and still growing regularly thanks to Kilauea Volcano on the eastern coast of the island.

Explore Big Island »

Big I Attractions »

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HAWAII TRAVEL RESOURCES

Information for all hawaii visitors.

Near Kalalau Lookout on Kauai

Visiting Hawaii

Upcoming months of travel.

We think it is safe to say that any month of the year you will not be disappointed when you visit the Hawaiian islands. Here's an overview of what to expect in the coming months. Not sure when to visit? Read about the  Best Month to Visit , where we present an overview of each month OR take the quiz on our Best Time to Visit Hawaii page.

Gecko - common on all the main Hawaiian Islands

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First time visitors’ guide to Hawaii

So, you’ve decided to book a Hawaii vacation. That’s exciting! Now you’re wondering where to start your travel planning. Well, you’ve found the right spot for tried-and-true advice to begin planning your perfect Hawaii vacation. By using this first time visitors’ guide, you’ll take the stress out of planning your first Hawaii vacation.

Before we dive into the good stuff, it’s a good idea to briefly let you know a little about us. At Go Visit Hawaii, we completely understand all the challenges of planning a Hawaii vacation, because we are travelers to Hawaii just like you. We fell in love with Hawaii in 2003 and have visited Hawaii dozens of times since then. Through our many trips we’ve become expert Hawaii travelers. We’ve even been referenced by USA Today and other prominent media outlets for our Hawaii expertise several times.

We’re not travel agents and we’re not trying to sneakily sell you anything. We write the very same unbiased advice at Go Visit Hawaii that we would give to our closest friends and family!

We’ve organized this guide based on the stages of planning — from “Help! I have no idea where to start,” to “I’m ready to pack my bags for Hawaii!”

Advice for choosing when, where and how much money to budget:

The first articles you should read are:

– How to pick the best Hawaiian Island(s) for your vacation . This article provides lots of resources to help you find the Hawaiian island(s) that best fits what you’re looking for in a Hawaii vacation. (Pssst: If you have a difficult time choosing, just go to Maui. Of all the Hawaiian Islands, Maui seems to always win more awards from the travel magazines and surveys. It’s a crowd pleaser.)

– Determine how many islands you will visit – When time is limited, you need to make the most of your stay. In our “how many islands” article we provide advice on how many islands you should consider visiting based on your available vacation days.

– Best time to visit Hawaii – Anytime is a good time to visit Hawaii, but some months are better than others for sunny weather, cheaper prices and low crowds. In this article, you’ll be able to quickly pick the ideal time to go to Hawaii that fits into your vacation schedule.

– How much money do you need to budget for a Hawaii vacation?  How much will a trip to Hawaii cost you? This article will help you quickly calculate your own budget for traveling to Hawaii.

Advice for choosing the best flights to and around Hawaii:

We’ve got three great articles to help you get to and around Hawaii with ease.

– How to choose the best airport for your Hawaii destination  – Most of Hawaii’s islands have more than one airport. This guide gives you advice on how to choose the best airport for your flights based on your island destination.

– Strategies for finding the lowest airfare to Hawaii — This article provides advice on how to find the best Hawaii flight cost and options for you.

– Guide to Hawaii inter-island travel — This article helps you to easily navigate how to island hop in Hawaii.

Advice for choosing where to stay, dine and play:

After you’ve gone through the process of picking the Hawaiian island(s) for your vacation, where do you stay, what do you need to know and how will you get the most out of your vacation? The following pages should help you answer those important questions.

Our island guides are designed to be a great starting point to help you plan where to stay, what to do and where to dine. Follow these links to each individual Hawaiian island guides:

– Oahu vacation guide

– Maui vacation guide

– Kauai vacation guide

– Hawaii, the Big Island vacation guide

Need a Hawaii vacation itinerary that includes all the must-see and do attractions and activities? See our page with what we believe are the very best Hawaii vacation itineraries .

Regarding selecting your accommodations, see our article: How to choose the best Hawaii hotel, condo or villa .

We love helping readers stretch their Hawaii vacation budget to get the most out of their stay. Here’s our popular series of Hawaii vacation money saving articles:

–  How to save money on your Hawaii accommodation

– How to save money on tours and activities

– How to save money on dining in Hawaii

– How to save money on a Hawaii rental car

Things to know before you go to Hawaii:

– What to pack for a Hawaii vacation  — With this packing checklist, you’ll be prepared for all the fun and adventures you’ll enjoy in Hawaii.

– How to be comfortable on the long flight(s) to Hawaii .

– Hawaii vacation safety tips

– Hawaii weather — This page provides information on weather patterns as well as the upcoming Hawaii weather forecast. On the topic of weather, lots of people have questions and concerns about rain, be sure and read these FAQs about rain on your Hawaii vacation .

– Hawaii vacation etiquette  — This article covers all you need to know for being a polite first-time visitor to Hawaii.

– Most surprising things about visiting Hawaii — This article helps you to be prepared for what you may encounter as a first time Hawaii visitor.

– Hawaiian words to know for your vacation

We hope this guide to your first time visiting Hawaii will be useful. We’ve written over 3,000 articles here at Go Visit Hawaii, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for, use the search box at the top of the page.

Sign up for our free email newsletters that are issued two to three times per week to keep up to date with Hawaii deals, travel news and tips. Use this link to enter your email address.

• First Time to Hawaii
• General Hawaii
• Tips & Tricks
• 3 minute read

When is the worst time to visit Hawaii on vacation?

• September 18, 2019

Do you plan Hawaii vacation activities before your trip or just book them when you get there?

• March 26, 2024

Advice for driving and parking in Waikiki Beach

• September 2, 2023

• 5 minute read

How many islands should you visit during your Hawaii vacation?

• March 27, 2024

Get to know this special place we call home. Explore our Official Hawaiʻi Statewide Visitors' Guide.

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