The Sydney Morning Herald logo
Advertisement

Hawaii

Destination guide

Hawaii

View guide
Aereal photo of Waikiki beach with view of Diamond Head mountain in the distance. iStock image for Traveller. Re-use permitted.
Kilauea erupts.

The jaw-dropping national park where lava erupts into the sky

Covering more than 1300 square kilometres, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a surreal, ever-changing landscape.

  • Angela Saurine
Extra Comfort seats have more than 12 centimetres of additional legroom.

For an overnight flight, a $175 upgrade is well worth it

An extra 12 centimetres of legroom, coupled with the fact that the seat next to me is empty, gives me plenty of room to stretch out.

  • Angela Saurine
Nihi Sumba in Indonesia stables native horses.

The world’s 10 best places to relax and rejuvenate in 2025

Go on an inner journey to these locations lauded for restfulness, harmony and peace.

  • Traveller Team
Entertainment selections are good, but the free and fast Wi-Fi is a revelation.

One aspect of this economy flight was a revelation

The food is fine, the entertainment and cabin service solid, but one part of the flight was outstanding … thanks to Elon Musk.

  • Alex Mitcheson
The dormant volcano Le’ahi or Diamond Head next to downtown Honolulu.

As a first-time visitor to Hawaii, one thing surprised me most

Blame The Brady Bunch. I’d always imagined Hawaii as “America in the Pacific”, but I was totally wrong.

  • Kate Armstrong
Advertisement
Waikiki beach in Honolulu, Oahu island.

Cheap eats are (thankfully) delicious in this wallet-draining paradise

Dining out in Honolulu doesn’t need to be a pricey affair. You can eat delicious local and Hawaiian cuisines without it taking a huge bite out of your wallet.

  • Kate Armstrong
Business class on a Qantas Airbus A330.

Qantas’ new route to Pacific paradise a winner (but Jetstar pulls out)

Despite the four-hour time lag, with a restful sleep on this overnight flight you can hit the beach running.

  • Kate Armstrong
To avoid the crowds on Honolulu, head to the North Shore.

Your questions: Where should we go to avoid the crowds of Honolulu?

Just one hour north of Waikiki you’ll find the chilled side of Oahu, popular with surfers and visitors looking for a less frantic version of Hawaii.

  • Michael Gebicki

Hawaii’s best places to eat and drink

Visitors used to come to Hawaii for the beautiful beaches, not the food. Now, the culinary scene is booming.

  • Kristie Kellahan
Sunrise over the pool at Halekulani resort.

The best places to stay in Hawaii

Most visitors stay close to the action in Waikiki resorts, while some venture to Oahu's quieter North Shore or neighbouring islands of Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.

  • Kristie Kellahan