Language: Hawaiian    |    Currency: Dollars ($)    |    Local time: UTC   |    Avg. Flight time: 22 hrs

Holidays in Oahu

Synonymous with sun and fun, Oahu is by far the most popular island for holidaymakers. Many luxury all-inclusive resorts line the Waikiki beach, on the south coast of the island.

A few miles away, the state capital Honolulu has a dynamic nightlife, world-class restaurants and a thriving arts community. If you’re interested in US history, an essential place to visit is to Pearl Harbour – standing above the wreckage of the battleship USS Arizona is a sobering experience.  

Best of the rest

On the Big Island you’ll find Volcanoes National Park, home to one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. There’s also Maui, a quaint and serene patchwork of charming towns, artist communities and timeworn mom-and-pop shops.

A holiday to Kauai is sensational, as the island is resplendent with waterfalls, rivers, canyons and forests. The best part is that an all-inclusive holiday package to Kauai is cheaper than you might think, particularly if you book in advance or get a last-minute deal. 

Hawaiian hospitality

The islanders are immensely proud of their traditions, from luau dances alongside a roaring beach fire to authentic regional foods like poi and malasada.

 If you’re hoping to swim with migrating humpback whales or tour a pineapple farm, the islanders will be eager to share holiday tips or help point you in the right direction.

When to go

Considering its physical location in the Polynesian Pacific, Hawaii has a tendency to get hot and stay hot, and it also rains a fair amount throughout the year. However, there really isn’t a bad time to visit due to the state’s small temperature fluctuation from 29C in the summer to 24C in the winter.

Spring and autumn, especially April and May or September to October, are the low seasons, with plenty of cheap package deals available – as such, these are the best months for travellers with a tight budget. 

Summer vacationers flock to Hawaii from June through to August, resulting in drastically increased hotel prices. The islands are also popular getaways during the winter months for travellers looking to escape colder climates. 

Events for your diary

Located on Kauai’s South Shore, Koloa Plantation Days celebrate Hawaii’s many ethnic groups that travelled to the islands in pursuit of work at the sugar plantations, and the thriving culture that resulted from it. Music, costumes, food and dancing abound.

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival in November is the oldest food festival in the state, celebrating the culture, rituals and flavours of the local bean. The 10-day event showcases the harvest with music, dancing, food tastings, cultural demonstrations and of course, plenty of coffee!

Honolulu Festival is Hawaii’s main cultural event, highlighting the social, economic and ethnic connections between the people of Hawaii and those of the Pacific Rim. Expect traditional art demonstrations, a parade and numerous activities throughout downtown Honolulu.

Tour companies and airlines may offer cheap holiday package deals during these festivals, so it is worth checking on a regular basis for a bargain.