When Waikiki bartender Harry Yee created the Tropical Itch in 1957, he likely didn’t foresee how enduring his bright, drinkable invention would become. Decades later, travelers to Hawaii still reach for this colorful cocktail as part of their island experience.
Hawaii has a subtle way of getting under your skin: a warm feeling in the chest, a lift in the mood and an appetite for more discoveries. At times you’ll want to explore every corner of the islands; at others, you’ll simply surrender to the bliss of sun, sand and surf.
Beyond classic beach pleasures, Hawaii’s aloha spirit, layered history and wide variety of activities draw visitors year-round. Cultural festivals, international sporting events and food-focused gatherings provide a steady calendar of reasons to return.
Surf fans flock to Oahu each winter for the Vans Triple Crown, while marathoners find races on Maui and Oahu and, more recently, Kauai. The NFL Pro Bowl takes place on Oahu in February. Golfers can pick from more than 80 courses set amid dramatic island scenery, many designed by or associated with legends of the game.
Food lovers will find festivals that celebrate local produce and island specialties: Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, the Maui Onion Festival, Oahu’s Seafood Festival, A Taste of Kauai, and the quirky Waikiki Spam Jam, which honors the canned meat that became a Hawaiian staple. Hawaii’s cultural diversity—shaped by generations of immigrants drawn to the sugar and pineapple industries—also means ethnic festivals and culinary events throughout the year.
Hawaii honors its past while embracing a vibrant present, and its future appears as promising as its shores are beautiful.
Energetic Oahu
Oahu blends many island flavors into one: urban sophistication and modern dining in Honolulu; nostalgic towns, lush rainforests and world-class waves along other shores. Waikiki’s recent revitalization combines pedestrian-friendly plazas and contemporary amenities with long-standing island icons.
The Waikiki Beach Walk redevelopment transformed a tired area into a lively entertainment district with shops, restaurants and renewed hotels. Similarly, the Royal Hawaiian Center’s expansion created one of Waikiki’s larger green gathering spaces, now hosting performances and free cultural classes that enliven the community.
Hotels across Waikiki are refreshing rooms, spas and public spaces. Historic properties like the Royal Hawaiian have undergone careful restoration, while other major resorts and spas have reopened with updated facilities and expanded services.
Downtown Honolulu also enjoys renewed energy, with museums, galleries, eclectic eateries and Chinatown’s bustling market scene enhancing the city’s cultural mix.
Outside Waikiki, Oahu’s North and Windward shores present more local-style experiences. Options range from upscale resorts like Turtle Bay and JW Marriott Ihilani at Ko Olina to adventure activities: shark-viewing excursions, surf lessons from local masters, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, kayaking to the Mokulua Islands, dolphin-sightseeing sails and ATV tours through scenic ranchlands.
One memorable Windward Coast day might include stopping at a shrimp truck in Punaluu, enjoying shave ice in Haleiwa and taking a soaring flight from Dillingham Field to appreciate Oahu’s remote northwestern coastline from above.
The Magic of Maui
Maui’s mix of 81 beaches, diverse landscapes and approachable island pace earns the local motto, “Maui No Ka Oi” — “Maui is the best.” The island offers everything from casual beach days to five-star luxury resorts concentrated on the finest shoreline stretches, including Kapalua, Wailea, Makena and Kaanapali.
Resorts here continually refresh and expand their offerings; new phases of large properties and boutique openings keep the island’s hospitality scene evolving.
Adventure on Maui can be dramatic: sunrise at Haleakala’s 10,000-foot summit, windsurfing displays at Hookipa, scenic drives along the Hana Highway, diving Molokini Crater, and excursions to neighboring islands for marine adventures. Upcountry agritourism attractions—like Surfing Goat Dairy, Ulupalakua vineyards and Alii Kula Lavender Farm—offer a different taste of island life, while food tours and celebrated restaurants showcase local and international flavors.
Winter is whale season, when thousands of humpbacks gather in Hawaiian waters and many whale-watching tours depart from Lahaina and Maalaea. For adrenaline seekers, options include sailing canoe adventures, canyon zipline tours, snorkeling, and high-adrenaline drives. For quieter experiences, see theatrical storytelling at Ulalena or visit the Maui Ocean Center to learn about marine life without getting wet.
Kauai’s Timeless Intrigue
Kauai, the oldest island in the chain, remains a lush, dramatic landscape that has long attracted filmmakers and travelers drawn to nature’s scale and beauty. From the vivid cliffs of Waimea Canyon to the vast, secluded sands of Polihale, Kauai presents a succession of stunning vistas.
The island’s character varies by region: the refined, scenic North Shore around Princeville contrasts with sun-drenched Poipu in the south, while the quieter West Side and the areas around Lihue offer a glimpse of local life and less-crowded beaches.
Recent and upcoming resort openings and renovations add to Kauai’s accommodation choices, ranging from boutique hotels to expanded villa offerings and elevated luxury brands returning to the island.
For outdoor explorers, the Napali Coast and the Kalalau Trail remain highlights. Those unable to hike the rugged 11-mile route can experience the coastline by boat, viewing towering sea cliffs, waterfalls and sea caves while enjoying dolphin sightings.
Alternative experiences include helicopter tours for aerial perspective, zip-line adventures under moonlight, plantation railway rides that highlight agricultural history, guided river kayaking, and visits to boutique farms and chocolate plantations that reveal Kauai’s culinary roots.
An offbeat but rewarding choice is drifting through plantation-era irrigation tunnels and waterways on inner tubes with Kauai Backcountry Adventures, a relaxed way to experience the island’s interior.
DINING
GAYLORD’S AT KILOHANA
Overlooking manicured lawns of a 1930s plantation estate, Gaylord’s at Kilohana offers a refined, welcoming setting and dishes such as fire-grilled ahi and signature baby back ribs. The seafood platter combines tiger prawns, scallops, local fish and lobster with a passionfruit butter sauce.
HOKU’S
Located near Diamond Head in the Kahala neighborhood, Hoku’s serves inventive fusion cuisine blending Hawaiian, Asian and European influences. With ocean views and an open kitchen, menu highlights have included smoked Tasmanian salmon, lavender-olive-crusted lamb and butter-poached lobster.
MAMA’S FISH HOUSE
Set in an oceanfront coconut grove, Mama’s Fish House emphasizes fresh, locally caught seafood with a menu that changes daily to reflect the day’s catch. The intimate setting and multi-ethnic flavors make it a memorable dining destination on Maui.
LODGING
GRAND HYATT KAUAI RESORT & SPA
Set on oceanfront acres in Poipu, the Grand Hyatt Kauai blends plantation-style elegance with resort amenities including multiple restaurants, an expanded spa, family programs and a water playground featuring a lagoon, Jacuzzi and a waterslide.
MAUI PRINCE HOTEL, MAKENA
Located on a white-sand stretch beneath Haleakala, the Maui Prince offers garden-front rooms, ocean views and an Asian-inspired meditation garden. The property provides easy access to nearby golf courses and beach activities.
TURTLE BAY RESORT
Perched on an undeveloped five-mile shoreline on Oahu’s North Shore, Turtle Bay combines guestrooms, cottages and ocean villas with activities such as horseback riding, hiking, golf, surf lessons, spa services and distinctive dining options. Beach bungalows provide extra privacy for those seeking a quieter stay.
INFO TO GO
Major airlines serve Honolulu International Airport (HNL), Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui, and Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai. Inter-island service is provided by regional carriers. The Hawaii Superferry has operated inter-island passenger and vehicle service between Oahu and Maui. For planning purposes, consult official state tourism resources and airline schedules.