History of Hawaii

Hawaii is the most isolated group of the island on earth stretching 1500 miles across the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Here, the tropical islands are one of the youngest geographical formations on the planet. Let’s delve into a brief history of Hawaii from the 1500s-the 1900s:

1500: Polynesians come to Hawaii following the ocean. 

1778: Captain James Cook lands and becomes the first European to uncover the Hawaiian Islands. 

1790: The Battle of Kepaniwai was fought between the islands of Hawaii and Maui.

1795: The battle of Nuuanu happens on the southern shores of Oahu.

1820: Arrival of the first missionaries in Hawaii. 

1820-1845: The capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom was Lahaina.

1835: The ever-first sugar plantation opens on Kauai.

1845: The capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom changes to Honolulu.

1850: A sudden rise in Hawaii’s plantation production calls for labor. For the first time in history, the workers are recruited from China. 

1874: William Charles Lunalilo dies without leaving any heir is the end of the Kamehameha dynasty.

1878: Lydia Kamakaeha, who was later known as Queen Liliuokalani writes 'Aloha 'Oe'.

1881: For the first time in history, King Kalakaua became the first monarch to circumnavigate the globe.

1891: Queen Liliuokalani takes the throne after King David Kalakaua dies.

1893: Queen Liliuokalani is under house arrest at Iolani Palace in Honolulu. 

1898: Hawaii is annexed by the United States.

1900: The Territory of Hawaii was established by The Organic Act. 

1917: Queen Liliuokalani passes away.

1959: Hawaii became the 50th State of the United States of America. 

Things to Do on Hawaii Vacations

Hawaii is a beautiful place for those who are nature lovers and want to explore each and every corner of it. Hawaii has a great vibe in the air to cherish and offers an array of things to do when planning a wonderful vacation to Hawaii Islands and here is the list of the best things to do in Hawaii, by top islands. 

Best Things To Do In Oahu:

Polynesian Cultural Center   

Situated on the North Shore of Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the top attractions in Oahu. This cultural tourism spot showcases Hawaiian culture, arts, and crafts, and of course, the people that attract millions of tourists every year. This theme park in Laie, Hawaii, is a perfect tourist attraction for those who embrace the cultural programs. 

Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour

An Oahu Circle island tour is the best and the easiest way to explore the top destinations, including Hanauma Bay, and the sacred Kualoa Ranch. This tour offers a beautiful view of lush greenery mountains, turquoise blue waters of the Pacific, and the Dole Pineapple Plantation. The tour begins at Diamond Head and ends at Dole Plantation, which is home to the Dole Whip ice cream. A perfect place to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Dolphin Quest Oahu

The top tourist attraction is located in Kahala Hotel and Resort on Oahu. This is one of the best places to experience the thrill of swimming with Dolphins during Hawaii vacations. 

Pearl Harbor Tours

An ideal tour to explore all the top historical places, including the USS Bowfin Submarine Marine, the Battleship Missouri, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum. 

Best Things To Do In Maui

The Sanctuary Of Molokini

Molokini is the best spot to experience excellent water sports, including snorkeling and scuba diving. The boat tour is the only accessible way to get there.

Whale Watching 

The whale-watching tour is entirely for fun! Due to an increase in endangered species, whale watching activity has become a quite popular attraction in Maui. 

Maui Ocean Center

The most popular place situated at Maalaea Harbor Village between Kahului and Lahaina draws visitors' attention every year. This aquarium is designed to allure visitors through indoor and outdoor exhibits in which the Living Reef building is home to thousands of live coral. 

Royal Lahaina Luau

One of the most popular spots to be on when looking forward to experiencing a traditional Hawaiian luau during Hawaii vacations. Situated right on Kaanapali Beach at the Royal Lahaina Resort, this is  Maui’s longest-running Hawaiian luau. 

Best Things To Do In Kauai 

Kauai Down Under Scuba

The best adventure spot to experience the underwater world. Whether it is about exploring endemic species or lava tubes, Kauai Down Under is an ideal place to experience all that Kauai Scuba Diving has to offer. 

Kauai Sea Tours

This tour guides an array of sea adventures, including rafting, snorkeling, and whale watching. An ideal way to enjoy water sports while exploring the calming sea caves, pacifying waterfalls, and beautiful beaches. 

Silver Falls Ranch

It offers the best horseback riding tour, which is an ideal adventure tour for tourists who want to explore the trails of Kauai on horseback. 

Princeville Ranch Adventures 

A perfect adventure to experience horseback, kayak, zipline, suspension bridge, hike, and 4*4 off-road tour. 

Best Things To Do In The Big Island

Paradise Helicopters

Paradise Helicopter Tours offers the best Hawaii sights, which makes it a perfect tour to enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the Big Island.

Hawaii Forest & Trail Tours 

The most wonderful way to explore the isolated and natural beauty around Hawaii vacation, this tour is the best tour to experience the unique and breathtaking views. 

Flumin’ Kohala

This guided kayak tour is perfect for exploring the remote areas and breathtaking landscapes. Most of the tourists visit there to experience the hidden beauty of Hawaii. 

Perfect Time To Visit Hawaii 

What is the best time to visit Hawaiian islands is the primary thing that every tourist wants to know. 

Hawaii is all year-round place and the average temperature fluctuates only by 6 degrees between winters and summers. However, the best month to visit Hawaii is as follows:

Best Time To Visit For Good Weather 

The most suitable time to visit Hawaii to experience clear skies and sunshine is during the dry season. The summers are usually considered as the dry season in which the average daytime weather is 85 degrees whereas the temperature goes to 78 degrees in winters. The dry season months are from April to September.  

Best Time To Visit For Less Crowd

The best time to enjoy being around the Hawaiian islands is between June and August. During the months of April, May, and September, October are the best months to experience less crowds on the islands of Hawaii. 

Best Time To Visit For Affordable Flights

The perfect time to fly on budget-friendly prices in Hawaii is from January to September. 

Best Time To Visit For Popular Events

• Maui Island in June - for enjoying the longest-running food and wine festival, Kapalua Food and Wine Festival
• The Big Island in October - Experience the best coffee during the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
• Oahu in July - to be a part of Oahu’s Prince Lot Hula Festival
• Hawaii’s Lantern Floating Festival in May - for collective remembrance

The Best Time To Visit Hawaii Month-By-Month

Annual Festivals and Events in Hawaii 

Hawaii is best known for its annual events and festivals. Here is a list of events and festivals that occur in the Hawaiian Islands:

Events Happen in January Month 

Cherry Blossom Festival: occurs on Ohua over three months, and features a wide variety of Japanese cultural events.

Ka Molokai Makahiki Festival: a week long festival featuring Hawaiian fishing contest, games and cultural programs. 

Pacific Islands Arts Festival: takes place in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, featuring fine artisans and artists. 

Events Happen in February Month 

Chinese New Year: in the celebration of the new year, it takes place in Honolulu, featuring the famous lion dance, and many more fun-related things. 

Maui Whale Festival:happens in the month of February in Maui, in which a series of exciting events held to celebrate the whale season. 

Narcissus Festival: occurs in Oahu to encourage Chinese culture and tourism. Queen Pageant, Chinese New Year Celebration and Coronation Ball are the main highlights of the event. 

Events Happen in March Month 

Hawaii Invitational International Music Festival: takes place in Waikiki, featuring live free music concerts in the park.

Prince Kuhio Festival: occurs in Waikiki, featuring a series of events to honor Hawaii’s first delegate to U.S. Congress, Prince Jonah. 

Kona Brewers Festival: occurs on the Big Island, featuring live music, fire dancers, and many more. The “Trash Fashion Show” is the highlight of the festival. 

Events Happen in April Month 

Mele Mei: takes place in Oahu, in which the Hawaiian culture, music, and hula dance are the main highlights. 

Merrie Monarch Festival: happens during the week following Easter on the Big Island, featuring a week-long celebration of cultural events.

Kapalua Celebration of the Arts:a Maui event featuring the culture and history of Hawaii.

Events Happen in May Month 

Lei Day: takes place in Honolulu, featuring endless cultural performances, including live music and Hawaiian dance. 

Na Mele O Ko Olina: held  in Oahu, showcasing the art and culture of Hawaii in the form of dance, and music performed by professional artists. 

Celebration of the Arts Festival: occurs in Maui to feature the heart and soul of Hawaiian culture.  

Events Happen in June Month 

Maui Film Festival: a film festival occurs in Maui, promoting the Film Premier at the Maui Arts and Cultural Centre. 

Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko: occurs in Molokai in the celebration of the birth of Hula.

Pan-Pacific Festival: occurs in Honolulu for the purpose of bringing out the culture of Hawaii. 

Events Happen in July Month 

Makawao Rodeo: holds in Maui every 4th of July, promoting western dancing and live cultural music. 

Prince Lot Hula Festival: holds in Honolulu, showcasing the largest hula events on the island.

Ukulele Festival Hawaii: occurs in Waikiki to feature the finest Ukulele players in the world.

Events Happen in August Month 

Korean Festival: happens in Honolulu to promote live Korean dance performances and cultural exhibits of Korean artifacts. 

Made in Hawaii Festival: a Honolulu event showcases “Made in Hawaii” products to boost business.  

Statehood Day: occurs in Honolulu to celebrate the anniversary of Hawaiian statehood. 

Events Happen in September Month 

Aloha Festivals: in Honolulu, a month-long free cultural event in the nation showcases dance performances and Hawaiian culture.

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival: a week-long event occurs in Honolulu featuring the taste of Hawaii cuisines and beverages. 

Kauai Mokihana Festival: a week-long celebrations occur in Kauai to promote the culture of Kauai.

Events Happen in October Month 

Halloween in Lahaina: happens in Lahaina, Maui, hosting the largest Halloween party on the island.  

Maui Fair: happens in Maui, hosting the largest fair on the island featuring a parade. 

Princess Kaiulani Keiki Hula Festival: occurs in Waikiki, a week-long celebration in honor of Princess Victoria Kaiulani. 

Events Happen in November Month 

Paradise Cove Luau: occurs in Oahu, hosting several entertaining games played in Hawaii. 

Ko Olina Artfest: takes place in Kapolei, Ohua, featuring fine handicrafts and artworks made in Hawaii. 

Veg Fest Oahu: occurs in Oahu, hosting the world’s best vegan cuisines apart from live cultural music and contests. 

Events Happen in December Month 

Honolulu City Lights: occurs in Honolulu, a month-long festival displaying Christmas lights and decorations. 

Billabong Pipe Masters: occurs in Oahu to hold the world’s biggest surfing event on the island. 

Kona Nui Nights: a free month-long event takes place in Honolulu to honor Hawaiian culture, music, and art. 

Note: The aforementioned list doesn’t contain the entire list of events happening in Hawaii but accommodates only the main events of Hawaiian islands.   

Top Attractions To Visit During Hawaii Vacations

Here is a list of exciting and thrilling places that are must-visit destinations in Hawaii to get your island vacation sorted.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park- A perfect place to witness the volcanic landscape dominating the entire nature of the Big Island 

Na Pali Coast- An ideal place that offers colorful landscape views. 

Waimea Canyon- This place is like a heaven on the earth offering outrageous cliffs, sturdy rocky valleys, and picturesque peaks.

Hilo- an awesome Place to view nature’s beauty in the form of gardens. 

Mauna Kea- A perfect place to embrace the beautiful views of mountains. 

Molokini - One of the best places to quench your adventure soul with the popular water activities, including snorkeling and scuba-diving. 

Waikiki- The best place to experience the world’s best beaches around the island. 

North Shore of Oahu- Best known for its tranquility and beautiful views of north-facing coastal areas. 

Hawaii Vacation Packages 

Hawaii vacation should be sorted with the best and most affordable package prices and in order to make it easy and simple, here is the list of the best-suited Hawaii vacation packages:

5-6 Days Hawaii Vacation Packages - Honolulu, Oahu

Destinations: Oahu, Honolulu 

Minimum Price: $769*

Maximum Price: $979*  

Vacation Duration: 5-6 Days 

Activities on the Trip: Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Surfing, Kayaking, Knife-edge cliff hiking, and Windsurfing.  

Hotel Type: 4-5 star 

Payment mode: Debit/Credit Card, Cash

NOTE: This is a flexible vacation package, so nothing is fixed in terms of prices, places and activities to do. It can be customized as per your requirements and preferences. The prices are displayed to give an estimation of an overall vacation package to Hawaii.

6-7 Days Hawaii Vacation Packages - Honolulu, Oahu, Big Island, Maui, Hilo, Kona

Destinations: Honolulu, Maui, Hilo, Kona, Oahu, Big Island, Pokai Bay harbors 

Minimum Price: $1,013*

Maximum Price: $1,189*

Vacation Duration: 6-7 Days 

Activities on the Trip: Whale watching, Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Surfing, Stand-up paddle boarding, Jet skiing, Parasailing, Kayaking, and Volcano tour.

Hotel Type: 3-4 star  

Payment mode: Debit/Credit Card, Cash

NOTE: Hawaii vacation package prices are displayed to give you a general idea on the budget to be maintained when traveling to Hawaii. The prices are subject to change but the purpose of giving you information remains the same. This information may vary as it contains numerous activities as per the duration of the trip. It can be customized according to your preferences. 

7-8 Days Hawaii Vacation Packages - Honolulu, Oahu, Big Island and Maui 

Destinations: Honolulu, Oahu, Big Island and Maui 

Minimum Price: $1,239*

Maximum Price: $1,689*

Vacation Duration: 7-8 Days  

Activities on the Trip: Watch the Big Island's diverse landscape, hike on a lush green valley, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba-diving, walking on pristine white sand beaches, and many more water-related adventurous activities. 

Hotel Type: 4-5 star

Payment mode: Debit/Credit Card, Cash

NOTE: This Hawaii vacation package is not fixed when it comes to prices, places, and activities to do. The sole purpose of this information is to let you know the standard prices required to have a basic Hawaiivacation. It can be customized as per your travel preferences by the best Hawaii travel agents. 

8-9 Days Hawaii Vacation Packages - Honolulu, Islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island

Destinations: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island  

Minimum Price: $1,789*

Maximum Price: $1,997* 

Vacation Duration: 8-9 Days

Activities on the Trip: Get plenty of leisure time strolling on Hawaii's spectacular beaches, sailing on a Wailua Riverboat cruise, and visiting Maui's historic Lahaina. Delve into adventurous activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, scuba diving, and hiking.  

Hotel Type: 4-5 star  

Payment mode: Debit/Credit Card, Cash

NOTE: The prices are displayed to give an idea of an overall vacation package to Hawaii. Do not consider it as a fixed vacation package. 

9-10 Days Hawaii Vacation Packages - Honolulu, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, Maui   

Destinations: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Captain James Cook’s Kealakekua Bay, Mauna Kea Summit. , Lanai, Molokai, Maui  

Minimum Price: $1,799* 

Maximum Price: $1,999* 

Vacation Duration: 9-10 Days 

Activities on the Trip: Dive into the splash of water to enjoy the most adventurous water activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and many more.  

Hotel Type: 4-5 star

Payment mode: Debit/Credit Card, Cash

NOTE: This Hawaii vacation package is made to tell you about the basic price package that is required to explore the places in Hawaii. It can be customized as per your travel preferences and requirements by the best Hawaii travel agents. 

10-11 Days Hawaii Vacation Packages - Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, Lanai, Big Island

Destinations: Papohaku Beach, Wailua River, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 

Minimum Price: $1,999* 

Maximum Price: $2,039*

Vacation Duration: 10-11 Days

Activities on the Trip: Swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, whale watching.

Hotel Type:  4-5 star 

Payment mode: Debit/Credit Card, Cash

NOTE: The main purpose of sharing the package information is to let you know the standard prices required for a Hawaiian vacation. It can be customized as per your travel preferences by the best Hawaii travel agents. 

11-12 Days Hawaii Vacation Packages - Honolulu, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, Maui, Kauai, Big Island 

Destinations: Honolulu, Hulihee Palace, Lanai, Molokai, Maui, Kauai, Big Island 

Minimum Price: $2,039*

Maximum Price: $1,999*

Vacation Duration: 11-12 Days  

Activities on the Trip: Snorkel Adventure, Turtle swimming, Whale watching, Snorkeling, Parasailing, Scuba-diving, and Hiking. 

Hotel Type: 3-4 star

Payment mode: Debit/Credit Card, Cash

NOTE: The information shared on 11-12 days Hawaii vacation package is not strictly fixed. The main aim to share this information is to tell you about the basic pricing of the package that is needed to have a basic Hawaii vacation. The packages can be customized as per your travel requirements. 

Why Leisure?

Leisure.com is one resourceful platform that connects travelers with the best travel agents without any hassle. The main aim of the travel company is quite clear offering the best and unparalleled services to travelers and that too at affordable Hawaii vacation packages. The process of hiring travel services is made so simple and easy that anyone with low knowledge of booking online could process through easily. 

The best part of hiring services from Leisure.com is that a traveler can get all the benefits of a Hawaii vacation with no hassle and when it comes to budget, it is very pocket-friendly.