Irresistible Reasons to Visit Hawaii (Told from First-Hand Experience)
There is honestly no dearth of reasons to visit Hawaii. It is a place like no other. I’m sure you’ve seen those dreamy pics of palm trees swaying over turquoise water and thought: Okay, sure, Hawaii looks nice… but is it really worth the time and money? We were in the same boat in 2016 before our first trip. But after visiting four islands (multiple times), we can say this: Hawaii isn’t just a trip. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the tan fades.
Here’s why you should go, plus a few things no one tells you that you’ll want to know before booking.
We have you covered if you need help in deciding which Hawaiian island should be the first one to visit!
The Only Reasons You’ll Ever Need
1. Each Island Feels Like a Different Country
One of the coolest parts about Hawaii is that it’s not just one experience. Each island has its own vibe, its own highlights, and even different ecosystems. On one trip, we hiked through rainforests, walked across lava fields, relaxed on world-class beaches, and sipped cocktails on a rooftop bar. All on different islands.
- Oahu is energetic, with a mix of big-city buzz (Honolulu) and legendary surf beaches (North Shore).
- Maui feels more upscale and relaxed. You’ll find luxury resorts, waterfalls, and scenic drives like the Road to Hana.
- Big Island (Hawai‘i) is vast and dramatic, with active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and stargazing on Mauna Kea.
- Kauai is tranquil and lush. It’s often called the Garden Isle, and it’s a hiker’s dream.
- Lanai & Molokai are lesser-visited, offering a quieter, more authentic glimpse of Hawaiian life.
Pro Tip: Don’t try to visit too many islands unless you have lots of time. Two islands in a 10-day trip is ideal. And here’s a guide on the unique things that you can do in Hawaii.
2. The Beaches Are Legit
Seriously, if you’re a beach person, Hawaii might ruin other beaches for you. It definitely did for us. There are so many different kinds: golden sands for swimming, wild surf spots for watching daredevils, tidepools to explore and hidden coves that feel like your own private paradise. For beach lovers, every beach adds to the list of reasons to visit Hawaii.
- Lanikai (Oahu) gave us one of the most peaceful mornings ever, with its powdery sand and view of the Mokulua Islands.
- Polihale (Kauai) requires a bumpy drive but rewards you with massive stretches of untouched sand.
- Wailea (Maui) has family-friendly beaches right near resorts.
- Punalu‘u (Big Island) blew our minds with its jet-black volcanic sand and lazy sea turtles.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Head to beaches with calm water and amenities, like Poipu Beach on Kauai or Baby Beach in Lahaina.
3. Hikes for Every Level (and Killer Views)
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want a nature walk with a great view, Hawaii delivers. Even short trails often lead to something amazing. A hidden waterfall, panoramic ocean views, or a bamboo forest that feels like another planet.
Some of our favorites:
- Diamond Head (Oahu): A short, paved hike with sweeping views of Honolulu.
- ʻIao Valley (Maui): Great for a quick nature escape.
- Waimea Canyon (Kauai): Multiple trails for all levels with epic canyon views.
- Kalalau Trail (Kauai): Bucket-list worthy but very challenging. (Other easy hikes in Kauai are listed here)
- Kīlauea Iki Trail (Big Island): A surreal walk across a solidified lava lake.
Bring water, good shoes, and check conditions, especially after rain.
4. You Can Literally Walk Through a Volcano
Where else can you hike through lava tubes, see steaming craters, and even catch a glimpse of active lava? Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is unlike anything else we’ve experienced.
We spent an afternoon walking through the eerie Thurston Lava Tube and watching the glow from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at night. The ground beneath your feet literally feels alive. It’s humbling and exhilarating at once.
Don’t miss the Jaggar Museum overlook or Chain of Craters Road.
5. Hawaiian Food Is a Whole Vibe
You could go to Hawaii just for the food and it would be totally worth it. It’s a unique mix of cultures – Native Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, and more, all influencing the island’s flavors.
Top dishes and bites we loved:
- Poke: Get it fresh at Foodland or hole-in-the-wall spots.
- Loco Moco: Rice + burger + fried egg + gravy = delicious chaos.
- Malasadas: Warm, sugary Portuguese donuts. Leonard’s Bakery in Oahu is a must.
- Lilikoi: Passionfruit is everywhere! From juices to cheesecakes.
- Shave Ice: Try it with mochi and sweetened condensed milk. Ululani’s is legendary. Or there is the famous Matsumoto!
We found great vegetarian options too, like Tane Vegan Izakaya (best vegan sushi in the world!), and also at farmer’s markets and food trucks.
Check out our guide for the best Vegan and Vegetarian options in Hawaii!
6. Wildlife Encounters You Won’t Forget
Some of our favorite moments in Hawaii came from the wildlife, none of it staged or in zoos.
- We rode a submarine scooter with sea turtles.
- At night, we snorkeled with manta rays in Kona under the stars and it was surreal.
- During winter, we spotted humpback whales from our balcony in Maui.
- And on Kauai, we watched endangered monk seals nap lazily on the beach.
Always give them space and follow local guidelines. These creatures are wild and deserve respect.
7. The Culture Will Deepen Your Trip
You can visit Hawaii for the scenery and miss the heart of it entirely. Or you can engage with the culture, and your trip will mean so much more.
Hula isn’t just a performance. It’s a form of storytelling. The word “aloha” isn’t just a greeting; it’s a way of being. We tried to:
- Learn a few Hawaiian words (start with “mahalo” and “ʻāina”)
- Visit heiau (temples) and cultural sites
- Attend a traditional hula, not just the resort kind
- Buy from local artisans and Native Hawaiian businesses
- Visit the Polynesian Cultural Centre on Oahu.
Every time we chose cultural connection over convenience, our experience deepened.
8. Sunsets That Make You Believe in Magic
Every single evening felt like a grand finale. Hawaii’s sunsets are something else, especially on the leeward (west) side of the islands.
On Maui, we grabbed poke and beers, headed to the beach in Kihei, and watched the sky explode in colors. One night it was all oranges and pinks. Another, it shifted into purple and gold. Every night felt different.
Don’t rush dinner. Don’t book evening tours. Just watch the sun go down. It’s free, and unforgettable.
9. The Spirit of Aloha Is Real
It’s not just a marketing gimmick. Aloha means love, compassion, peace, and kindness. And you’ll feel it. Whether it was a local offering us fruit at a roadside stand or a guide sharing stories about the land, we were moved by how genuinely people cared.
This mindset is infectious. Hawaii reminds you to slow down, breathe deeply, and be present. We left feeling not just refreshed, but kinder.
10. You Can Be as Luxurious or Laid-Back as You Want
We’ve stayed in a luxe resort on Maui and camped in a beach park on the Big Island. Both were amazing.
Hawaii has everything from five-star spa resorts to $100-a-night off-grid cabins. You can:
- Do a helicopter tour, or hike to the same views.
- Book fine dining or grab incredible $10 plate lunches.
- Join a guided kayak tour, or rent one and paddle solo.
There’s no “one way” to do Hawaii and that’s what makes it beautiful.
11. You Come Home Changed
Some places just stick with you. Hawaii is one of them. There’s something about the combination of wild landscapes, deep cultural roots, and laid-back living that rewires you a little. You’ll probably come home walking slower, saying “mahalo” and thinking about how you can get back.
For us, it wasn’t just a vacation. It was a reset. A reminder of what matters. And there can’t be a better reason to visit Hawaii than that!
What to Know Before You Go
- You need a rental car outside Waikiki, or any other major town in any island.
- Reef-safe sunscreen is required (and better for ocean life).
- Respect “No Trespassing” signs and sacred sites.
- Inter-island flights are fast and affordable (but allow airport time).
- Pack light layers, a rain jacket and water shoes.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?
- Dec-Mar: Whale watching, big surf, cooler weather (crowded)
- Apr-June & Sept-Oct: Best combo of weather and prices
- July-Aug: Warm, great for families, also busy
Rain can happen anytime, especially on windward sides.
Is Hawaii Right for You?
Great for:
- Couples: Romance is baked into the scenery.
- Nature lovers: Beaches, jungles, volcanoes… pick your mood.
- Families: Plenty of kid-friendly adventures.
- Solo travelers: Easy to feel safe and centered.
- Photographers: It’s basically a highlight reel.
Final Word
If you’re on the fence and here looking for reasons to visit Hawaii – just GO! It’s not just beautiful, grounding, joyful and it’s got soul. We came home rested and reconnected. And a tiny bit obsessed.
Still not sure which island to choose? Check out our Hawaiian islands comparison guide for a deep dive.
