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Hawaii

Destination guide

Hawaii

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Aereal photo of Waikiki beach with view of Diamond Head mountain in the distance. iStock image for Traveller. Re-use permitted.
Wading out into the waters of Waikiki Beach was the only way to dispose of the lei.

Hotel cleaners wouldn’t let me throw something out. I had to resort to drastic measures

Within hours of arriving in Honolulu, I have enough flowers around my neck to open a small florist.

  • Justin Meneguzzi
Extra Comfort seats make up the first rows of the economy cabin, but it’s no match for four seats to yourself.

I ditched my extra legroom upgrade for a downgrade on this flight

My original spot had an empty seat next to it, but as the last passenger to board, the flight attendant suggests I “go shopping” for an even better seat.

  • Flip Byrnes
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
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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
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