Travel guide for the Hawaiian Islands

Whether you’re travelling to Hawaii for the very first time or it has become a beloved destination for you and your loved ones, there are few destinations that can match the natural beauty of these Pacific islands. 🌺 Exploring the lush hiking trails in the morning, snorkeling and relaxing on beautiful beaches in the afternoon, and kicking back with a mai tai at sunset are just a few of the must-do’s during your stay. From bustling Oahu, beachy Maui, the adventurous Big Island, to the laid-back pace of “The Garden Isle” Kauai, in this travel guide for the Hawaiian Islands, we’ve compiled our best local tips and gems on each of the main islands for when you visit Hawaii next.

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Tanisha and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot.

Table of Contents

1. Know Before You Go
2. Maui Travel Guide
3. Oahu Travel Guide
4. Kauai Travel Guide
5. The Big Island Travel Guide
6. Plan a Photo Shoot in Hawaii

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

What is the best time of year to go to Hawaii?

One of the most enticing draws of Hawaii is the year-round perfect weather. Summer, winter, spring, and fall, you’re practically guaranteed sunshine and tropical warmth due to Hawaii’s proximity to the equator. However, winter typically brings more frequent rains (bonus: more rainbows! 🌈) and larger waves, while summer welcomes calmer waters and slightly warmer temps. Opt for the months between November and May for a chance to go whale watching and see the humpback whales visiting Hawaii.

Photo: Flytographer in Honolulu. Angelica and partner capture memories in Honolulu with a couple photoshoot in the rain.

What to pack for your trip to Hawaii:

• When it comes to Hawaii, we recommend keeping it simple! 
• Plenty of swimsuits are a must, and waterproof sandals or shoes are useful for exploring rocky beaches, tide pools and getting to snorkel or scuba dive with sea turtles if you are lucky.
• Breezy fabrics, such as linen and cotton, will keep you cool and comfortable during the day. Don’t forget hiking shoes and athletic gear for embarking on one of the many jaw-dropping hikes. 
• Floral prints are always in style, whether you’re rocking an aloha shirt, a maxi dress, a flowy skirt or cut-off shorts. 
• And of course, don’t leave behind those sunnies! 😎

Photo: Rachel in Kauai for Flytographer. Ryan and partner capture memories in Kauai with a couple photoshoot.

Maui Travel Guide

Best things to do in Maui

Hawaii’s second-largest island has been a world-famous vacation spot for years, and while it’s not exactly under-the-radar these days, our local photographers have come together to curate the ultimate itinerary of unmissable spots just for you. From making your very own Haku Lei to sampling the best local brews to watching a fiery sunrise on top of Haleakala, to taking a drive on the road to Hana, there are countless ways to make your trip to Maui one-of-a-kind. Find where the locals eat on Maui, the best place for drinks, top sights to see, best activities to do, what the nightlife has to offer and where to shop on Maui with our local’s guide to Maui.

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Charleen and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot.

Photo: Lauren in Maui for Flytographer. Trevor and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot.

“Our favorite restaurant in Maui is Mama’s Fish House for the ultimate Hawaiian experience. The location is magical, the food is exceptional, and the dining experience is so special. For a casual dining experience, we recommend Maui Brewing Co in Kihei for great beer, good vibes, and yummy food. We always have to stop at Leoda’s in Olowalu for lunch and homemade pie.” – Trevor (photographed above)

Read more Maui travel tips from Flytographer customers.

Best places to take pictures in Maui

1. Ulua Beach, South Shore
2. Po’olenalena Beach, South Shore
3. Kapalua Bay, West Shore
4. Baldwin Beach Park, North Shore
5. White Rock, South Shore

Maui truly has everything to offer, including endless opportunities for magnificent photos. If you’re compiling a list of must-photograph spots, here are the top 10 photo spots in Maui to get you started. 📸

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Marilou and partner capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot.

Get into the spirit of Maui

Half the fun of travel is looking forward to your trip in eager anticipation. Bring the aloha spirit to your living room with our Maui Prints, or cozy up for a night of Hawaiian dreams with our OGG Crewneck.

Photo: Rojeena in Maui for Flytographer. Rae Ann and partner capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot.

Oahu Travel Guide

Best things to do in Honolulu

Despite its remote location in the middle of the Pacific, Oahu is a dynamic fusion of cultures that excites your senses. You’ll find unique vibes across each part of the island, from the bustling city of Honolulu on the South Shore to the laid-back, surfer town vibes of the North Shore. But regardless of where you choose to explore, you’re met with lush, dramatic ridges overlooking sparkling, turquoise waters and pristine beaches, incredible food and cocktails, and the “Aloha Spirit.” You truly can’t go wrong in this paradise, but we’ve compiled our local photographers’ best hidden gems on Oahu for your next visit.

Photo: Enzo in Honolulu for Flytographer. Heather and partner capture memories in Honolulu with a couple photoshoot.

“Explore as much of Oahu as possible! There is so much more than Honolulu and Waikiki. We loved Lanikai beach (and its nearby Pillbox hike), the entire town of Kailua, and were wowed by the waves on the North Shore. Rent a car and drive around, stop at all the lookouts, don’t be afraid to brave the hikes — we found they are ALWAYS worth it when you get to the top (or bottom!).” – Emily 

Read more Honolulu travel tips from Flytographer customers.

Best places to take pictures in Honolulu

1. Lanai Lookout
2. Waikiki Beach, South Shore
3. Diamond Head, South Shore
4. Waialae Beach Park, South Shore

From low-key surf towns on the North Shore to stunning blue waters on the Windward Coast, Oahu is filled with incredible photo spots. Read on for the best places to take photos in Honolulu! 📷

Photo: Flytographer in Honolulu for Flytographer. Brittney and family capture memories in Honolulu with a family photoshoot.

Get into the spirit of Oahu

Do you have a plane ticket to the bustling city of Honolulu on the books? We’ll let you in on a secret: our favourite travel companion is our HNL crewneck whether your destination is Honolulu … or on your daily errands. ✈️  To really get into the vibe, grab our free Oahu tech wallpaper!

Photo: Flytographer in Honolulu for Flytographer. Emily and partner capture memories in Honolulu with a couple photoshoot.

Kauai Travel Guide

Best things to do on Kauai

When planning a trip to Hawaii, most visitors stick to the most famous islands, but Kauai still feels like an under-the-radar destination where the pace is slower and you can feel the “aloha spirit” in the ocean breeze. Known as the “Garden Island,” Kauai is a lush, tropical paradise that truly lives up to its nickname no matter which side of the island you are on. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway where you can live the “Kauai-est life” on the Nā Pali Coast state park or Hanalei Bay, this island is the destination for you. Find out why we included Kauai in our guide to the Hawaiian Islands and why Kauai is the best Hawaiian island to visit.

Photo: Rachel in Kauai for Flytographer. Christine and partner capture memories in Kauai with a couple photoshoot.

Photo: Flytographer in Kauai. Blair and partner capture memories in Kauai with a couple photoshoot.

“Our top travel tip? Rent a Jeep! There is so much to do & see across the island. We mapped out each day and explored different towns/beaches/attractions each day. We were there for 10 days & still feel like we could book another trip to see more!” – Blair (photographed above)

Read more Kauai travel tips from Flytographer customers.

Best places to take pictures on Kauai

1. Hanalei Bay
2. Shipwreck Beach
3. Ke’e Beach
4. Wailua Falls
5. Poipu Beach

From Lihue to Princeville, a mountainous landscape covered with lush tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls, botanical gardens and a spirit of serenity are Kauai’s major calling cards – it’s easy to see why it’s nicknamed the Garden Island 🌺  We’re here to spread the aloha by sharing the top 10 locations for a photo shoot on Kauai.

Photo: Rachel in Kauai for Flytographer. Jane and partner capture memories in Kauai with a couple photoshoot.

Get into the spirit of Kauai

Kauai’s laid-back attitude, lush valleys, and hidden beaches evoke the old Hawaii vibes we love so dearly. If The Garden Isle is on your bucket list, the LIH crewneck is a way to get excited about your pending trip to this tropical island oasis.

Photo: Rachel in Kauai for Flytographer. Jordana and partner capture memories in Kauai with a couple photoshoot.

The Big Island Travel Guide

Best things to do in Kona

Even for the well-travelled, Hawaii Island, commonly known as, “the Big Island,” seems otherworldly — with stark contrasting elements, this island is popular among photographers. While the Kona coast is notably sunnier and brighter, the eastern coast of the island where the town of Hilo lies is a dreamy, wet rainforest. Dreamy white beaches are contrasted with wild black lava rock and black sand beaches. Rugged roads that snake through rainforests hugging steep ravines, miles of barren volcanic rock, and wide-open valleys overlooking the Pacific in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and beyond.

Photo: Flytographer in Kona. Suzanne and family capture memories in Kona with a family photoshoot.

Photo: Aly in Kona for Flytographer.  Mary and partner capture memories in Kona with a couple photoshoot.

“The entire island is incredible to explore, so enjoy some beach days on the Kohala Coast and then explore the east and southern parts of the Island for a completely different experience. Pololu Trail, Kilauea Iki Trail at Volcanoes NP, Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic site. Worth waking early to watch all the spectacular sunrises.” – Mary (photographed above)

Read more Kona travel tips from Flytographer customers.

Best places to take pictures in Kona

1. Waikoloa Beach
2. Puako Hidden Beaches
3. Old Kona Airport
4. Mahai’ula Beach & Makalawena Beach
5. Ke’ei Beach

Adventure awaits on the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. From the dry and dependably sunny east side, to the lush and rainbow-filled west side, to the erupting volcanoes to the south, a private slice of paradise is easily found for every visitor. We’ve rounded up the 10 best photo spots on the Big Island of Hawaii. 📸

Photo: Sandra and Kris in Kona for Flytographer.  Danielle and partner capture memories in Kona with a couple photoshoot.

Get into the spirit of the Big Island

We are here help you be inspired every day for your pending trip to the Big Island. Early mornings pair well with 100% Kona coffee and a KOA crewneck, whether you’re up early for a sunrise hike on the island or sipping ☕️ in your living room. 

Photo: Sandra and Kris in Kona for Flytographer.  Colette and daughter capture memories in Kona with a family photoshoot.

Capture memories in Hawaii

Documenting the beauty of family, love, friendship and the aloha spirit with a Flytographer shoot is one of the easiest ways to make the most of your Hawaiian vacation on the Polynesian Pacific Ocean. 🌺  Is there a better feeling than donning the walls of your home with beautiful photographs that capture the magic of quality time spent in Hawaii? Young travellers love the Kids’ Adventure Journal – Hawaii Edition to learn more about Hawaii in a fun and colourful way. And on the days you cozy up in your Airport Code crewneck (OGG, LIH, KOA, or HNL) close your eyes and scrunch your toes in hopes you’ll feel soft white sand underfoot? There may just be the day those dreams come true! 😉 ✈️

Book your Flytographer shoot in Hawaii today

Book Now