Best Weekend Getaways in Hawaii: Top 9 Trips in the State

Hawai‘i is a beautiful state, full of enjoyable and interesting things to do. No matter your interests, Hawai‘i has the perfect option for you. From the best quick Hawai‘i getaways to the longer, unique excursions, Hawai‘i is full of opportunities to explore. From snorkeling, hiking, shopping, enjoying the scenery, and more, Hawai‘i is full of fun and excitement that will always keep you coming back for more.

• Best for lovers of city life, who want easy access to shopping, beaches, and world-class food - Waikīkī, Honolulu, O‘ahu
  
• Best for vacationers desiring an all-inclusive weekend getaway with access to a gorgeous beach - Kā‘anapali, Maui
• Best for adventurers who want to explore the rugged beauty of the Island of Hawai‘i- Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i

• Best for adventurers seeking relaxation and quiet - East Kaua‘i
• Best for families who enjoy a luxurious experience away from the hustle of the big city - Kapolei, Hawai‘i
• Best for adventurers seeking to explore the natural beauty of the island of Hawai‘i - Hilo, Hawai‘i

• Best for adventurers pursuing a relaxed lifestyle on the most ideal beaches in the Hawaiian Islands - Windward O‘ahu
• Best for adventure surfers seeking world class surf breaks - North Shore O‘ahu
• Best for travelers who want to explore the more rural areas of Maui - Hāna, Maui

Are you on the hunt for the best weekend getaways in Hawai‘i? Luckily, Hawai‘i offers some of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States that are sure to please everyone from the adventurous hiker to the creative artist. Visitors to Hawai‘i will enjoy being a tropical state of mind, with ocean breezes ruffling their hair, birds singing in the trees, flowers blanketing the ground, and soft, warm sand under their feet. Swim in the salty sea, enjoy the taste of some of the most unique fusion cuisine in the world, and experience all that Hawai‘i has to offer. There are so many reasons to love the Hawaiian Islands!

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Lovers of city life, who want easy access to shopping, beaches, and world-class food
• ‌Highlights of Waikīkī:‌
  • Walking distance to many top-rated restaurants
  • Close proximity to a variety of shopping options
  • Located on a gorgeous beach with calm water
  • Central location on O‘ahu with access to guided tours
  • An array of activities available for the whole family

Waikīkī is located in Honolulu, along the bustling oceanfront area of the south shore of O‘ahu. Waikīkī provides one of the best Hawai‘i getaways for families, couples, singles, and groups alike! This area boasts a beautiful beach with calm water for swimming, snorkeling, and features some of the best surf breaks on the island for beginners. Beginner surfers can also take surfing lessons from a number of highly rated surf shops along Waikīkī Beach.

Waikīkī is home to a wide variety of shopping options, a range of delicious top-rated restaurants, and is in a centralized location on the island, with many tour companies operating out of the neighborhood. Visitors will find that there is ample access to the public bus lines, as well as cabs and rideshare services. Waikīkī is very walkable, and visitors and locals alike enjoy strolling through the streets.

To get to Waikīkī, fly into the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Catch a taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle into Waikīkī. The quick drive will start with the stunning beauty of Punchbowl Crater, Diamond Head (known as Lē‘ahi in Hawaiian), and the Waikīkī city skyline. Renting a car for the entirety of your stay is not advisable, as parking in Waikīkī can be difficult and expensive.

Waikīkī is known for its beautiful beaches, top-rated restaurants, and wide variety of shopping options. Visitors can enjoy luxury brands, surf shops, art galleries, local-made souvenirs and more, all located minutes from the beach in gorgeous open-air shopping centers, such as the Royal Hawaiian Center and International Marketplace.

Surfing, stand-up paddleboard, and snorkeling lessons are great ways to enjoy the gentle waves of Waikīkī Beach.

A variety of boat excursions and tours launch right off the picturesque Waikīkī Beach for those who love the ocean and all it has to offer. Also located right off the beach are lively happy hours and late night entertainment.

Waikīkī has a wide range of oceanfront beach hotels, as private Airbnbs cannot rent for shorter stays within the City and County of Honolulu.

We recommend the Kaimana Beach Hotel, with gorgeous views, a private beach, a top-rated onsite restaurant with open air seating, a coffee shop, and a surf shop just minutes from your room.

We also recommend the Surfjack, a top rated hotel amongst visitors and locals alike. This hotel features a beautiful swimming pool and a quiet oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of Waikīkī.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Vacationers desiring an all-inclusive weekend getaway with access to a gorgeous beach
• ‌Highlights of Kā‘anapali:‌
  • A variety of hotel options with satisfactory amenities
  • A stunning beach for lounging and swimming
  • Just a few miles from Lahaina, a town with a variety of entertainment options and a rich history
  • Access to a range of watersport activities to please adventurers of all types

Kā‘anapali is located in West Maui, along one of the most beautiful and picturesque coasts in Hawai‘i. This area boasts a beautiful beach for swimming, snorkeling, and lounging on the beach. Kā‘anapali has a variety of hotel options, with restaurants and bars, swimming pools, a golf course, and other amenities. Kāʻanapali is one of the best weekend getaways in Hawai‘i, as the range of entertainment, eating, and shopping options can keep guests entertained for their entire stay.

Located close to Lahaina, a town with rich history and a variety of tour companies, Kā‘anapali makes for the perfect location for one of the most unique getaways in Hawai‘i. Kā‘anapali is also one of the best romantic getaways in Hawai‘i, due to its appealing location and comfortable lodging options. During winter months, guests can also enjoy whale watching, either on a boat or from the shore! Visitors can also take the ferry to Lanai for a day trip or spend a day in the up-and-coming community of Kihei, which features snorkeling and surfing.

To get to Kā‘anapali, fly into the Kahului Airport on Maui. Catch a taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle to Kā‘anapali. The half hour drive will feature stunning views of the island of Maui and get you excited for your weekend getaway in Hawai‘i.

Kā‘anapali is the first planned resort in Hawai‘i and serves as a model for resorts around the world, and with good reason! The resort features a variety of hotel options, a beautiful beach, swimming, snorkeling, watersports, restaurants and bars, and shopping options to keep guests entertained.

A variety of boat excursions and tours are available for visitors to enjoy, as well as options to lounge on the beach or by the pool as you try to spot a whale breaching off the coast. Kā‘anapali caters to a range of guests, making it one of the best Hawai‘i getaways!

Guests at Kā‘anapali can also venture into nearby Lahaina for a day of exploring the historic town, enjoying the eateries and local businesses to shop at.

Kā‘anapali has a wide variety of oceanfront beach hotels, as well as cozy condo-style rentals with pleasant guest rooms for guests to enjoy.

We recommend the Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel, a beautiful and comfortable hotel with ocean views and reasonable rates. This hotel offers a great option for one of the most affordable getaways in Hawai‘i.

We also recommend the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas for a condo-style stay with views of the ocean, a gorgeous pool, and a variety of amenities. This is the perfect place for families or groups who want access to condo-style amenities to stay.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Adventurers who want to explore the rugged beauty of the Island of Hawai‘i
• ‌Highlights of Kailua-Kona:‌
  • Convenient location near a variety of popular hiking and sightseeing sites
  • Stunningly beautiful ocean views on the west side of the Island of Hawai‘i
  • The Island of Hawai‘i offers a more rural and relaxed experience compared to other islands
  • Location offers a variety of amenities for travelers

Kailua-Kona is located on the west side of the Island of Hawai‘i. The community was established by King Kamehameha I while he was the chief of Kona, prior to the uniting of the Hawaiian Islands in 1975. Kailua-Kona offers a variety of historic sites, snorkeling and watersports, stunning beaches, hiking opportunities, and a range of boat and historic tours.

To get to Kailua-Kona, fly into the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on the island of Hawai‘i. Utilize rideshare, taxi, or a hotel shuttle to reach Kailua-Kona. The half hour trip is full of gorgeous views and in no time, you’ll be enjoying the beautiful coastline of Kailua-Kona.

Kailua-Kona is known for its historic sites, which offer a great way for visitors to learn about the history of the community, which dates back prior to the uniting of the Hawaiian Islands. History buffs and newbies alike will enjoy learning about the history of Hawai‘i and Kailua-Kona!

Snorkeling, watersports, scuba diving, and boat tours offer an exciting way for visitors to explore the stunning ocean, located right off the coast of Kailua-Kona.

Kailua-Kona offers a mixture of activities, which are perfect for the adventurer who wants to explore everywhere from mountain hiking trails to the crisp ocean, all while enjoying the comfortable amenities of beach-front resorts.

Kailua-Kona has a variety of comfortable hotels and condo-style accommodations, with a range of amenities.

We recommend the Kona Bali Kai Resort, with cozy condo-style accommodations, featuring beautiful scenery and a reasonable price, making it the perfect place to stay for one the best affordable getaways in Hawai‘i. The guest rooms feature all of the comforts one could hope for, at a fair price.

We also recommend the Royal Kona Resort, a stunning resort with incredible views, delicious food, and the luxury paradise experience you desire.

There are a variety of unique getaways in Hawai‘i, which will appeal to the modern adventurer, who wants to explore all that Hawai‘i has to offer. From picturesque shorelines, invigorating hikes, tasty local grub, and fascinating historic sites, there are so many unique weekend trips in Hawai‘i to enjoy.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Adventurers seeking relaxation and quiet
• ‌Highlights of East Kaua‘i:‌
  • Central location on the island of Kaua‘i with access to hiking and beaches
  • A relaxed energy with a slower pace of life
  • Stunning views on the oldest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago

East Kaua‘i is one of the most beautiful unique Hawai‘i getaways. The island is relaxed, with a slower pace of life and an energy that supports creativity, exploration, and rejuvenation. Kaua‘i offers a sense of peace and quiet compared to the other Hawaiian Islands. The area features beautiful beaches with snorkeling, hiking, and exceptional artistic and creative inspiration. East Kaua‘i also offers access via car to the famous Nā Pali Coast of Kaua‘i.

Fly into the Lihue Airport, and utilize a rideshare, taxi, or hotel shuttle to reach your accommodation. The 45 minute drive from the airport to the Coconut Coast showcases Kaua‘i’s stunning beauty.

The Coconut Coast of East Kaua‘i is known for its stunning views, gorgeous beaches, hiking trails, and relaxed pace of life.

Surfing, stand-up paddleboard, and snorkeling are great ways to enjoy the picturesque water of the Coconut Coast.

A variety of hiking trails are located on Kaua‘i, and the Coconut Coast is one of the best places to enjoy the stunning landscape. Kaua‘i also inspires artists, professional and amateur alike, with its carved cliffs and shining water.

While East Kaua‘i has fewer accommodation options than larger cities in Hawai‘i, the available hotels are comfortable and offer a variety of amenities.

We recommend the Kaua‘i Shores Hotel, which features a range of amenities, including two pools. The hotel has beautiful views and a convenient location near hiking trails, beaches, and watersports activities.

We also recommend the Plantation Hale Suites, which feature suite-style accommodations, available at one of the best prices on the island. The suites are perfect for family-style stays, and are comfortable and have an advantageous location.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Families who enjoy a luxurious experience away from the hustle of the big city
• ‌Highlights of Kapolei:‌
  • Luxury amenities in the setting of a smaller town
  • Beautiful views on the western side of the island of O‘ahu
  • Snorkeling, sightseeing and wildlife tours, and hiking opportunities
  • Accommodations with resources for family and group stays

Kapolei is located on the western side of the island of O‘ahu, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city of Honolulu. Close enough to spend a day in Honolulu, Kapolei offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, and access to surf breaks, snorkeling, sightseeing and wildlife tours, hiking, and beaches. Kapolei is one of the most unique getaways in Hawai‘i, due to its variety of activities. Kapolei is the perfect vacation spot for groups or families, due to the range of opportunities for guests.

To get to Kapolei, fly into the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Catch a taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle to Kapolei. The hour drive features beautiful views of O‘ahu’s southern and western shores, as well as the striking Wai‘anae Mountain Range. Visitors may also opt to rent a car to access other locations on the island of O‘ahu at their convenience.

Kapolei is often referred to as the "Second City" of O‘ahu, in comparison to Honolulu. Kapolei offers all of the conveniences and amenities of the bigger city of Honolulu, but in a more laid-back setting. Kapolei is on the Leeward Coast of O‘ahu, which experiences a bit less rain than the rest of the island, meaning you will have more time in the sunshine on the beautiful beaches of this area.

Kapolei offers the Wet 'n’ Wild Water Park, as well as the Coral Crater Adventure Park, which are sure to bring laughter and smiles to families and groups.

Kapolei also features some of the highest rated lū‘au on the island of O‘ahu, making it perfect for the traveler interested in watching hula dancing and other performances as they explore local culture and heritage.

Kapolei features several different hotel options, at a variety of price-points, all of which are comfortable and conveniently located.

We recommend the Ko ‘Olina Hawai‘i, a stunning hotel with a range of amenities, access to beautiful lagoons for swimming, sunning, and snorkeling, as well as comfortable rooms with gorgeous views.

For those interested in a fantasy stay in a hotel perfect for families or groups, the Aulani Disney Resort is a perfect option for a relaxed stay with a range of amenities to make your experience a dream come true.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Adventurers seeking to explore the natural beauty of the island of Hawai‘i
• ‌Highlights of Hilo:‌
  • Convenient location for accessing and enjoying the natural beauty of Hawai‘i
  • Near the popular Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
  • Relaxed lifestyle with an emphasis on the outdoors

Hilo is located on the east side of the Island of Hawai‘i. Hilo is one of the best weekend getaways in Hawai‘i. It is a lovely community, located close to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, which is one of the most scenic and picturesque locations in the state. Hilo is a quiet area, with an emphasis on the outdoors and exploring all that nature has to offer. Hilo also offers access to beautiful beaches, local heritage, and small businesses.

To get to Hilo, fly into the Hilo International Airport on the island of Hawai‘i. Utilize a taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle to reach your accommodations in Hilo. Visitors to the island of Hawai‘i may also choose to rent a car in order to easily travel to hiking trails, beaches, and other activities on the island.

Hilo is known for its slow-paced lifestyle, and close proximity to a variety of historic sites, hiking, and beaches.

Just a short drive from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Hilo is popular with adventures who want to explore all that Hawai‘i has to offer. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park features some of the most iconic sites in Hawai‘i, with two active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

Hilo features a variety of small businesses, which are great ways to support local residents of the area. Hilo also has stunning beaches which are great for snorkeling, swimming, and watersports.

Hilo has a wide variety of comfortable hotels, as well as cozy Airbnb rentals.

We recommend the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, for beautiful bayfront and Mauna Kea views, as well as an in-house restaurant and a variety of amenities.

We also recommend a comfortable Airbnb stay, which many are available in Hilo. There are a variety of options, such as this comfortable guesthouse, which features room for a family or group, and is a very affordable way to experience Hawai‘i. Options like this Airbnb make Hilo one of the most affordable getaways in Hawai‘i.

The best weekend getaways in Hawai‘i await you! Enjoy all that Hawai‘i has to offer at any of these other locations, as you will find that Hawai‘i has so many great options for weekend getaways. These smaller locations make up in charm for what they lack in size, and will surely be the site of your next memorable Hawai‘i getaway.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Adventurers pursuing a relaxed lifestyle on the most ideal beaches in the Hawaiian Islands
• ‌Highlights of Windward O‘ahu:‌
  • A relaxed beach lifestyle, with creative energy and inspiration at every turn
  • Gorgeous views, with picturesque beaches and volcanic cliffs
  • Some of the best access to hiking, watersports, and beaches in the Hawaiian Islands
  • A variety of amenities available between Kailua and Kāne‘ohe, which are smaller towns than Honolulu, but with all conveniences and even more charm

Windward O‘ahu is one of the most picturesque areas in Hawai‘i. Believed to be the first landing site of ancient Polynesian voyagers who arrived in Hawai‘i, Windward O‘ahu features sharp volcanic cliffs shining with waterfalls and streams, golden beaches, clear blue water, and creative energy that inspires many. Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, watersports, and swimming, as well as all of the amenities one could desire, available between two towns: Kailua and Kāne‘ohe.

To get to Windward O‘ahu, fly into the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Catch a taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle to the Windward side. The gorgeous, thirty minute drive takes you through the Ko’olau Mountains, one of O‘ahu’s most beautiful natural formations. Visitors to Windward O‘ahu might also choose to rent a car, which makes travel to various locations easier.

Windward O‘ahu is known for its gorgeous beaches, stunning hikes, and laid back lifestyle. Visitors can enjoy a variety of beaches along the Windward Coast, surf at popular breaks, snorkel, standup paddleboard, kayak, swim, and relax on the beach. The Ko‘olau Mountains are full of hikes, all of which feature beautiful views and cater to a variety of experience levels.

Visitors to Windward O‘ahu may also choose to visit the Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden in Kāne‘ohe, which has hiking trails, stunning views, as well as native and introduced plants.

Another popular destination is the Byodo-In Temple, located outside of Kāne‘ohe. The non-denominational Buddhist temple welcomes visitors to pay their respects, learn, and enjoy the peaceful environment.

Windward O‘ahu has fewer lodging options than urban Honolulu, however, the dedicated traveler will find that there are several great options for lodging in the beautiful Windward area.

We recommend the Papaya Paradise B&B, a smaller lodging option, which has all of the charisma of tropical living. The charming B&B is conveniently located and has several amenities to improve your stay.

For those looking for a more luxurious stay, the Paradise Bay Resort in Kāne‘ohe offers a variety of amenities, and keeps guests very comfortable in a quieter location on the Windward Coast.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Adventure surfers seeking world class surf breaks
• ‌Highlights of‌ ‌North Shore‌ ‌O‘ahu‌‌:‌
  • Access to world class surf breaks
  • Slower, more relaxed lifestyle
  • Variety of outdoor and watersport activities
  • Local businesses, top-rated restaurants, and farms to enjoy and explore

The North Shore of O‘ahu is one of the most beautiful regions of the Hawaiian Islands. It features world class surf breaks, with some of the best surf competitions happening in the waters off the shore. The North Shore also has a slower, more relaxed lifestyle, with a variety of shopping options, incredible restaurants, and stunning beaches.

Visitors to North Shore can enjoy standup paddleboarding, jet skiing, swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, and other watersports. In addition to these fantastic activities, the North Shore also features the famous shrimp trucks, farms, and gorgeous hikes for experienced and amateur hikers alike.

To get to North Shore, fly into the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Catch a taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle to the North Shore. The gorgeous, hour drive takes you through the center of O‘ahu, past pineapple fields and coffee farms. Visitors to North Shore might also choose to rent a car, which makes travel to various locations easier.

The North Shore features access to world class surf breaks, such as Pipeline and Waimea Bay, where visitors can experience surf competitions, watch professional surfers take on the waves, or take a surf lesson themselves.

The beaches on the North Shore are less crowded than other areas of the island and access to hiking trails means one can split their day between hiking and cooling off with a dip in the clear blue ocean.

The North Shore also has a variety of exciting locations to visit, from historic heritage sites, local businesses to shop at, delicious restaurants and food trucks, and farms. Visitors can enjoy a visit to a typical Hawaiian farm, macadamia or coffee farms, or shrimp “farms.”

Visitors can also easily access the Dole Plantation, especially with a rental car, which is located in central O‘ahu, and features fresh pineapple, a garden tour, train ride, and large shop.

The North Shore has a variety of lodging options, with a range of amenities and in several different locations along the shore to cater to those seeking out activities in various locations.

We recommend the Turtle Bay Resort for a luxurious stay, with a range of amenities. There are a host of activities, perfect for the whole family or group trips. Turtle Bay Resort is located centrally on the North Shore, with access to a variety of entertainment along the shore.

We also recommend the Courtyard by Marriott O‘ahu North Shore. This hotel is located along the windward side of the North Shore, with access to Windward O‘ahu, as well as the North Shore, making it a perfect location for longer stays and more adventurous travelers.

The Ke Iki Beach Bungalows also offer a comfortable stay for those looking to enjoy a laid back stay with access to several amenities.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Travelers who want to explore the more rural areas of Maui
• ‌Highlights of Hāna:‌
  • Relaxed lifestyle
  • World famous beaches, hikes, and historic sites
  • The famous Road to Hāna drive, which takes visitors along some of the most beautiful areas of Hawai‘i
  • Access to some of the less-traveled areas of the island of Maui, which appeal to adventurous travelers

Hāna is located on the east side of the island of Maui. Hāna is one of the most beautiful areas of Hawai‘i, and the Road to Hāna takes visitors through gorgeous rainforests, past stunning beaches, world famous hikes, and roadside stands selling fresh fruit, banana bread, and local favorites.

Hāna is the perfect place for the adventurer who wants to experience all that Maui has to offer. The Road to Hāna is one of the best ways to see Maui and experience life in the more rural areas of the island. Visitors can enjoy a detour to popular sites, such as Haleakalā, or a quick day trip to Lana‘i on the ferry before taking on the Road to Hāna.

To get to Hāna, fly into the Kahului Airport on Maui. Rent a car and drive the Road to Hāna, a several hour drive which will take you through gorgeous rainforest, picturesque farmland, and other world-famous sites.

Visitors to Hāna may enjoy the Wai’anapanapa State Park, which features Maui’s only black sand beach. Visitors should make reservations to visit the park prior to visiting, which will ensure they are able to visit and experience the park to its fullest.

The Hāna Cultural Center and Museum is the perfect place for history buffs and heritage lovers. Spend an afternoon exploring Hāna’s rich history.

Hāna Bay is one of the best snorkeling sites on the island of Maui and will surely be enjoyed by a variety of visitors, from the most experienced to the first-time snorkeler.

Hāna also features a range of small businesses, farmers’ markets, and art galleries. Visitors can support local artists, makers, and growers at these locations, as well as enjoy local produce and wares.

Hāna has several oceanfront beach hotels, as well as cozy condo-style rentals. Though there are fewer options for lodging in Hāna, visitors will be pleased by the quality.

The Hāna Kai Maui oceanfront condos offer a comfortable stay with beautiful views and access to amenities. The condos are perfect for groups, families, singles, and couples alike.

We also recommend the Hyatt Hāna Maui Resort for a more all-inclusive, luxurious stay with a great central location and a range of amenities.

No matter which beautiful location you choose to visit for your next Hawaiian getaway, you will surely enjoy every moment. Without a doubt, Hawai‘i will excite and appeal to every type of traveler!