Photo: Shane Myers Photography/Shutterstock

Trending City

The archipelago of Hawaii comprises four major islands (Kauai, Oahu, Hawaii, Maui) and a number of smaller or less populated islands (Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, Kahoolawe), and is among the most isolated land masses on earth, an isolation which has resulted in the evolution of thousands of endemic species of flora and fauna.

Read More

Mankind first settled in Hawaii between 1,700 and 1,500 years ago, when skilled Polynesian navigators landed, bringing with them plants, animals, lifestyle, tools, and culture. During the period before contact with Western or Asian civilizations, Native Hawaiian kings ruled the islands with a strict legal code that encouraged communal production and sacrifice. They organized settlements around the ahupua’a, a land demarcation stretching from watersheds in the mountains following the course of streams down to the oceans.

King Kamehameha the Great unified all the major Hawaiian Islands during the late18th and early 19th centuries, a period during which Hawaiians increasingly encountered Western sailing vessels (most notably that of Captain James Cooke, the famous explorer and first Caucasian to land in Hawaii). Over time, the interest of the U.S. government in Hawaii grew and the islands were eventually subjugated as part of a coup driven by white merchants resulting in the overthrow of a Native Hawaiian Monarchy.

Hawaii today is a mix of overcrowded urban centers centers along with massive wilderness areas, and plenty of small towns where native Hawaiian culture continues to endure.

Editors' Picks

Beaches and Islands

How to Visit Niihau, Hawaii's ‘Forbidden' Island

Don’t let the name scare you -- getting there is doable.

Train Travel

Touring Hawaii by Train Is an Unexpected and Fun Way to See the Rainbow State

You can even celebrate your birthday on one of these Hawaiian trains!

Beaches and Islands

PSA: Hawaii Is Not a Theme Park

Rule number one: Always listen to the lifeguards.

Surfing

Where to Go Surfing in Hawaii for Every Skill Level

Hawaii has no shortage of places to catch a wave.

Epic Stays

The Most Luxurious Resorts on the Hawaiian Islands for a Vacation of a Lifetime

If you thought Hawaii couldn't get any better, think again.

Hiking

The 13 Best Places to Go Hiking in Hawaii

It's worth pulling yourself away from the beach for these.

Beaches and Islands

Where to Find the Best Beaches in Maui

From snorkeling beaches to surf havens to tidepools.

Epic Stays

King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel Offers Adventures and History on Hawaii's Big Island

Finally, a Big Island hotel that honors the island's rich cultural history.

Hawaii

Featured Film

Malama Kai: To take care of the sea

Caring for the sea, or malama kai, is born from the same spirit as taking care of the Earth and each other. These stories explore how the spirit of malama connects us all.

Hawaii

Latest Videos

Mālama ʻĀina: To take care of the land

Be inspired by how locals care for the land in Hawaii.

04:37

Mālama Ka Po’e: To take care of one’s people

These are just a few stories of how the spirit of malama thrives everywhere you look.

04:03

Where the land speaks: Island of Hawaii

Follow this personal journey around the island.

02:37

Malama aina: Kauai

Come see how we care for the land and ocean here on Kauai.

01:05

Hawaii

Beaches and Islands

Hawaii

Epic Stays

Hawaii

National Parks

Hawaii

Surfing

Hawaii

Galleries

Hawaii

Food + Drink

Cities