The Aloha State
Hawaii
Volcanic peaks, tropical rainforests, and coastal trails on the most isolated island chain on Earth.
Hawaii at a Glance
State Forests
Hawaii manages over 700,000 acres of state forest reserves, protecting critical watershed areas across all major islands
Volcanic Terrain
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island contains two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa
Wettest Spot on Earth
Mount Waialeale on Kauai averages 460 inches of rain per year, making it one of the wettest places on Earth
Endemic Species
Hawaii has more endangered species per square mile than anywhere in the US, with thousands of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth
Napali Coast
The 11-mile Kalalau Trail along Kauai's Napali Coast is one of the most dramatic hiking routes in the United States
Isolation
Hawaii is the most geographically isolated island chain on Earth, sitting 2,400 miles from the nearest continent
When to Visit
Year-round. The north and east sides of islands are wetter (lush, but more trail closures). South and west sides are drier with more reliable access. Winter (November through March) brings occasional storms but fewer crowds.
Top Activities
Gateway Cities
Hilo
Gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, with access to Mauna Kea summit trails and rainforest hiking in the Hamakua Coast area.
Lihue
Main hub on Kauai with access to the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Kokee State Park's network of high-elevation trails.
Did You Know?
The Big Island grows about 42 acres per year as lava flows from Kilauea into the Pacific Ocean.
Mauna Kea, measured from its base on the ocean floor, is actually taller than Everest at nearly 33,500 ft total height.
The Alakai Swamp on Kauai at 4,000 ft elevation is one of the highest wetlands in the world.
Hawaii's Waimea Canyon, called the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific,' is 14 miles long and over 3,600 ft deep.
Haleakala National Park on Maui protects the world's largest dormant volcanic crater, spanning 7 miles across at the summit.