The Aloha state will give you a warm welcome as you step off the plane into nice tropical temperatures. Located in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is the 50th state and is located 2,300 miles from the mainland United States. Did you know Hawaii is the only state that lies completely in the tropics? It’s also the only state that keeps growing in size, thanks to lava flows, primarily from Kilauea.

The state consists of a group of 19 islands and atolls, but the eight primary islands are Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui and the Island of Hawaii. Among the islands there are more endangered species per square mile than anywhere else.

Each island is different and unique in many ways, but most people entering the state will come through Oahu, where the bustling city of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach is located. While some people love the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, it’s not for everyone and you’ll discover the other islands are not only quieter, but each island has it’s own unique characteristics. Do your research before you go and decide what island or islands you would like to visit.

Getting to Hawaii

Most visitors enter via Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on the island of Oahu. From Oahu you can catch a connecting flight to other islands. Several US carriers have also introduced non-stop service to other islands including Kauai (LIH), Maui (OGG), and the Island of Hawaii (KOA) from the mainland United States to avoid going through Honolulu.

For international visitors there are non-stop flights to Honolulu from Australia with Qantas, Air Canada, and Hawaiian Airlines. Hawaii is a popular tourist among tourists from Asia. All Nippon Airways, China Airlines, Japan Airlines, JALways, Northwest, and United all provide service from Tokyo's Narita Airport to Honolulu. Korean Airlines has service from Seoul-Incheon and from Taipei there is service on China Airlines along with Eva Airways. If arriving from overseas you must first clear US Immigrations and Customs - even if your final destination is on another island.

To reach the smaller islands such as Lanai and Molokai, air service is provided via Honolulu with Island Air, Pacific Wings, and Mokulele Airlines. The primary airport on the Island of Hawaii is Kona but flights are also available into Hilo (ITO) from Honolulu. The three primary carriers which provide jet service between the islands include Aloha Airlines, Go! (Mesa Airlines), and Hawaiian Airlines.