Visiting Hawaii means exploring an archipelago of 8 main islands located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, approximately 4,000 km from the American coast.
Between active volcanoes, lush tropical forests, white sand beaches and vibrant Polynesian culture, each island reveals a distinct identity. From Nouméa, Aircalin connects you to Honolulu in 12h45, the ideal gateway to discover one of the world's most fascinating archipelagos.
Traveling to Hawaii, halfway between tradition and modernity
The mere mention of Hawaii's name has a little taste of paradise. And for good reason… Between buildings and white sand beaches, between nature and culture, Hawaii with its multiple personalities gradually reveals itself, from one island to another. A magical and contrasting journey.
A cultural adventure between land and sea
Hawaii with its thousand beaches is nonetheless a land where the population, nature and culture imprint contrasting characters on the different islands. The ocean and the tropical forest compete for the role of primary playground and both have serious arguments.
On the water, the possibilities are endless:
swimming and lounging on Waikiki beach, diving, snorkeling and sea kayaking in turquoise waters, surfing the mythical waves of Jaws in Maui (up to 20 m high) or on the North Shore of Oahu (Pipeline, Sunset Beach).
On land, the adventure changes face:
hikes in the lush jungle of Kauai, between peaks, steep cliffs and spectacular waterfalls, winding trails along the Napali coast, one of the wildest landscapes in the archipelago, exploration of Big Island's volcanic landscapes, between craters and lava flows.
In short: Hawaii offers two complementary worlds, the ocean for water sports and diving, the land for hiking and volcanic landscapes. Each island has its specialty: it's up to you to choose your playground.
What are the must-see places to visit in Hawaii?
Peaceful Honolulu: capital of the Aloha spirit
By booking a ticket to Hawaii, join Honolulu, the state capital and main gateway to the archipelago. Here buildings and shops rub shoulders with white sand, resort hotels offer views of Polynesian canoe races and restaurants offer large hamburgers as well as fresh fish. There's an air of Florida mixed with Pacific traditions under the capital's sun, a breath of America that's modern, frantic and filled with life's pleasures.
For luxury lovers and refined window shopping, it's impossible to plan a stay in Hawaii without a shopping day in Honolulu. Take time to explore the city's commercial streets that bring together all the biggest brands where you can find what you need for evening outings or lounging on Waikiki beach.
Discover the mother city of the Aloha spirit, which means living in harmony with the people and land around you, with kindness, grace and gentleness.
To remember: Honolulu alone concentrates mythical beaches (Waikiki), historical sites (Pearl Harbor) and lively urban life, ideal for a first stay in Hawaii.
Volcanoes National Park: what grandeur!
On Big Island, the volcanoes national park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, replaces all imaginable amusement parks. On foot or by car to tour the craters, by helicopter to admire them from the sky, travelers slip into the skin of volcanologists in search of lava flows.
A spectacle rather easy to admire on the main island since it houses two permanently active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa, one of the world's largest volcanoes.
The breathtaking view of Waimea Canyon
On the island of Kauaʻi, plan to visit Waimea Canyon State Park and let yourself be transported by its breathtaking landscapes. Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this canyon measures approximately 16 km long and 1,100 m deep.
These spectacular fire-red gashes were created by erosion from the Waimea River, originating from extreme precipitation at the island's central summit, Mount Waiʻaleʻale.
Practical tip: visit Waimea Canyon early in the morning to avoid the clouds that often mask the panoramas during the day.
Activities to do in Hawaii
Visit Pearl Harbor Memorial
Hawaii was the theater of one of World War II's deadliest battles, the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941.
The USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu will make you relive this tragic event through unique exhibitions and archival documents that attract over two million visitors each year. Entry is free, but online reservation is strongly recommended.
Diving with turtles
In Kealakekua Bay, the turquoise waters of the Pacific invite scuba diving, with tanks or simple fins, mask and snorkel.
In this natural cove, the largest on the Big Island, the depths are the natural environment of multiple tropical fish and notably the Hawaiian green turtle. You might even encounter, with a bit of luck, some playful dolphins or swim for a few moments with manta rays, a particularly spectacular experience during night dives off Kona.
In short: Kealakekua Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots on Big Island, accessible by kayak or boat excursion from Kailua-Kona.
Discover Hawaiian culture firsthand
Visiting Hawaii is also the promise of hula shows, traditional dance that invites you to discover ancestral Polynesian traditions. The tattoos (kakau) displayed by dancers reinforce this impression of immersion in a strong cultural identity.
Now very popular, tattoos on residents' skin are symbols of proud belonging to this thousand-faced archipelago. The Aloha festivals and Merrie Monarch, dedicated to hula, are privileged moments to soak up this living culture.
Stargazing atop Mauna Kea
Hawaii enjoys an exceptional situation for stargazing. Rising to 4,205 m altitude, Mauna Kea is one of the world's best astronomical observatories.
This is notably why we find the Mauna Kea International Observatory there, which brings together astronomers from around the world around space observation. Regularly, excursions or guided tours are organized to allow you too to dive into the infinitely large for the duration of a magical night.
Practical tip: bring warm clothing for the Mauna Kea ascent, temperatures at the summit hover around 0°C, even in summer.
FAQ: everything to know before visiting Hawaii
What to do in Hawaii outside of beaches?
The archipelago proves equally rich away from the seaside. Here are the must-have experiences by island:
Big Island: hiking in Volcanoes National Park, stargazing atop Mauna Kea (4,205 m) Maui: strolling through the historic village of Lahaina, its colorful streets and century-old Banyan Tree planted in 1873, one of the largest trees in the United States. Sunsets from Lahaina's waterfront are among the most spectacular in the entire archipelago.
Kauai: tropical forest hikes, Napali coast cliffs, Waimea Canyon State Park Oahu: Pearl Harbor memorial, Diamond Head crater, Chinatown local market In short: each Hawaiian island offers a distinct program. Better to target your desires before choosing your itinerary.
What do you find in Waikiki beyond the beach?
The Waikiki beachfront district is much more than a white sand beach. You'll find:
The Royal Hawaiian, historic hotel nicknamed the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," symbol of Hawaiian tourism since 1927 Pacific Ocean beachfront bars where you can sip a mai tai, emblematic cocktail made with rum, curaçao and lime juice Luxury shops, fresh fish restaurants and outdoor hula shows To remember: Waikiki alone concentrates most of Honolulu's entertainment, steps away from the waves.
What's the best surfing area in Hawaii?
Oahu's North Shore is the world reference. This north coast concentrates the archipelago's most renowned spots:
Pipeline: tubular waves up to 9 m, reserved for experts Sunset Beach: powerful swells ideal for international competitions Waimea Bay: legendary spot that only awakens from 6 m swells Each winter, between November and February, Pacific swells generate exceptional conditions there, attracting the world's surfing elite.
Can you swim with manta rays in Hawaii?
Yes, and it's one of the archipelago's most sought-after experiences. Night diving with manta rays off Kona, on Big Island's west coast, allows observing these giant rays whose wingspan can reach 4 m.
Attracted each evening by boat lights, they glide within meters of divers. A guided excursion is recommended to practice this activity safely.
What do you find in Hawaii that you find nowhere else?
Hawaii is the only US state located entirely in the Pacific Ocean. You'll find:
black volcanic sand beaches, unique in the world, volcanoes in permanent activity on Hawaii island (Big Island), living Polynesian culture: hula, kakau tattoos, Aloha festivals, endemic species like the Hawaiian green turtle or Hawaiian monk seal.
To remember: Hawaii island is the only place in the world where you can observe active lava flows plunging into the Pacific Ocean.
How long does it take to visit Hawaii?
The ideal duration depends on the number of islands to explore:
7 days: one island in depth (ideal for Oahu or Maui) 10 to 12 days: two islands, for example Oahu and Big Island 15 days and more: complete multi-island circuit (Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai) Practical tip: plan at least one night on site before starting visits, the time difference with Nouméa is 21 hours.
Do you need a visa to go to Hawaii from New Caledonia?
Hawaii is a US state: French nationals must have a valid ESTA authorization (approximately 21 USD) before boarding. ESTA is requested online on the US government's official site, ideally 72 hours before departure.
Check US entry formalities on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to verify current conditions.
Practical information
Coming to Hawaii
Entry requirements in Hawaii:
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How to get to Hawaii
Going to Hawaii from Noumea
To easily get to Hawaii from Noumea, check out our Flight Noumea Hawaii page.
Average flight time:
The shortest flight time for a Noumea Honolulu trip is 12 hours and 45 minutes with a stopover in New Zealand. This travel time may vary depending on your itinerary. Flights beyond the Aircalin network are operated by our partner airlines.
Time difference:
It is 21 hours earlier in Honolulu, Hawaii than in Noumea, New Caledonia.
When to go to Hawaii
What is the best time to visit Hawaii?
Depending on what you want to do in Hawaii, the best times to go are:
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May to September when temperatures are optimal (around 30°C), winds from the sea are conducive to waves and will delight surfing enthusiasts
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From November to March with milder temperatures (around 25°C), the islands are more suitable for those who want to enjoy sunny beaches in cooler conditions.
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