Hawaii, a traveler's guide

Barack Obama's Hawaiian homeland

It happened to Plains, when Jimmy Carter became president and a tiny hamlet in western Georgia became famous as the hometown of a certain peanut farmer.

HAWAII

The greatest layover in American history

The plane from Lihue Airport in Kauai touched down seven minutes earlier than scheduled, adding to the already-awaiting six-hour layover in Honolulu International Airport.

In Hawaii, the Super Bowl of surfing

You're on Oahu's North Shore at the Banzai Pipeline, the most famous big wave on the world's most famous big wave surfing coastline. You set up not 50 yards from the wave's rising peak, so close you feel the shivers as its water wall shakes the shoreline.

Disney plans to build hotel complex in Hawaii

Seventy years after his first ride on Hawaii surf, Mickey Mouse is finally coming back to the islands. Disney's plan for a Hawaii hotel complex is far from another Disneyland, both in distance and concept.

Kauai for adventurers

HANAMAULU, Hawaii—You've signed the release forms, cinched yourself into a full-body harness, strapped on the tactical helmet and jostled out to the rugged Kauai jungle in the back of a six-wheeled, all-terrain Pinzgauer.

Surf's up but prices are down in Hawaii

Hawaii this year has hardly been a paradise for travelers.

HAWAII

In Hawaii, tattoos are a mark of pride

To native Hawaiians, tattoos are cultural. To visitors, they're cool.

HAWAII | CULTURE

Hawaii keeps the lei-making tradition alive

The 50th state celebrates its floral wreaths on Lei Day and nurtures an ancient custom.

Top 10 beaches on Oahu

Tourists from around the world flock to Waikiki Beach when they visit Hawaii. But visitors usually aren't impressed by its sandy shore.

HAWAII | FOOD

Original flavors, reasonable prices on Oahu

Authentic island cuisine can be found at reasonable prices. But to find it, visitors have to take some chances, explore new places and savor their discoveries.

HAWAII | FOOD

Cheap eats on Oahu

20 restaurants where a meal is less than $20.

HAWAII | RESTAURANTS

Cheap eats on Maui

20 yummy dishes for under $20. You'll like the variety, too.

TRAVEL NEWS & TIPS

Crowds flock to fireworks at Hawaii's Kilauea volcano

VOLCANO, HAWAII -- Visitors are flocking to witness the spectacular eruption at Hawaii's Kilauea volcano despite summit explosions, toxic fumes and partial closures at the national park.

Kona is a haven for kids

The first time the Houskas vacationed at Kona Village on the Big Island of Hawaii, Judy Houska was pregnant with her first child. The next year, they celebrated Joe Houska's 40th birthday. Then it was Joe and Judy's 10th anniversary.

HAWAII | BIG ISLAND | LODGINGS

Resorts offer luxury, adventure packages

Big Island hotels inspire a sense of privilege and relaxation.

HAWAII | BIG ISLAND

Where to stay on the Big Island

All of the Big Island's resorts come in pairs and are found on the west coast between Kawaihai on the north and Keauhou on the south.

HAWAII | MOLOKAI

Planning your trip to Molokai

Where to stay and eat on this tiny Hawaiian island

HAWAII | BIG ISLAND

Night diving on the Big Island of Hawaii

One big step off the boat and into the dark. When I hit the water, I feel all the familiar feelings, the ocean seeping into my wetsuit, the frantic bubbles on my face, the ineffable moment when the body's gyroscope switches over from gravity to buoyancy. But nothing else is familiar. I'm floating free in the blue-black ocean, a few hundred yards from Kona's volcanic bluffs. The water is about 40 feet deep here, but just a few hundred yards to the west the Big Island's seamount plunges into the miles-deep oceanic abyss.