Travel Pono

Travel Pono means to explore with care, offering your kokua (help) to preserve our natural resources, cultures and communities. It’s recognizing your responsibility while gaining a deeper connection to Hawaii.

Explore the Islands with Travel Pono

Do your part to Travel Pono as you go from aina (land) to kai (sea) in Hawaii. Here’s how.

Watch now

Exploring Hawaii by land

Hawaii’s great outdoors are more than great — they’re incredible. You’ll find rainforests dripping in color, waterfalls sculpting mountain ridges, lava fields that simmer with steam, peaks rise above the clouds, and a million ways to feel connected to the aina (land). Before exploring all this beauty for yourself, it’s best that you know what to expect.

What should I know about exploring Hawaii's outdoors?

Explore More

Where do I find hikes in Hawaii?

Map it out

Where do I prepare for a Hawaii hike?

Hit the trail

What should I know about driving in Hawaii?

Get the details

Top Hawaii Island trails

Hiking Oahu’s Diamond Head

Exploring Kauai’s outdoors

Our favorite Maui hikes

Playing safe in the ocean

Time in Hawaii’s ocean waters is time well spent — floating and swimming until the skin on your finger wrinkles. For the best experience possible, you need to be aware of your surroundings. You’ve got a lot to consider.

Can I go swimming at any beach in Hawaii?

Dip your toes

What ocean hazards do I need to know?

Check the water

How do I stay safe on the shore?

Get sandy

When should I not go in the ocean?

Look out

What ocean animals live around Hawaii?

Learn more

Does Hawaii have laws about ocean behavior?

Be aware

Protecting our coral reefs

Ocean safety

A beginner’s guide to surfing Oahu

What you’re seeing under the sea

Mindful traveling in Hawaii

Hawaii is one of a kind. You won’t have your run-of-the-mill vacation here. So, take advantage of your time with a mindful approach to travel, one that fully immerses you in the culture and community of Hawaii.

How do I have a positive impact as visitor to Hawaii?

Show you care

How do I make my Hawaii visit more meaningful?

Go deeper

Are there volunteer opportunities for Hawaii tourists?

Lend a hand

What is "the aloha spirit?"

Find out

What is “Hawaiian time?”

Find out