Consider the Azores as Europe's other-worldly alternative to Hawaii. Hawaii 2.0, if you will, as the Azores?a stunning island archipelago off the coast of Portugal?not only have the same charms that have made the Aloha State so adored among travelers, but even surpasses the Pacific frontrunner in myriad ways.

The Azores, particularly the islands of Flores and São Miguel, are frequently called the "Hawaii of Europe" due to their dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush greenery. Like Hawaii, the Azores feature towering sea cliffs, black sand beaches, and deep volcanic craters filled with turquoise lakes, such as Sete Cidades. The island of Flores is the most striking comparison, famous for its vertical "wall of waterfalls" at Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro, which mimics the rugged, emerald peaks of Kauai. Another Portuguese archipelago, Madeira, also shares Hawaii's subtropical "Eternal Spring" climate and jagged mountain topography, complete with dense laurel forests and jagged coastlines. While Hawaii is known for its palm trees and tropical heat, the Azores have a cooler, more "oceanic" feel with wild hydrangeas lining the roads. In 2026, these islands remain a favorite for adventure travelers seeking Hawaii-like scenery—waterfalls, thermal springs, and volcanic calderas—without the 10-hour flight from Europe, providing a unique blend of Pacific-style geography and traditional Portuguese culture in the middle of the Atlantic.