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O'AHU
The island that is otherwise known as the “Heart of Hawaii.” The state capital of Honolulu boasts a mixture of exciting restaurants and bars, museums, and galleries, and the food and art scene in Hawaii is particularly of note for the cultured traveler. The island is sometimes called "The Gathering Place," and O'ahu certainly lives up to its name. The third largest Hawaiian island is home to the majority of Hawaii's diverse population, a fusion of East and West cultures rooted in values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. You can enjoy the bustling city life to laidback surf towns which makes O'ahu so enjoyable. Not to mention the famous Waikiki beach with its backdrop of Diamond Head. Be sure to take a surf lesson on Waikiki Beach while you are there - you will not regret it!
MAUI
If you’re looking for luxury, then Maui is the island to visit. Nicknamed the “Beverly Hills Island,” Maui is home to an abundance of luxury resorts, particularly in the beautiful region of Wailea, along the South Shore. Be ready to take off early in the morning for the legendary Road to Hana which is known to be one of the most scenic routes in the country. Travelers and dawdlers should beware that they should block off an entire day for this winding, road trip journey. Maui’s gorgeous landscapes may have earned it the nickname the “Valley Isle,” but this Hawaiian island is equally renowned for its wonders out to sea, as well. Considered the whale watching capital of the archipelago, Maui is an ideal destination for humpback-sightings just off the coast. Sign up for a whale watching tour with the Pacific Whale Foundation to catch the humpback whales on their annual breeding vacation: They visit the Hawaiian islands in the wintertime, after having spent the warmer months up north, feeding in Alaska.
KAUAI
The oldest, northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai is known as the “Garden Island” and is a perfect selection for nature-lovers, and travelers who want to go into the wild while on their vacation to the tropics. This island is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs aged by time and the elements. Though the northern part of the island of Kauai—and Hanalei Bay, specifically—are eternally popular, the southern coast of Kauai is just as magnificent (we recommend catching the sunrise at Poipu Beach to appreciate the gorgeous landscape fully). Visit the dirt roads of Waimea Canyon as you cruise around the lush island, upon which 97% of the land is preserved. Make sure and take a catamaran trip along the Napali Coast which is spectacular!
HAWAII
The Island of Hawaii is a must-visit for travelers yearning to reconnect with nature and experience what is known as the ‘old Hawaii’—as in, before the islands became as popular as they are today with tourists. The largest of the Hawaiian islands, the Island of Hawaii is nearly double the size of all the other islands combined, hence its nickname as the “Big Island.” Hawaii Island is also known as the Island of Discovery, and there’s much to explore in the island’s two distinct regions: the Kona and the Hilo areas of the island. Kona, located on the western side of the island, is sunnier and the volcanic landscape is home to coffee farms and breathtaking views of the Pacific. Explore the black sand coast of Punaluu Beach and visit the five-acre farm of Kona Natural Soap, located just south of Kona in the town of Holualoa, for a tour (and chocolate-tasting). King Kamehameha spent his last years in Kona, and you can get in touch with royalty yourself with a Hāloa ʻĀina Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood Tour up in the highlands.