Midway Atoll marks the far end of the Hawaiian island chain. These low, sandy islets circle a shallow lagoon and represent the final stage in a long geological journey: over millions of years volcanic islands form to the southeast and slowly migrate northwest, leaving worn remnants like Midway that will eventually subside beneath the sea. Though remote and not easily visited, Midway appears occasionally on select cruise itineraries; Holland America Line’s Westerdam, for example, listed a rare call in October 2024. Visitors can still see remnants of the World War II battle that occurred here and witness massive colonies of seabirds, including millions of nesting albatrosses.
After departing Midway, the Westerdam sails along the chain of smaller islands and atolls that trail northwest from the main Hawaiian cluster. After several days at sea, the green, dramatic slopes of Kaua‘i appear on the horizon, announcing a return to lush, dramatic land.
© Mnstudio
Kaua‘i (pronounced “cow-wa-ee”) is the greenest and often the wettest of the main islands. At its center, Mount Wai‘ale‘ale is among the wettest spots on Earth, receiving extremely heavy rainfall (though the island’s lowlands and leeward shores are substantially drier and host near-desert areas). That abundant rain sculpts the island’s dramatic valleys and canyons, creating the striking scenery that has drawn filmmakers and visitors alike.
Each Hawaiian island has its own personality, which makes island-hopping cruises especially rewarding. Most voyages begin on Oahu, where the main international airport, Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor are located. Many itineraries follow a clockwise route from Oahu to Maui, on to the Big Island (Hawai‘i), up to Kaua‘i, and back to Oahu. This routing allows travelers to experience a range of landscapes, climates, and cultural sites before and during their cruise.
Maui is widely known for its resorts and visitor amenities, as well as excellent hiking opportunities on the slopes of its volcanic peaks. It offers a blend of luxury accommodations and outdoor adventure, with attractions that appeal to a wide variety of travelers.
© Shane Myers | Dreamstime.com
Geologically, the Hawaiian Islands form on a volcanic hotspot beneath the Pacific Plate. New islands are born above the hotspot and then drift northwest as the plate moves, so Midway lies at the older, far-northwest end of the chain while the Big Island sits over the active hotspot and is the youngest island.
By contrast with verdant Kaua‘i, large portions of the Big Island present raw volcanic terrain — it is still growing. Mauna Loa dominates the island; measured from its base on the ocean floor, it rises higher than Mount Everest. Driving up to the island’s higher elevations takes you through multiple climate zones, from tropical shores to near alpine conditions. Snow can fall at the summit during winter months, and cool winds can lower temperatures across the island. Hawai‘i’s climate varies dramatically with altitude.
The west coast of the Big Island features well-known beach resorts, while the interior offers hiking through verdant valleys and waterfalls and dramatic views of the rugged northeast cliffs. To the south, lava flows from Mauna Loa and Kilauea periodically reshape the coastline; watching molten lava meet the ocean is a powerful reminder that landscapes are constantly changing. The sight of fresh lava cooling into new land feels simultaneously apocalyptic and elemental — it’s a vivid demonstration of geological creation in action.
© Cory M Dorazio | Dreamstime.com
LODGING
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
This AAA Five Diamond resort on Maui’s Wailea coast combines luxury amenities with oceanfront settings. The property gained widespread attention as the setting for the television series The White Lotus.
3900 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, Maui $$$$
Volcano House
Located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, this unassuming hotel places guests close to the island’s volcanic interior and offers direct views of Halema‘uma‘u Crater and surrounding landscapes.
1 Crater Rim Drive, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Pāhoa, the Big Island $$$
Waimea Plantation Cottages
These secluded cottages on Kaua‘i provide a relaxed, traditional island atmosphere amid lush grounds. They make a convenient base for exploring Waimea Canyon and the island’s scenic interior.
9400 Kaumualii Highway, Waimea, Kaua‘i
$$$
DINING
Eating House 1849
Chef Roy Yamaguchi’s restaurant on Kaua‘i delivers inventive dishes that reflect the island’s diverse culinary influences, focusing on local ingredients and contemporary preparations.
The Shops at Kukui‘ula, 2829 Ala Kalanikau-maka St. A-201, Koloa, Kaua‘i
$$$
Mama’s Fish House
This acclaimed family-run restaurant on Maui is known for its fresh Pacific seafood and scenic setting. Reservations are often required and can book well in advance.
799 Poho Place, Pā‘ia, Maui
$$$$
Merriman’s Big Island
One of the original locations from chef Peter Merriman, this restaurant emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and helped popularize the farm-to-table movement in Hawai‘i.
65-1227 Opelo Road B, Kamuela, the Big Island $$$
INFO TO GO
Three international gateways serve the Hawaiian islands: Honolulu (HNL) on Oahu, Kona (KOA) and Hilo (ITO) on the Big Island. Domestic flights connect these airports with the other inhabited islands on regular schedules.
Maui Fires: How to Help
In early August, severe wildfires struck parts of Maui, causing extensive damage and tragic loss of life. As recovery continues, several areas — including Lahaina, Napili, Ka‘anapali and Kapalua — have remained closed to visitors, while other parts of Maui and the other Hawaiian islands continue to welcome tourists. Travelers should check current travel advisories and practice responsible tourism. Visitors who wish to support recovery efforts are encouraged to donate to established local relief organizations and charities focused on disaster relief, food security, and animal welfare. Supporting trusted local nonprofits helps communities rebuild while preserving the islands’ cultural and natural heritage.