HOME TO JUNGLED MOUNTAINS, stunning beaches, vibrant culture, countless activities and modern infrastructure, Hawai‘i presents a delightful dilemma: which island should you choose? Fortunately, frequent and affordable flights make island hopping easy, so you can sample several during a single trip.
Oahu is the state’s most developed island, yet it retains strong Polynesian roots. Iolani Palace—the only royal residence on U.S. soil—and the Bishop Museum offer well-preserved perspectives on the Hawaiian monarchy and its history. The island’s cultural story is broadened by waves of Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese immigrants who arrived in the 1800s. In Honolulu you’ll find neighborhoods where traditional food, crafts and family businesses create an authentic sensory tapestry, from lively dim sum houses and shops selling Portuguese malasadas to quiet lei makers threading blossoms by hand.
Start a Saturday with an early hike up Diamond Head, then wander the Kapi‘olani Community College Farmer’s Market at the mountain’s base for fresh specialties like macadamia nut cake, pineapple bread pudding and fried rice with barbecued pork. Waikiki Beach, known for making surfing famous, is ideal for beginners thanks to its gentle waves; local surf schools and instructors can get novices standing up. For bigger waves and top-tier surfing, head to the North Shore, where the scene is legendary and whale sightings are common. On the windward coast, Kailua Beach is perfect for kayak rentals and paddling to nearby volcanic islets, while Lanikai Beach offers postcard-perfect views and upscale homes. Marine-biologist-led tours also provide unforgettable swim-with-dolphin and snorkeling experiences.
When shade and greenery beckon, Oahu’s network of hiking trails cuts through jungle-clad hillsides to reveal waterfalls, wild banana groves and tropical flowers. Shoppers should make time for the Ala Moana Center and the boutiques lining Kalakaua Avenue for everything from designer labels to local goods.
Where Oahu buzzes, Maui soothes. Pastoral upcountry and small towns such as Paia give way to beaches that range from broad sunlit stretches to tucked-away coves. D.T. Fleming Beach Park provides both shoreline access and trailheads, while Kaʻanapali Beach—framed by palms and soft sand with views of Lāna‘i—epitomizes Hawaiian beach life. Snorkelers often find sea turtles feeding near Black Rock; on the Makena Coast, Wedding Beach is a secluded haven accessed through an ancient stone passage.
Rising more than 10,000 feet, Haleakalā—Maui’s dormant volcano—commands dramatic sunrises and sunsets. Sunrise tours, many followed by a downhill bike ride, and evening stargazing trips that use telescopes and laser-guided pointers make the summit a favorite for photographers and nature lovers. No visit to Maui is complete without driving the Road to Hāna, a scenic 52-mile route known for its hundreds of hairpin turns and stops that include black-sand beaches, calm pools and cascading waterfalls. Allocate a full day for the journey so you can truly explore, swim and enjoy local food in Hāna or Paia.
Hawai‘i Island (the Big Island) is the most dramatic of the islands. Kīlauea Volcano has been an active feature of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park for decades, and night-time lava viewing—by guided hike or boat tour—can be extraordinary when flows are visible. The park also includes an 11-mile crater rim drive, lava tubes and an underground observatory. Mauna Kea, nearly 14,000 feet high, hosts world-class telescopes and offers some of the best stargazing anywhere.
Waipi‘o Valley stands out even on this geologically rich island. Towering cliffs and waterfalls tumble into deep green ravines, creating views best enjoyed from a lookout, by guided Jeep, or on horseback. The island’s beaches are uniquely diverse: Punalu‘u’s black sand, Papakōlea’s rare green sand and Hapuna’s classic turquoise shore each deliver a distinct beach experience. For a comprehensive perspective, open-door helicopter tours reveal volcanoes, waterfalls, valleys and coastline in a single sweeping flight.
Kauai, though much smaller than the Big Island, packs a remarkable range of landscapes into its compact area. Lush valleys, many with zip-line courses, spread across the interior. Waimea Canyon’s striated walls plunge more than 3,300 feet and glow with sunset colors, while Mount Waiʻaleʻale—one of the wettest spots on Earth—feeds rivers that attract canoers, kayakers and tubing adventures. Kauai’s beaches vary from tranquil to powerful, so you can surf, snorkel or simply relax. Its smaller size means you can go from an adrenaline-filled morning to a calm beachside afternoon in short order.
Poipu is a popular sunny base, but the North Shore offers a quieter, more local atmosphere. Hanalei’s laid-back town center is filled with galleries, coffee shops and surf stores; Hanalei Bay’s gentle waves make it a great spot for first-time surfers. The North Shore is also the gateway to the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile cliff-hugging route along the legendary Nā Pali Coast. This trail requires early starts, plenty of water and a camera with ample memory—the views are spectacular.
Hawai‘i Info to Go
Major carriers fly into Oahu (HNL), Maui (OGG), Hawai‘i Island (Hilo ITO and Kona KOA) and Kauai (LIH) from the U.S. mainland, and interisland connections make it simple to begin and end your trip on different islands. Hawaiian Airlines, Island Air and Mokulele Airlines also provide frequent interisland service. Taxis and rental cars are available at every airport, and many hotels offer shuttle service or private transfers.
Where to Stay in Hawai‘i
FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALALAI A Big Island retreat integrated with its natural setting, featuring tree-shaded grounds, a beautiful beach, lava formations and a natural aquarium teeming with tropical fish. 72-100 Kaʻupulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i $$$$$
HALEKULANI An elegant oasis in the heart of Waikiki, Halekulani offers marble courtyards and lush plantings of plumeria and frangipani for a serene beachfront escape. 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, Oahu $$$$$
HOTEL WAILEA Perched on a bluff above the Pacific, this Relais & Châteaux property centers on a striking pool and provides a shuttle to a private beach club for guests who want sand and surf. 555 Kaukahi St., Wailea, Maui $$$$$
Restaurants in Hawai‘i
BAR ACUDA Chef Jim Moffatt’s tapas and wine bar in Hanalei is known for inventive small plates and cocktails in a warm, local setting. 5-5161 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, Kauai $$$
CHEF MAVRO A Honolulu institution blending French technique with Hawaiian ingredients; opt for the chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings for a memorable meal. 1969 S. King St., Honolulu, Oahu $$$$$
MERRIMAN’S RESTAURANT Located in Kapalua, Merriman’s serves locally sourced seafood and Hawaiian-inspired dishes in an elegant oceanfront setting, often accompanied by live music. 1 Bay Club Place, Kapalua, Maui $$$$