Hawaii Island Guide

O’ahu

For beaches, food and culture in Hawaii

The small island is home to three-quarters of Hawaii residents. It is also prized with the capital city of Honolulu a growing cosmopolitan city stretched out on miles of beaches and encumbered by forest trails, museums, and historical monuments. And if you won’t stay for any of the above, then stay for the food. The growing culture of food trucks, island farmers markets and fusion menus by Hawaii’s star chefs are quickly making Honolulu a foodie paradise. Oahu is perhaps the best sample of Hawaii’s confounding cultural identity, offering you the orgiastic hype of modern city living in Honolulu and the allure of quiet island life on its northern shores.


Kauai

For lifestyle, landscape and smiles in Hawaii

Very literally nicknamed “The Garden Island,” Kauai’s beauty soars over its extant, verdant flora and romantic coastal cliffs. On the south shores, you can find Po’ipu, the ever-sunny section of the island, overwrought of hallmark sunsets and the charmingly laid-back vibe that makes permanent residents of this rural island’s visitors. Once there, make sure to visit the Waimea Canyon State Park, also known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific.’ There’s always the white sand beaches, coral reefs and brooding mountain backdrops too.


Maui

For beaches, beaches, and more beaches in Hawaii

All right, if you haven’t heard of the other Isles you are sure to have heard of Maui. At least as someone's honeymoon spot or in any movie shot in Hawaii ever. To avoid the superlatives let’s just say Maui is Hawaii at it’s best. World-class resorts and restaurants, endless miles of beaches⎯one for every mood, historic villages, volcanic landscapes and a stunning ethnic diversity. With a little something for every traveler, Maui hosts some of the world’s biggest surfing waves, peaceful snorkeling coves, hikes through bamboo thickets, waterfalls, ridge tops and if you still have time, wintering whale watch. Also, well, food.


Hawaii Island

For the biggest island in Hawaii

In keeping with its nickname, Hawaii Island is both the biggest and youngest of the islands. Actively growing with the constant spew of lava into the ocean. Yes, you heard right. The big island is home to Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano. If lava rivers aren’t enough to spur your wonder, there are also the emerald valleys, icy waterfall pools, exotic wildlife, pearl-white sand beaches, rainforests and lofty mountain tops that beacon to any hiker’s dreams. The true adventurer’s island, the Big Island is about doing than seeing.


Molokai

For small town feel, history and culture in Hawaii

More than 50% of Molokai’s people have indigenous heritage and its locals favor preservation of land and culture over schemes promoting tourism. At Molokai, you can expect a warm welcome as opposed to a paid one. Often called “the friendly isle,” Molokai is perhaps the last truly Hawaiian island and that shows in its slow paced laid-back lifestyle.


Lanai

For remoteness and pineapples in Hawaii

Once encumbered by Pineapple plantations that provided Hawaii’s largest exports, the island’s remoteness, boasting of having no traffic lights, makes it the ultimate retreat for those seeking for rejuvenating isolation. Now known as “the private isle,” two luxury hotels make it a welcome retreat for those that really want to get away.