Dreaming of swaying palm trees, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture? With breathtaking landscapes and endless adventures, Hawaii is a beautiful collection of islands, each with its own unique personality! Choosing the perfect Hawaiian island your vacation can be a delightful dilemma. Let’s explore the unique charms of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, and Lanai to help you find your slice of paradise.
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We take care of every detail, from selecting the ideal accommodations to arranging roundtrip international airfare, interisland flights, and rental cars or private drivers. With our concierge service, you can sit back and relax while we handle your spa appointments, activity bookings, and dining reservations.
In addition, we often get exclusive perks and amenities we can offer our clients. Think complimentary upgrades and daily breakfast – the cherry on top of your unforgettable journey to this bucket list destination.
Oahu: The Vibrant Heartbeat
Oahu: The Vibrant Heartbeat
If you crave a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, Oahu is your island. Home to Honolulu and iconic Waikiki Beach, Oahu offers a dynamic fusion of culture, history, and outdoor adventures. Explore Pearl Harbor's historic sites, hike to the summit of Diamond Head for panoramic views, or immerse yourself in the bustling food scene of Honolulu's Chinatown.
Top Attractions:
Pearl Harbor: Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and other historic sites to delve into the island's World War II history.
Diamond Head State Monument: A moderate hike rewards you with panoramic views of the island's coastline and Honolulu skyline.
North Shore: Renowned for its big wave surfing in the winter, this area is also perfect for a scenic drive or sampling local shrimp trucks.
Insider Tip: For a less crowded beach experience, head to Lanikai Beach on the windward coast. Its powdery white sand and turquoise waters are perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
Best Time to Visit: Oahu is a year-round destination, but to avoid the peak tourist season, consider visiting in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November).
Maui: The Romantic Getaway
Maui embodies the essence of romance with its stunning sunsets, lush landscapes, and luxury resorts. From the scenic road to Hana to the otherworldly beauty of Haleakalā National Park, Maui captivates with its diverse terrain. Snorkel alongside sea turtles at Molokini Crater, indulge in farm-to-table dining in Upcountry Maui, or simply relax on the golden sands of Kaanapali Beach.
Top Attractions:
Road to Hana: This iconic drive takes you through lush rainforests, past waterfalls, and along dramatic coastlines. Don't miss the black sand beaches at Wai'anapanapa State Park.
Haleakalā National Park: Witness the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā, then explore the park's unique volcanic landscape.
Molokini Crater: A snorkeling paradise where you can encounter vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters.
Insider Tip: Reserve a table at one of Maui's farm-to-table restaurants, like Mama’s Fish House or Merriman's Kapalua, for a memorable dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Best Time to Visit: Like Oahu, Maui is a year-round destination, but visiting in the spring or fall offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Kauai: The Garden Isle
Nature enthusiasts rejoice on the Garden Isle of Kauai, where emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs await. Known for its lush rainforests and rugged coastline, Kauai offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. Embark on a helicopter tour to witness the majestic Na Pali Coast, hike the scenic trails of Waimea Canyon, or kayak along the serene Wailua River.
Top Attractions:
Na Pali Coast: Accessible by boat, helicopter, or hiking, this stunning coastline is one of Hawaii's most iconic landscapes.
Waimea Canyon: Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this vast canyon offers breathtaking views and scenic hiking trails.
Wailua River: Take a peaceful kayak trip down this river, stopping at the Fern Grotto, a beautiful natural amphitheater.
Insider Tip: For a truly magical experience, visit Hanalei Bay at sunset. The golden light reflecting off the water against the backdrop of lush mountains creates a picture-perfect moment. Afterward, enjoy fresh poke at a local spot like Hanalei Poke or indulge in a shave ice treat from Wishing Well Shave Ice.
Best Time to Visit: Kauai's weather is best from April to June and September to November. Be mindful of the rainy season from November to March, especially if you're planning outdoor activities.
The Big Island: Nature's Playground
For an island of epic proportions, look no further than the Big Island of Hawaii. From fiery volcanoes to snow-capped peaks, this island boasts unparalleled diversity. Witness the primal forces of nature at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can witness lava flows and glowing craters up close. Snorkel with manta rays off the Kona Coast, stargaze atop Mauna Kea, or traverse the otherworldly landscapes of the Kohala Coast.
Top Attractions:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Explore the park's vast landscape, including the active Kilauea volcano, lava tubes, and hiking trails.
Mauna Kea: Visit the summit for some of the best stargazing in the world, but remember to acclimate to the altitude gradually.
Kona Coffee Country: Tour coffee farms and sample the island’s famous Kona coffee.
Insider Tip: Rent a 4WD vehicle if you plan to explore Mauna Kea or venture off the beaten path on the island’s more rugged roads.
Best Time to Visit: The Big Island’s diverse climate means you can visit year-round, but the dry season from May to October is ideal for outdoor activities.
Lanai: The Secluded Retreat
Escape to the secluded paradise of Lanai, where tranquility reigns supreme. With its luxurious resorts and pristine beaches, Lanai is the epitome of relaxation. Tee off at world-class golf courses overlooking the Pacific, embark on a jeep safari to explore the island's rugged interior, or simply unwind on the secluded sands of Hulopoe Beach.
Top Attractions:
Hulopoe Beach: This pristine beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Garden of the Gods: Explore this otherworldly landscape of rock formations and sweeping vistas.
Shipwreck Beach: Visit this remote beach, where you can see the remains of a WWII-era shipwreck offshore.
Insider Tip: For a truly luxurious experience, consider staying at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, where you can enjoy world-class amenities in a serene setting.
Best Time to Visit: Lanai is great year-round, but for the most pleasant weather, consider visiting in the spring or fall.
If you're wanting to plan a trip to Hawaii, you don't want to miss our planning guide. We dive into the most important parts of planning a successful trip to the Aloha State and we dive a little deeper into each island and what there is to do there.
Unique Festival Experience
For many tourists visiting Hawaii, the festivals are part of the attractions they expect to see. For festival lovers, planning far in advance is crucial as accommodations fill up fast. With different festival seasons on the islands, having a reference guide will save you from disappointment. For a complete list + a calendar, check out www.gohawaii.com.
If you love coffee as much as I do, you may want to check out the Big Islands annual Kona coffee festival held every November.
Kids in tow?
Family-Friendly Island Picks: Maui and Oahu
If you are traveling with kids, Maui and Oahu are your best bets. These islands offer a wide range of family-friendly activities, attractions, and resorts equipped with kids’ clubs and amenities designed to keep your little ones entertained.
Maui: Visit the Maui Ocean Center, where kids can learn about Hawaii's marine life, or take a family-friendly hike through Iao Valley State Park.
Oahu: Explore the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, or enjoy a day at the beach in Ko Olina, where calm waters are perfect for young swimmers.
Insider Tip: To ensure your kids have just as great a vacation as you, we can work together to choose a resort with a fantastic kids' club that offers activities like hula lessons, lei-making, and more.
Whether you seek adventure, romance, or relaxation, there's an island waiting to welcome you with open arms. So, pack your bags and embark on the ultimate Hawaiian getaway – paradise is calling, and adventure awaits!
GET A CUSTOM TRIP TO HAWAII
Every itinerary we plan is created based on your specifications. We are Hawaii Destination Experts with first-hand, local knowledge, and ensure every detail is cared for when we create your Hawaii itinerary.
Our Hawaii vacation packages include airfare, transportation, 4- and 5-star accommodations, tours and activities. We also include concierge service for recommending sightseeing, restaurants, and making dining reservations.
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