Hawaii is like no other place on earth. Home to one of the
world's most active volcanoes and the world's tallest sea mountain.
Birthplace of modern surfing, the hula and Hawaii Regional Cuisine.
Former seat of a royal kingdom and home to the only royal palace on
US soil. Hawaii is one of the youngest geological formations in the
world and the youngest state of the union. But perhaps Hawaii's
most unique feature is its aloha spirit: the warmth of Hawaii's
people that wonderfully complements the Islands' perfect
temperatures.
There are six major islands to visit in Hawaii:
Kauai, Oahu,
Molokai, Lanai,
Maui, and Hawaii's Big Island.
You'll find each island has its own distinct personality and offers
its own adventures, activities and sights. Mark Twain called
Hawaii, "That peaceful land, that beautiful land... the climate,
one long delicious summer day, and the good that die experience no
change, for they but fall asleep in one heaven and wake up in
another." We invite you to explore the Islands of Aloha to find
your own heavenly Hawaii experiences.
Kauai
Kauai is Hawaii's fourth largest island, sometimes called the
"Garden Isle". The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian
chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and
jagged cliffs, aged by time and the elements. Centuries of growth
have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading
waterfalls. Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air,
revealing views beyond your imagination. Beyond Kauai's dramatic
beauty, the island is home to a variety of outdoor activities.
Kayak the Wailua River. Snorkel on Poipu Beach. Hike the trails of
Kokee State Park. Even go ziplining above Kauai's lush valleys. But
it is the island's laid-back atmosphere and rich culture found in
its small towns and along its one-lane bridges that make it truly
timeless.
Oahu
Sometimes called "The Gathering Place," Oahu 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 the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian
people. It's this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the
modern that makes discovering Oahu so enjoyable. The clear blue
waters of Kailua Beach meet the metropolitan cityscapes of
Honolulu. The historic architecture of Iolani Palace meets the
timeless memorials of Pearl Harbor. The big city of Waikiki meets
the small town of Haleiwa on the North Shore. Whether you're hiking
atop iconic Leahi (Diamond Head), enjoying some of Hawaii's best
shopping, or simply unwinding on the sands of the island's
beautiful beaches, you'll find variety at every turn on Oahu.
Maui
Stand above a sea of clouds high atop Haleakala. Watch a 45-foot
whale breach off the coast of Lahaina. Lose count of the
waterfalls along the road as you maneuver the hairpin turns of the
Hana highway. One visit and it's easy to see why Maui is called
"The Magic Isle." The second largest Hawaiian island has a smaller
population than you'd expect, making Maui popular with visitors who
are looking for sophisticated diversions and amenities in the small
towns and airy resorts spread throughout the island. From the
scenic slopes of fertile Upcountry Maui to beaches that have
repeatedly been voted among the best in the world, a visit to the
Magic Isle recharges the senses. But like every good magic trick,
you'll have to see it for yourself to believe it.
Hawaii (The Big Island)
It's easy to feel small on Hawaii's Big Island. From the molten
magma flowing from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the
snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the green rainforests of the
Hamakua Coast to the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach; Hawaii's Big
Island is an unrivalled expression of the power of nature. To avoid
confusion with the name of the entire state, the Island of Hawaii
is often called the "Big Island," as it is nearly twice as big as
all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, and can be
intimidating. You'll find all but two of the world's climatic zones
within this island's shores. The dramatic size and scope of the
largest Hawaiian Island create a microcosm of environments and
activities. On this island's vast tableau, you'll find everything
from extravagant resorts and incredible golf courses to modest
local towns and sacred Hawaiian historical sites, from the
birthplace of King Kamehameha I to Hawaii's first missionary church
in Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona). With so much to see, it's
best to experience the island in small pieces.
Molokai
Imagine the Hawaii of the past. Unspoiled country and untouched
beaches. No skyscrapers or stoplights. The chance to truly live as
the locals do. That's Molokai today. Hawaii's fifth-largest island,
Molokai is only 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest
point. Molokai is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world
(3,600-3,900 feet) and Hawaii's longest continuous fringing reef
(28 miles). On foot, by bike or by 4-wheel drive, this is an island
of outdoor adventure. The people of Molokai continue to preserve
their rural lifestyle thanks to their love of the land, or aloha
aina, and you can feel this aloha from small town Kaunakakai to
sacred Halawa Valley.
Lanai
You won't find a single traffic light here and that's exactly
how the people of Lanai like it. Only nine miles from Maui yet a
world away, Lanai can feel like two places. The first is found in
luxurious resorts where visitors can indulge in world-class
amenities and championship-level golf at The Challenge at Manele
and The Experience at Koele. The other is found bouncing along the
island's rugged back-roads in a 4-wheel drive exploring off the
beaten path treasures like Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) and
Polihua Beach. In fact, only 30 miles of Lanai's roads are paved.
The smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, you can take in the
stunning views atop the pine-lined Munro Trail or watch the
acrobatic spinner dolphins from romantic Hulopoe Bay. Lanai is a
special place where you're sure to find serenity, adventure and
intimacy.
