The U.S. is chock full of gorgeous, memorable places to travel, but Hawaii really is in a class all its own. It’s such a special and unique part of this country, and it should be on every traveler’s list of places to visit. (Hawaii is included in my roundup of 7 spectacular U.S. destinations, but it deserves a much closer look here!)

The Aloha State hits the mark for stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, and fantastic culture. It’s a paradise for foodies, active adventure, and anyone who just wants to unwind and relax.

Hawaii offers a bevvy of amazing experiences for just about every kind of traveler. And even if you’ve been before, it’s absolutely worth a repeat visit. Each of the state’s main islands is distinct with its own unique vibe. You may think you know Hawaii, but chances are there are still plenty of surprises in store for you!

From the inviting warmth of Hawaiians to the simplest things such as the fragrant plumeria, Hawaii leaves an unforgettable impression.

Hawaii was my first travel love. Growing up, my family and I traveled to other parts of the US and went on family trips to India, which was more like a home to me. As a teenager, we went on a family trip to Hawaii and I remember vividly how awestruck I was by the entire experience. The inviting warmth of Hawaiians is something I can't forget. The incredibly beautiful paradise was like nothing I had ever seen before. And, even the simplest things made an unforgettable impression, such as the fragrant plumeria, lush rainforests, and the magical stops on the road to Hana.

Here, we’ll highlight some of our favorite experiences unique to five of Hawaii’s main islands. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your tenth, there’s always a new and exciting adventure to immerse yourself in. Keep reading to discover the perfect Hawaiian island for you!

Oahu

Oahu is famous for its legendary surf towns, but there’s so much more to the island than Waikiki and the capital city of Honolulu. Oahu provides a fantastic fusion of culture where East meets West and the big city bustle gives way to laid-back surf town vibes.

Venture beyond the Waikiki area to the North Shore, the big wave surfing capital of the world. Or for a total change of pace, escape to the rural towns and off-the-beaten path beaches of Leeward Coast.

The Windward Coast is home to some of Hawaii’s most jaw-dropping natural beauty. Bask in the serenity of the Valley of the Temples, home to Byodo-in, a beautiful Japanese Buddhist Temple dedicated in 1968 as a centennial commemoration of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii.

Maui

Maui offers two highlights that simply cannot be missed: the Road to Hana and Sunrise at Haleakala.

The iconic Road to Hana is one of the ultimate road trips anywhere. It’s full of twists and turns but worth it! No trip to Maui is complete without it. The Road to Hana is all about the journey. You can drive it yourself, or if you’d prefer to take it all in and enjoy the drive itself—and all the amazing stops along the way—we recommend hiring a private driver. Drive through lush rainforests, take in a 400-foot waterfall, and hike through a bamboo forest. There’s so much to see!

Getting to Haleakala at sunrise requires an early start to your day in Maui, but well worth it.

Haleakala National Park is known as the “house of the sun.” Here, Haleakala Crater towers over the island (you can see it from just about any point in Maui) at 10,023 feet above sea level. From the Haleakala Visitor Center, you can take in what may be the most spectacular sunrise on the planet.

Getting to Haleakala for sunrise makes for an early day, but it’s definitely worth it. We recommend a privately guided drive (again, so you can enjoy the views). Or if you’re a fan of cycling, you can enjoy sunrise at Haleakala by bike. If you are up for a bit more adventure, how about some early-morning ziplining for a vantage point unlike any other?

While you’re in the area, be sure to explore Upcountry Maui, home to rolling hills, mist-shrouded mountains, and lots of picturesque farms (you can even tour a farm or visit a goat dairy!).

Kauai

Kauai, known as the “Garden Island” is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain. It’s home to the Nā Pali Coast, the stunning, mountainous shoreline on Kauai’s North Shore. This extraordinary 17-mile stretch of emerald cliffs, beautiful beaches, and roaring waterfalls is best explored by boat or by helicopter (especially at sunset!). By boat, you’ll get a whale’s-eye view of the soaring cliffs, and from the air, you’re better able to grasp the sheer magnitude of the Nā Pali Coast (like Manawaiopuna Falls, a backdrop in the film "Jurassic Park,” and a site largely inaccessible by land or boat).

Kauai is also renowned for its beautiful gardens, including Allerton Garden, Limahuli Garden and Preserve, Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, and McBryde Garden. Whether or not you have a green thumb, these breathtaking gardens are worth a visit.

The Big Island

The island of Hawaii is often referred to as “the Big Island” as it’s nearly twice the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined. The sheer size and diversity of the island is astonishing. In fact, on the Big Island, you can travel through all but four of the world’s climate zones here. From Wet Tropical Hilo to the Polar Tundra summits of both Mauna Kea and Mouna Loa, the contrasts here are something to behold. Suffice to say you should pack your swimsuit and your down jacket!

One stand-out experience on the Big Island is a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. For a comfortable drive with unforgettable vistas, consider Crater Rim Drive or Chain of Craters Road. Scenic stops include Kīlauea Overlook, steam vents, sulphur banks, lava tubes and more. And if you’d like to really stretch your legs, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park features an incredible 150 miles of hiking trails through scalded deserts and rainforests. You can even hike across a lava lake on the floor of Kīlauea Iki crater!

Another adventure you simply cannot miss on the Big Island is stargazing. Stellar exploration is in the DNA of the Hawaiian people, so the views of the heavens here are both beautiful and culturally significant. Mauna Kea offers some of the most astounding stargazing experiences on earth, and it’s home to the largest research observatory in the world. Other fantastic locations for stargazing include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, resort golf courses, and the Northwest coast’s South Kohala District.

Lanai

Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii (there are just two resorts here). But what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in experiences. And the contrasts here are one of Lanai’s biggest appeals.

Here, you can indulge in world-class amenities at luxurious resorts, enjoy first-rate golf courses, and dine on the finest and freshest cuisine. You can also experience a totally different side of Lanai on its rugged back roads. Explore off the beaten path in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, enjoy scenic hikes, or take in the scenery on horseback.

Lanai is a fantastic destination for the wellness-minded traveler. If you need to recharge and reset, Lanai is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the seclusion this wonderful corner of Hawaii has to offer.

Special Considerations

One of many stunning beaches in Maui, Hawaii

Given the pandemic, some of the experiences listed here may be impacted and/or not available, though this can change at any time.

It’s important to note that any travel in the foreseeable future should be considerate of the CDC’s current guidelines, as well as the requirements/restrictions of both your state and any state that you are considering traveling to. Travel is complicated right now, and that will remain the case for some time.

Hawaii, in particular, has specific rules and requirements for entry. Additionally, each island has its own set of protocols, some of which may limit your travel options. Island hopping also comes with some requirements and protocols.

We encourage all travelers to adhere to all recommended/required protocols and to travel safely for themselves and others.

There is also no universal set of standards or rules among airlines, hotels, accommodations, travel providers, etc. As such, protocols vary across the industry.

Circumstances are continually changing, and new information is being made available daily. So it is important to always stay tuned on the latest developments, right up to the time of travel. For this reason especially, we recommend you consider using a travel advisor, even for domestic travel. We can help you navigate the complexities of travel. Still not sure? Here are 5 Benefits You Miss Out On When You Don’t Work With a Travel Advisor.

Start Dreaming Today

Hawaii offers countless opportunities for immersive, experiential travel. And even if you’ve been before, Hawaii can surprise you at every turn. From fresh, world-class food and luxurious accommodations to fascinating culture and unparalleled experiences in nature, Hawaii delivers. You don’t have to travel halfway around the world to feel far from home. Your adventure awaits in the Aloha State!

Whatever your Hawaii dream looks like, we’re here to help make it a reality.

Now is a great time to give yourself something exhilarating to look forward to and schedule your complimentary consultation. Hawaii is calling!