Hawaii: Islands

Kauai Tailor-made for active types and nature lovers, Kauai is every bit as beautiful as it is onscreen in Jurassic Park. Kayak down the fabled Hanalei River, hike the verdant Na Pali coast, or bike into the massive Waimea Canyon. See our Kauai Travel Guide

Oahu Affordable, cosmopolitan, and convenient, Oahu (the “Gathering Place") is the island most of Hawaii’s population calls home. The North Shore is a major surfing mecca, and pedestrian-friendly Waikiki offers world-class shopping, great nightlife, and palm-fringed, pastel-colored sunsets. See our Oahu Travel Guide

Maui Hawaii’s second largest isle, Maui offers a quiet blend of ecotourism and sandy shores, with dormant volcanoes, humpback whales, and a variety of black-, white-, and red-sand beaches to discover. See our Maui Travel Guide

The Big Island Twice the size of the other islands combined, Hawaii (The Big Island) is also the most diverse of the islands, with snow-capped mountains on Mauna Kea, lush rainforests, arid deserts, bustling towns, and the world’s most active volcano. See our Big Island Travel Guide

Molokai There isn’t one traffic light on Molokai, where life unfolds a bit more slowly than on the other islands. The “Friendly Isle” retains its traditional Hawaiian culture and most residents live off the land and the sea.

Lanai Two exclusive Four Seasons resorts dominate this dusty, former pineapple-producing island, where the most popular activities are snorkeling, diving, and golfing. The red-dirt roads are navigable by 4-wheel-drive, available for rent at Adventure Lanai Ecocentre or Dollar Rent-A-Car.