The archipelago of Hawaii holds eight major islands (seven of which are open to visitors). Oahu is home to the capital city, Honolulu, where you'll find the greatest variety of amenities and shopping outlets as well as the world-renown Waikiki Beach. Maui, while less cosmopolitan than Oahu, receives a large portion of the state's tourists with its scenic highway and picturesque countryside. Meanwhile, Kauai and the Big Island are less developed, with an emphasis on natural beauty and rustic living.
Big Island
Best known for its still-smouldering volcano, the island of Hawaii is usually referred to simply as the Big Island (to avoid confusion with the name of the entire archipelago). Most visitors stay on the Kona (Leeward) coast, where a vast network of local farmers tend orchards of coffee and macadamia nut trees. The Kohala and Hamakua districts to the north boast a staggering collection of lush, sea-facing gorges headlined by Waipio Valley.
Kauai
Hawaii's 'Garden Island' is its smallest, oldest (at five million years old), and arguably most rural member that receives regular tourists. The bulk of accommodation is found in Po'ipu, to the south, where a sprawling, decentralised network of condominiums and rented houses fill in the spaces between large resort communities. Kauai's greatest secret is its magnificent Na Pali coast, a remote 25-kilometre stretch of undulating coastal cliffs blanketed in lush, tropical foliage. The adjoining Waimea Canyon, dubbed the Grand Canyon of Hawaii, is equally enticing.
Maui
Maui is a perennial favourite of the Hawaiian Islands, often called the ‘Valley Isle' for the narrow, fertile isthmus that connects its eastern and western mountains. Highlights are the 3,048-metre Haleakala Crater, where intrepid tourists perch early in the morning to watch the sun rise; the Hana Highway, spanning 85 kilometres of scenic countryside; and the Lao Valley Needle, a unique outcropping of rock.
North Shore
A true surfer's Mecca, the North Shore of Hawaii boasts some of the world's best sets of waves between the months of November and February. Come for world-renown surf competitions like the Vans Triple Crown or the Super Bowl of surfers, or simply to watch the pros practising in the off-season. Those who aren't particularly fond of surfing may enjoy exploring the gateway town of Haleiwa, home to numerous art galleries, boutiques and trendy, laid-back restaurants.
Pearl Harbour
Often cited as the event that officially drew the US into WWII, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour took place in December of 1941. More than 1,100 Americans died in the attack, most of whom were buried here at sea. Today's visitors come to see the USS Arizona Memorial, which is accessible only by ferry. Phone: +1 808 422 0561.
Waikiki
Hawaii's most famous beach is situated in the heart of Honolulu. Located on Oahu's south shore, Waikiki is a bustling collection of five-star hotels, upscale restaurants, noodle shops and countless boutiques and open-air marketplaces. This is the only place in Hawaii where you'll find a cosmopolitan scene with a thriving nightlife that persists into the early morning hours. The crown of Waikiki, its sheltered, sandy beach, is the perfect place to relax between shopping and dining excursions.
