Classic Hawaii 1

The island is Oahu, the city is Honolulu, but Waikiki is where you're headed. Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki is most famous for its beaches. With Leahi (Diamond Head) as your backdrop, the calm waters of Waikiki are perfect for a surfing lesson. But there’s more to Waikiki than just the beach. Attractions like the Waikiki Aquarium offer fun for the whole family. High-end boutiques, shops, and restaurants can be found all along Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues and at the Royal Hawaiian Center, the Waikiki Beach Walk, the International Market Place and the massive Ala Moan Shopping Center. After the Waikiki sunset, the fun continues with amazing nightlife and live music. Best of all, Waikiki is within a half hour of a variety of Oahu attractions, including Pearl Harbor, the Nuulani Pali Lookout and Hanauma Bay. Not to be missed are the superb beaches of the windward coast, notably Kailua, Waimanalo and Lanikai. As you drive over the Pali Highway, it feels as if you’re entering a different world and a turquoise ocean shimmers in the distance, revealing some of the most stunning natural beauty anywhere in Hawaii. Driving along the two-lane highway you can't miss Mokolii, the tiny island fondly known as “Chinaman’s Hat.” Just across the highway you’ll find one of Hawaii’s most seen but least-recognized locations: Kualoa Ranch; its scenic valley has provided the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows, including "Jurassic Park" and "Lost". Here visitors can enjoy horseback riding, ziplining, ATV tours and host of other activities. From here, the highway meanders around the northernmost tip of the island to Oahu’s North Shore, home of the best surf spots in Hawaii—and some say—the world. But even if you are not a surfer, in the summertime you don't want to miss the beautiful Waimea Beach.

Hilo is the largest center on Big Island, known for its humid and rainy climate, which makes it one of the greenest cities in the archipelago. It is also home to important cultural institutions, including the Lyman House Museum, the Hilo Library, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. The city also hosts a vibrant artistic and cultural community, with annual festivals such as the Merrie Monarch Festival, a celebration of hula dance and Hawaiian culture, as well as being the gateway to Volcanoes National Park.

The island of Hawaii is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined (hence, its nickname, “Big Island”), its sheer size is awe-inspiring. You can travel through all but four of the world's different climate zones there, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa. From the molten magma flowing at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the lush valleys of the Hamakua Coast to the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach, the island of Hawaii is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature.

Maui, known also as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, views of migrating humpback whales (during winter months), farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala. Regions: West Maui has one of the Island most famous stretches of coastline, Kaanapali Beach, with three miles of paradise where ocean adventures and total relaxation await. South Maui: escape to the tropical beaches of Kihei, Makena and Wailea; relax and unwind at a world-class resort or tee off at one of the 13 world-renowned golf courses. Upcountry: watch the sunrise from the peak of Haleakala, see ancient Hawaii’s desert landscapes and discover unique, locally grown food. East Maui: visitors who brave the Hana Highway’s signature hairpin turns and narrow bridges are rewarded with out-of-this-world views of lush rainforests, gorgeous waterfalls and exotic beaches.