Hawaii… the name instantly conjures up long sunny days and flower leis, but there is so much more to the Hawaiian Islands. There are verdant tropical rainforests and desolate volcanic moonscapes, Technicolor coral reefs and cloud-shrouded mountain peaks, ancient Polynesian culture and modern high-rise hotels. While the diverse highlights vary from island to island, the gentle spirit of aloha is ever-present, so no matter what your focus, there’s a Hawaiian Island that’s right for you.

Six Islands – One State

Hawaii, our 50th state, only became so in 1959. It’s an archipelago created by volcanic eruptions in a great undersea mountain range on the floor of the Pacific Ocean some 4 to 5 million years ago. Polynesians from the Marquesas and Tahitian Islands settled there creating a long and proud cultural heritage that goes back 1500 years. There are six main tourist islands – Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai – although most tourism is captured by the first four. They share attractive weather year round. May through October is the dry season with temperatures ranging 75-88°F. November through April is still warm, 68-80°F, but you’ll likely want to pack some rain gear during winter, particularly if you’ll be on the northeast side of any of the islands.

Which Hawaiian Islands are Right for You?

Whether you are looking for active adventure, romantic seclusion or high-end shopping and luxury resorts, Hawaii has it. Here’s a guide to which islands you might consider for different types of vacations:

Oahu – Known as “the Gathering Place,” Oahu is the most populated island of Hawaii and the state capital. It’s the most family friendly, too, with the Waikiki Aquarium and Sea Life Park, Honolulu Zoo, and world renowned Waikiki Beach. The Pearl Harbor National Historical Landmark includes five sites honoring the infamous attack on December 7, 1941. To explore Hawaiian culture, visit the Polynesian Cultural Center for authentic Hawaiian food, music and entertainment. Or visit Iolani Palace, home to the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs and the only official state residence of royalty in the United States. During winter the legendary North Shore draws the best surfers in the world to ride the big curls. If you’re not up to the challenge personally, it’s fun to watch from shore!

Maui – Known as “the Valley Isle,” Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island with a shoreline of 120 miles lined with over 80 exceptional beaches. Beyond the beach, you’ll find some of the most abundant whale watching in the world in the Auau Channel during the winter. Romantics should not miss the striking sunrise out of the clouds at the top of Haleakala Crater – or the equally impressive sunset, for those who believe vacations deserve sleeping in. Nature lovers must drive the scenic Road to Hana with stunning vistas one after another from 600 curves and 54 bridges. Lahaina, a flourishing whaling port in the mid-1800s, is now a charming village offering visitors plenty of shopping and art, dining and entertainment.

Kauai – Known as “the Garden Isle,” Kauai is a nature lover’s dream at the northern tip of the Hawaiian Islands. At the northernmost point, Kilauea Lighthouse provides a scenic vista. Kauai’s dramatic North Shore, named the Napali Coast, is accessible only by helicopter, plane or boat tours. They treat passengers to simply breathtaking views of the verdant, towering cliffs that plunge straight down to meet the sea. Waimea Canyon, known as “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” also provides panoramic views with no equal. Wonderful beaches from Poipu in the south to Hanalei Bay in the north complete the natural beauty of this lush, green island.

Hawaii – “The Orchid Isle” or “the Big Island” has a diverse geography ranging from cooled lava fields to botanical gardens. Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Black sand beaches occur as a result of charred rock being belched from the earth’s belly and thrown into the ocean for millennia. Hilo is home to botanical gardens, thus the orchid moniker, and waterfalls as well as upscale resorts and unique local shops and restaurants. Visit paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country in the cool uplands of Waimea or sample the renowned Kona coffee in the historic Kailua Village.

Molokai – Dubbed “the Friendly Isle,” Molokai clings to the old Hawaiian lifestyle centered on family, fishing and feasting with friends. Step back in time at a cattle or macadamia farm to get a taste of the rural pace. The island is a hiker’s paradise with mountain, valley and shoreline trails. Watersports like sailing, sport fishing and diving are popular; there are only six beaches safe for swimming, but one of them, Papohaku, is one of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaii. Take a mule ride down the 1,700 foot descent to the remote Kalaupapa National Historical Park to learn about Father Damien and his work with the Leper colony.

Lanai – Called “the Private Isle,” Lanai is the smallest of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands. Once exclusively a Dole pineapple plantation, 98% of the island is now owned by Larry Ellison (CEO of Oracle). Most roads are dirt and there’s not a single traffic light, so four-wheel drive vehicles come in handy. The Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Lodge at Koele offers luxury accommodations, championship golf, horseback riding, sport clay shooting and lawn bowling set in the verdant and tranquil upcountry of the island.

Length of stay

Since direct flights from the U.S. mainland take about six hours from the west coast (Los Angeles) and over 10 hours from the east coast (Washington, DC) – plus longer with connecting flights – you should spend at least a week on your trip so you don’t spend your entire vacation standing in line at the airport security line, car rental desk and hotel reception. Travel Maestro tip: If you have more than a week, combine two islands and experience Hawaii from different island perspectives.

Combinations – We recommend these island combos for the following interests:

• Romance – Maui and Kauai
• Golf, Shopping & Luxury – Maui, the Big Island and Lanai
• Adventure Activities – Kauai, the Big Island and Molokai
• Family Travel – Oahu and Maui
• Beaches & Nature – The Big Island, Kauai and Maui
• Volcanic Views – The Big Island and Maui

For more information on choosing which Hawaiian Islands are right for you, contact the Vacation Experts at Covington Travel.