KAUAI  — "The Garden Island"

Blessed with tropical beauty, Kauai, "The Garden Island," is a tranquil haven of lush vegetation and sparkling oceans. Kauai is the oldest of the populated Hawai’ian Islands; the forces of wind and water have had six million years to carve steep cliffs and spectacular yawning chasms, which are now carpeted with rich vegetation and fringed by long, white, sandy beaches.  Today it is a quiet island, with no structure higher than a coconut tree.

Visitors to Kauai can enjoy some of nature’s most spectacular creations, from the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" to the twin cascades of Wailua Falls, the thrilling Na Pali coast and even one of the rainiest places on earth.

Just 20 minutes by air from Honolulu, Kauai is a world away, and uniquely Hawai’ian. There are more things to do here than you’ll have the time – or inclination – to do; after all, ‘hanging loose’ and relaxing is a popular pasttime here. If you prefer activities, however, consider golf, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, hiking or just about any water sport you can name.

MAUI  — "The Valley Island"

Maui has something for everyone. Formed by the convergence of two volcanoes, Maui boasts white beaches, seemingly endless sunny days, sugar cane, pineapple, cattle ranches and lush tropical rainforests that slope from the mountains to the sea.

Lahaina was once the capital of the kingdom of Hawai’i. Once considered a rowdy port-of-call, the town is now one of Maui’s most popular visitor destinations. A stroll along Front Street, along the low seawall in the hub of Lahaina, is a must, and the nearby Carthaginian II is a nod to Maui’s whaling past.  Other places worth a visit include Pa'ia and its Mantokuji Buddhist Temple, offering insight into Hawai’s old sugar industry; the Hawai’ian town of Hana  and the historic Wananalua Church; and the otherworldly beauty of volcanic Mt. Haleakala.

Like elsewhere in the fabulous paradise of Hawai’i, there is plenty more to do for those with the time and energy: beaches, golfing, watersports, shopping and plenty of romance and fine dining.

OAHU — "The Gathering Place"

From the northern natural scenic areas to the skyscrapers towering over the white sands of Waikiki, Oahu is the most visited island in the state of Hawaii. It’s also one of the most interesting; novelist Mark Twain once commented that every step in the city of Honolulu revealed a new contrast. Today the streets of Honolulu are still flocked with businessmen in suits, schoolchildren in uniform and Samoans in bright sarongs.

Elsewhere in the United States, Honolulu is probably best known for Pearl Harbor. Today on that site stands the Arizona Memorial, the most visited attraction in Hawaii. Just outside of town is the Punchbowl Cemetery. The Polynesian Cultural Center is the second most visited attraction in Hawai’i and offers traditional Hawaiian entertainment as well as insight into Hawai’ian culture. The Japanese-style Buddhist Byodo-In Temple welcomes people of all faiths to visit and participate in its traditions.

Oahu has perhaps Hawaii’s best nightlife, beautiful weather year-round, art, culture and plenty of shopping, as well as all the activities you might wish. The only activity you might not enjoy is leaving.