Hawaii

Halekulani (Oahu)

Waikiki, Oahu

Waikiki's legendary "House Befitting Heaven" — serene five-star luxury on the beach, the famous orchid pool, sunset mai tais at House Without a Key, and service that defines graciousness in the islands.

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort (Oahu)

Waikiki, Oahu

The "Pink Palace of the Pacific" — Waikiki's flamingo-pink 1927 landmark, where Spanish-Moorish grandeur, a coconut grove heritage, and prime beachfront keep old-Hawaii glamour alive.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Ko Olina (West Oahu)

Oahu's west-side luxury escape — Four Seasons polish on a calm Ko Olina lagoon, four pools, standout dining and spa, and resort serenity 40 minutes (and a world) from Waikiki's crowds.

Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort (Maui)

Wailea, Maui

Maui's grandest playground — 40 oceanfront acres on Wailea Beach with the legendary nine-pool Wailea Canyon (slides, rapids, water elevator), a 50,000-sq-ft spa, and full Waldorf Astoria luxury.

Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateaux (Maui)

Wailea (hillside), Maui

Maui's adults-only hideaway — an all-suite Relais & Chateaux retreat on a hillside above Wailea, with ocean-view suites, a celebrated treehouse dining experience, and honeymoon-grade tranquility.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island)

Kona-Kohala Coast, Big Island

The Big Island's pinnacle — barefoot-luxury bungalows along the Kona-Kohala lava coast, seven pools including the fish-filled King's Pond, a Jack Nicklaus course, and Hawaii's most lauded resort service.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (Kauai)

Poipu, Kauai

Poipu's classic grand resort — 50 oceanfront acres of gardens, a famous multi-level pool complex with lagoons and a lazy river, saltwater swimming, Anara Spa, and timeless Hawaiian architecture on Kauai's sunny south shore.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial (Oahu)

America's most hallowed WWII site — the USS Arizona Memorial, floating above the sunken battleship, plus the Battleship Missouri, submarine Bowfin, and the Aviation Museum. Oahu's essential history visit.

Diamond Head State Monument (Oahu)

Oahu's iconic volcanic crater and Hawaii's most famous hike — a short, historic trail up to panoramic views over Waikiki and the Pacific. Reservations required for out-of-state visitors.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (Oahu)

Oahu's legendary snorkeling bay — a protected volcanic cove filled with reef fish and green sea turtles. Limited daily entry by online reservation; book the moment slots open.

Polynesian Cultural Center (Oahu)

Oahu's immersive celebration of Pacific cultures — six island villages, canoe pageants, hands-on activities, a luau, and the spectacular "HA: Breath of Life" evening show on the North Shore.

Kualoa Ranch (Oahu)

The "Jurassic Park" valley — a 4,000-acre private nature reserve on Oahu's windward coast offering movie-site tours, UTV and zipline adventures, horseback rides, and some of the island's most dramatic scenery.

Haleakala National Park (Maui)

Maui's 10,023-foot "House of the Sun" — sunrise above the clouds over a vast volcanic crater, otherworldly summit landscapes, and high-altitude hiking. Sunrise entry requires an advance reservation.

Road to Hana (Maui)

Maui's legendary coastal drive — 600 curves and 50-plus one-lane bridges through rainforest, past waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and banana-bread stands to the timeless town of Hana and beyond.

Molokini Crater Snorkel Cruise (Maui)

Snorkel inside a sunken volcanic crater — Molokini's crescent shelters some of Hawaii's clearest water (100-foot-plus visibility) and a protected reef, reached by morning boat tours from Maui's south shore.

Old Lahaina Luau (Maui)

Widely regarded as Hawaii's most authentic luau — an oceanfront evening of traditional imu-roasted feast, genuine Hawaiian hula and storytelling, and no gimmicks, on Maui's west shore. Books out weeks ahead.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)

Walk on one of Earth's most active volcanoes — Kilauea's summit caldera and crater, steam vents, a walk-through lava tube, and the Chain of Craters Road down to the sea. Eruption viewing when Pele allows.

Mauna Kea Stargazing (Big Island)

Some of the clearest night skies on Earth — sunset above the clouds from Hawaii's highest mountain, then world-class stargazing from the Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet. Sacred ground; visit respectfully.

Na Pali Coast (Kauai)

Kauai's crown — 17 miles of 3,000-foot emerald sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and waterfalls, seen by boat tour, helicopter, or the famous Kalalau Trail's first miles. The most dramatic coastline in Hawaii.

Waimea Canyon State Park (Kauai)

The "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" — ten miles of red-and-green gorge plunging 3,600 feet through Kauai's west side, with drive-up lookouts, waterfall views, and trails, ending at cliff-top views over Na Pali.