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You’re planning your vacation, and you already know your destination: Hawaii. While thrilled with this decision, you have an even tougher one ahead: which of the islands are you going to visit? Hawaii is filled to the brim with great destinations, that picking one is perhaps the most difficult task.

Important to consider in your decision making is the purpose of your trip. Is it a family vacation, or are on a trip to see if Hawaii is a great place to relocate to? If you’re looking at Hawaii as a wedding destination, be sure that everyone stays on the same island. It reduces both the travel time and costs. Don’t eliminate visiting other islands, however, as inter-island flights are available for a reasonable cost.

Do some research before choosing your Hawaiian island destination. You will want to examine hotels, vacation rentals and attractions available on the various islands before coming to a decision. Activities are less of a concern, since each of Hawaii’s islands offer the same beach activities, like swimming, surfing, kayaking and sailing.

The Big Island is a popular choice with many vacations. Its big size only suggest that big adventures await you here. One of them is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can learn about the impact of volcanic eruptions on this island. Don’t forget to walk through the Thurston Lava Tube. Mauna Kea, a large dormant volcano is found here as well. Interesting to some may be Mauna Loa, that when measured from the sea floor, it is the tallest mountain in the world.

Another popular island is Oahu, however, this island is often referred to as surfer’s paradise. Oahu’s shores host some of the world’s best surfing conditions on the North Shore, and you may find many surfing competition hosted on these beaches. Pearl Harbor is also found on this island, where you can learn about the critical bombing. There are also a number of locations on this island where you can pay respect to the resting servicemen and women. Also found on this island is the iconic Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and Iolani Palace.

Maui is a great choice, especially if you are looking for tons of beautiful scenery. You can drive along the scenic Hana Highway for views of exotic plants and flowers, cascading waterfalls, historic bridges, and endless ocean. Another great scenic spot is Haleakala National Park, where sunrises are breathtakingly gorgeous.

Kauai is the outdoor enthusiast’s playground. You can kayak down the Wailua River, and visit the hidden Fern Grotto. The 11 mile hike along the Na Pali Coast is also a suggestion for the intrepid traveler. The Waimea Canyon is another area that is popular for hikers, and the view from the top is definitely satisfying. If you’re not looking to expend so much energy, however, there are also tours by boat and helicopter.

Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island are easily the most popular Hawaiian vacation spots. These are not your only options, as there are the truly untouched islands of Hawaii are Molokai and Lanai. They have retained much of Hawaii’s charm throughout the ages, but have all of the same local flavors. Once you’ve chosen your island destination, the hardest part is over, and you’re one step closer to your Hawaii vacation.

Looking to get away from the busy city and have a vacation lounging on the beach? If spending your days under the sun is your ideal vacation, you should consider traveling around the Hawaiian Islands.

The Hawaiian Islands are the closest thing to paradise on earth. With a rainbow of cultures coloring the islands’ history, and the aloha spirit permeating every corner, it’s easy to see why a stay on these islands would be pleasant. Hawaii’s natural beauty will replace your usual urban scenery and give you a breath of fresh air.

As you wander through the different islands, you will quickly discover the unique beauty that graces all the islands. The six main islands you can visit are Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the Big Island. Each island offers extraordinary experiences, for you, your family or your business group.

Kauai is the oldest and northernmost of the main islands. You can access this island by plane, which lasts about 20 minutes. Kauai is lovingly called the Garden Island because of the green forests that blanket this island.

Things to do in Kauai:

· Explore Kauai’s famous Na Pali Coast by means of foot, boat, kayak or helicopter ride

· Hike or drive to Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Kauai’s main attraction.

· Kayak or take a boat cruise up the Wailua River and visit the hidden Fern Grotto

Described to have an ageless and natural beauty is Oahu. Home to the state’s capital, this island is called the “Gathering Place” as most of Hawaii’s population calls this island home. This island is diverse in local culture, many people flock to this island’s shores for world-class surfing competitions. With a bustling metropolitan city, there is no shortage of things to do on this island.

Things to do in Oahu:

· Surf or sunbathe on the sands of world-famous Waikiki Beach

· Watch professional surfers compete along Oahu’s North Shore.

· Visit Oahu’s natural landmarks: Diamond Head, Punchbowl, and Koko Head craters

· See history at Pearl Harbor, and pay respects at the USS Arizona Memorial· · Visit the only palace on United States grounds, ‘Iolani Palace

· Dress up and dine at one of the many 5 star restaurants that call this island home

Molokai is perfect for finding peace and serenity. Dubbed the “Friendly Island,” the locals here will treat you like family. This island is free from traffic, high-rises and nightclubs, so it is perfect for getting away from busy city streets.

Things to do in Molokai:

· Hike through the virtually untouched Halawa Valley

· Visit the famous leper colony at Kalaupapa National Historical Park, which is only accessible by mule, foot or place

· Go boating along Molokai’s northern shore and see the world’s tallest sea cliffs

Lanai is the quietest of the Hawaiian Islands, idyllic for romantic getaways. Called the “Pineapple Island,” the services are here are as sweet as the fruit. You will find a luxurious resort, world-class golf course, and quite simply, have a vacation with comfort, style and grace.

Things to do in Lanai:

· Hike up the Munro Trail and view the breathtaking sights of other islands

· Rent an ATV and view the lunar-like terrain of Keahiakwelo

· Visit Hulopoe Bay and catch glimpses of dolphins at play

· Enjoy a round of golf at the two championship courses: Challenge of Manele and the Experience of Koele

Maui has been voted the “Best Hawaiian Island.” Called the “Valley Isle” for the two mountain ridges on the island’s east and west coasts, you will surely find many outdoor activities to enjoy.

Things to do in Maui:

· Whale watch between the months of December and May and catch a glimpse of the magnificent humpback whale

· Take a scenic drive along the picturesque Hana Highway

· Visit Iao Valley and look at the volcanic rock known as “Iao Needle”

· Explore Haleakala Crater and enjoy the sunrise on top of this dormant volcano

· Visit museums, shops and restaurants in the historic Lahaina town

The youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands is the Big Island. It is nicknamed the “Volcano Isle” as it is home to the most active volcano in the world. It is the most varied island and also the most untouched, leaving you do to all the exploring.

Things to do in the Big Island:

·Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and view the active lava flow at Kilauea

·Explore the waters of Kona and Kohala by kayaking, snorkeling or scuba diving

·Visit Pu’ukohola Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple

·Soak in the lush and tropical landscape of Hilo Bay and Queen Liliuokalani Gardens

·Enjoy the view atop the snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea

With this overview of the main Hawaiian Islands, start mapping out your own Hawaiian vacation. Each of these islands have something to offer, and luckily, you won’t have to choose just one.

You know what you want for your next vacation. You want to be in a place where the people are relaxed and friendly, treating you like family. You want somewhere moderately warm, where the sun kisses your skin in just the right way, so you come home every day with a radiant glow, and the breezes play with your hair as you stroll along beautiful trees and beaches. Luckily, you already know that this place exists, and Oahu is that place.

With 112 miles of coastline, you know you’ll have more than enough space to enjoy your time on the beach. You can slather on sunscreen and lay on your towel, or show off your boarding skills. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is perfect if you’re looking for the perfect mix of land and sea, while the North Shore is where you’ll find both the best waves and surfers.

Oahu has been the epicenter of much of this state’s history, and while on vacation, you may want to feed your brain factual bits. There are many historical sites and museums. In Honolulu’s Capital District, you can learn about Hawaii’s transition from a monarchy to the 50^th state of the Union by visiting Iolani Palace. Bishop Museum has much information about the adventures of the seafaring Hawaiians, while the Hawaii Plantation Village narrates the beginning of the immigration that helped the local culture evolve into what it is today.

Pearl Harbor can also be found on this island. This landmark is sobering and poignant, and a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial will leave an eye opening impression on anyone who visits. You can also find tours of the USS Bowfin Submarine and the Battleship Missouri while here, and you’ll find yourself appreciating Hawaii’s history even more.

You’ve come to Hawaii for a relaxing break, and luckily for you, the locals enjoy it too. There are many spas and wellness services that you can find around Honolulu. Once known as Kawehewehe, Grey’s Beach in Waikiki was called such because of its “healing waters.” While here, you can experience a Pohaku, which is a heated-stone massage intended to erase any aches, pains and strains. There are also coconut body wraps that leave your skin smooth and sweet.

Oahu spas are armed with the latest technologies and techniques so that any visitor will truly reach nirvana. With spas located in such serene tropical environments, you know that you will find full tranquility. You can have couples massages to achieve full unity, or to ease a nervous companion.

Some may find the idea of staying on Oahu for a few days, or even weeks, extremely enticing. If you’re one of these people, be sure to look into lodging options. Vacation rentals are a great option, as you’ll have all the privacy and amenities you need to enjoy a stress-free vacation.

Having a vacation headquarters will be appreciated by families with diverse interests. After a long, exhausting day having fun, the ample space will give everyone enough room to relax. While there are many restaurants available, having a vacation rental gives your family the options of having a home-cooked meal and saving a few dollars.

Couples spending time by themselves may want to consider a fully-furnished condo. You’ll want to spend all your time with your sweetheart, and with a hammock to cuddle in on a cold day, you’ll find that the privacy offered is perfect. Beachfront properties are perfect for waking up to dazzling mornings, but for even more seclusion, find a shelter under the immense mountains.

On Oahu, you can literally find anything to make your vacation even better. All you have to do is take the first step by starting your research. Start online to view the many Oahu Vacation Rentals, and get ready to have your dream come true.

Diamond Head, perched above the famous Waikiki beach, is definitely Hawaii’s most recognized symbol. While it may just be another extinct volcano, it is the best lookout point on Oahu’s southern shore. When standing at the peak, all of Honolulu is laid out before you, from the coast to Pearl Harbor and Aloha Tower. With its proximity to the tourist hotspot of Waikiki, hiking up this mountain is an extremely popular activity.

You can find access to this amazing mountain through Diamond Head State Park. You can drive down Kalakaua Avenue to Monsarrat which turns into Diamond Head Road. You can take Bus #58, and simply tell the driver you would like to get off at the Diamond Head entrance. After walking through the tunnel entrance, you will find an info center, restrooms, a kiosk and parking lot. This is also where your Diamond Head adventure begins.

The hike up Diamond Head begins with a walk across the volcano floor, with the trail gradually becoming steeper and rockier. After a windy walk, you will find yourself at the first lookout and halfway point. From here, you can see the Windward Coast of Oahu, and it gets better. Once you have climbed a concrete stairway, there will be a 225-foot tunnel cut into the mountain. This is the place where you can take a break from the hot sun, and prepare yourself for the next flight of stairs.

These steps are a little longer than the first, but they also begin the ending of your hike. You will head up some spiral steps, located on the Fire Control Station: Diamond Head. Once you reach the summit, you find yourself on the observation station, your journey completed. You will see the endless blue ocean, the deep green mountains, and a bird’s eye view of Waikiki. While here, take many pictures, have a snack, and drink water. Bask in the glory of your accomplishment, before reapplying sunscreen. The trip down promises to be much easier, but watch the time, as the gates close at 6pm.

Diamond Head State Park is open from 6-6 all year. There’s a $1 admission for walk-ins, or $5 per carload. If you want to try and avoid the tour groups, come early in the morning or after one’ish in the afternoon.

Diamond Head State Park is opening from 6am to 6pm. Walk-ins pay a $1 admission, while it is $5 per carload. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or after 1pm. If this is on your vacation agenda, bring comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, camera, and some company. Flashlights are handy, and towels can help block out the sun. You may even want to bring binoculars, after all, the view from the top isn’t bad at all.

There are many places to visit while on Oahu, and luckily, you don’t have to pick only one. The real problem lies In knowing where to start.

Those who want to start on the edges of Oahu, and work their way in should look at visiting Laie. The Polynesian Cultural Center calls this part of Honolulu home. At this center, you can visit seven villages, with each representing a different Polynesian cultures. If you stay until evening, you can participate in an exciting multicultural luau. You can find Hukilao Beach, perfect for those looking to avoid crowds and enjoy the beach at peace. While in Laie, you may want to pass Hukilau Café or Romy’s Shrimp for some truly delicious local cuisine.

Kailua is another hotspot you should visit while on Oahu. Be sure to take the Pali Highway and stop at the Pali Lookout. The view of the entire windward side is breathtaking, and you’ll definitely want to take pictures. In fact, Jimi Hendrix wrote a song called the Pali Gap because of this stunning sight. There is also footage of him walking around the viewing platform, struggling to fight off the strong winds. Since you’re heading, bring your bathing suit and visit the world-famous Lanikai Beach. This beach offers spectacular views of the sunrise, with glowing sands and a few small islands. Lanikai consistently ranks in the top 10 beaches of the world.

These two places are just a few of Oahu’s hotspots. Don’t forget to research all you can do on Oahu to truly have the vacation of a lifetime.