Hawaii & Pacific Islands
Six main islands, each with a distinct character — Oahu's city energy, Maui's resort coast, the Big Island's active volcanoes and manta ray dives, Kauai's Na Pali cliffs, Lanai's seclusion. The Pacific's most complete luxury circuit, and the only place in the US where the reef is still intact.
The Islands
Hawaii's six main islands reward a different kind of traveler each. Oahu holds Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, and the concentration of culture and nightlife; it also holds Diamond Head crater, the North Shore's winter surf, and the Windward Coast's green valleys. Maui concentrates the state's resort infrastructure along the Wailea and Kapalua coasts, with whale watching from January through March and the Road to Hana's 52-mile coastal drive as its most distinctive experience.
The Big Island (Hawaii Island) offers the most dramatic geology in the chain — two active volcanic areas in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a snow-capped peak on Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet, and the Kona coast's manta ray night dives, where the rays feed on plankton drawn to lights and circle within touching distance.
Kauai is the oldest island and the most verdant — the Na Pali Coast's cathedral sea cliffs, accessible only by boat or helicopter, are among the most photographed landscapes in the Pacific. Waimea Canyon, sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, runs 14 miles through the island's interior.
Lanai, a 20-minute ferry from Maui, is the most exclusive island in the chain — 98% privately owned by Larry Ellison — with two Four Seasons properties and almost no commercial development outside them.
The Water
Hawaii's marine environment is the defining experience for serious travelers. The Big Island's Kona coast offers manta ray night dives year-round; Maui's Molokini Crater, a partially submerged volcanic caldera, provides protected snorkeling with visibility exceeding 40 meters; Kauai's north shore delivers sea turtle encounters from shore; and Oahu's North Shore from November through February holds the world's largest winter surf, viewed safely from the beach at Waimea Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which island should I visit first?
Maui for resort infrastructure, whale watching in winter, and easy navigation. The Big Island for geology, marine life, and diversity of landscape. Kauai for natural beauty and relative seclusion. Oahu for culture, dining, and the combination of urban energy and outdoor access.
When is the best time to visit Hawaii?
April through June and September through November offer the best combination of warm weather, lower crowds, and reduced hotel rates compared to peak seasons. Winter (December through March) brings whale watching to Maui and the highest surf on Oahu's North Shore; summer brings calmer water on all coasts.
Is Hawaii good for families?
Exceptionally so. Calm water on Maui's south and west coasts is safe for young children year-round; the Big Island's Volcanoes National Park is genuinely engaging; and snorkeling at Molokini or with sea turtles at Hookipa is accessible to children aged six and above with basic swim skills.
What is the budget for a luxury trip?
Hawaii's top resorts run $700–$2,500 per night. Lanai's Four Seasons properties are among the most expensive hotels in the US at $2,000–$5,000 per night in peak season. Private boat charters for manta ray dives or Na Pali coast sailing run $200–$800 per person.
Best Time to Visit
April through June for warm weather and fewer crowds; December through March for humpback whale watching off Maui; November through February for North Shore surf season on Oahu.
Highlights
- •Manta ray night dive on the Big Island's Kona coast
- •Helicopter flight over the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon on Kauai
- •Humpback whale watching from a private charter off Maui, January through March
- •Sunrise on Haleakala crater rim above the clouds on Maui
- •Lava viewing at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park after dark
- •Snorkeling at Molokini Crater with 40-meter visibility
- •Road to Hana driving day with private waterfall stops
Where to Stay in Hawaii & Pacific Islands
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Lanai City, Lanai
The more intimate of the two Four Seasons properties on Lanai, set on a cliff above Hulopoe Bay with one of the best snorkeling beaches in Hawaii directly below. With fewer than 100 rooms on an island that discourages mass tourism, the experience is as close to a private island as the continental US offers. Nobu Lanai occupies the clifftop restaurant; the spa draws on Native Hawaiian healing traditions.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Wailea, Maui
The benchmark luxury property on Maui's south shore, with direct access to Wailea Beach and a position between the island's two best snorkeling reefs. The resort's whale watching program from January through March, run in partnership with the Pacific Whale Foundation, places guests aboard private boats with marine biologists. Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante on the oceanfront terrace is among the best settings for dinner in the state.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Poipu, Kauai
A 600-acre resort on Kauai's sunny south shore, with lagoon swimming, direct ocean access, and a saltwater swimming lagoon large enough for kayaking. The location in Poipu provides the most consistent sunshine on an island known for dramatic weather; the Anara Spa draws on Hawaiian healing practices and the island's native plant pharmacopeia. Helicopter tours to the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon depart from nearby.
Travel Ideas for Hawaii & Pacific Islands
The Honest Guide to Oahu
Let me say the quiet part out loud: Oahu does not have the resort product to compete with Rosewood Kona Village or Four Seasons Lanai.
Four Seasons Yachts: What No One Is Telling You
The Four Seasons Yacht is not all-inclusive — and that is intentional. Here is what you actually need to know before booking a sailing on Four Seasons.
Begin Your Journey
Ready to Explore Hawaii & Pacific Islands?
Our specialist advisors will craft your perfect itinerary.
Get Started