Which islands in hawaii

Travelers and dawdlers should beware that they should block off an entire day for this winding, road trip journey. Considered the whale watching capital of the archipelago, Maui is an ideal destination for humpback-sightings just off the coast.

Sign up for a whale watching tour with the Pacific Whale Foundation to catch the humpback whales on their annual breeding vacation: They visit the Hawaiian islands in the wintertime, after having spent the warmer months up north, feeding in Alaska. Though the northern part of the island of Kauai—and Hanalei Bay, specifically—are eternally popular, the southern coast of Kauai is just as magnificent we recommend catching the sunrise at Poipu Beach to appreciate the gorgeous landscape fully.

Adventure travelers should sign up for a Kauai ATV Tour to off-road your way back to a land before time or a landscape reminiscent of Jurassic Park, to be exact.

Another option for adrenaline-seekers is a zip-lining course high above the treetops with Skyline Eco-Adventures —what better way to appreciate the Garden Isle than from above, after all? Finally, every visitor must embark on a catamaran cruise with Kauai Sea Tours to the Na Pali Coast; keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales on your voyage. Only 38 miles long and 10 miles wide, the island of Molokai is home to a large percentage of native Hawaiians and remains the most authentic island experience you can have when visiting the Hawaiian archipelago.

The unspoiled nature is wondrous: The sunset at Kapalua Bay is spectacular, as are the breathtaking cliffs of Molokai. Explore the Kapuiawa Coconut Grove at dusk to witness the pink sky illuminate one of the oldest royal groves in Hawaii—King Kamehameha V planted the palms in the s.

Hike the highest sea cliffs in the world at Kalaupapa , which rise 3, feet above the ocean, and explore the Kalaupapa National Historic Park , located at the base of the cliffs, which tells the story of the isolated leper colony which once called this region home.

Aloha, indeed. Fancy a more accessible cascade? Most travelers stay along the North Shore home to Princeville and Hanalei ; on the drier, sunnier South Shore, near the town of Poipu; or along the eastern coast, near the Lihue Airport.

But when goats, sheep, and other grazing animals were introduced to the island in the s, the land was stripped, leaving it bare. Then came Larry Ellison: In , the tech billionaire bought 97 percent of this island, including two Four Seasons resorts and their championship golf courses.

The best way to give back is to visit—and donate to—the Lanai Cat Sanctuary. Catch a lift to the top with your bike, then cruise down 21 switchbacks, passing through as many ecological zones as you would on a Canada-to-Mexico road trip. Hungry for culture? Hire a hula instructor for a lesson nearly anywhere on Maui. Shop the galleries of Paia, then strap in for the world-famous Road to Hana, a drive tracing the rugged black-lava coastline.

Be sure to check out the new guidelines for driving the famous road. Hungry in general? Maui is also the access point for the Molokini atoll just off the coast, where visitors can snorkel an extinct volcanic caldera. For any ocean activities, watch for outfitters certified by the Surfrider Foundation.

The sunbathing and camping are superlative here, but avoid swimming in the dangerous breaks between October and March. Some residents still live at the site, but they have been cured of leprosy. The classic Pali Trail leads down to it—with 3. Enjoy the resort hot spots of Waikiki, Ko Olina, and Turtle Bay slated to reopen in July but make sure to venture beyond them.

Once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii and a busy whaling port, Lahaina is now a happening harbourside village. This region is known for premium beachfront accommodations, especially in Wailea, where resorts sprawl over acres of land and vacation rentals run extra large.

This cold climate region is filled with farms, ranches, restaurants, and one of the few wineries in Hawaii. Spend a day tasting chevre goat cheese at Surfing Goat Dairy, lavender-infused treats at Alii Kula Lavender, pick-your-own strawberries at Kula Country Farm , and more. Vacationers like to stay in the charming township of Kona or the ritzy resort areas along the Kohala Coast.

This region gets showered in rainfall creating an abundance of natural beauty, visit lush attractions like Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden , Akaka Falls pictured and Rainbow Falls. This World Heritage-listed site contains the most active volcano in Hawaii, Kilauea. More than two million people flock to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park annually to hike lava fields, explore underground lava tubes, feel the heat of the steam vents and witness crater eruptions updates at nps.

Picture: Jenny Galbraith. The main attraction is Hawaiian monk seals who frequently sunbake on the golden sands. These endangered species are typically roped off, and visitors are asked to keep a safe distance of about 45m.

Take a Kauai movie tour to get the Hollywood scoop. Hawaiian by nature, Molokai has a significant Native Hawaiian population and retains a more traditional way of life. Seldom visited, these waters offer a sanctuary of marine life with the most pristine snorkelling and diving locations in the state. Travellers are best to hire a 4WD vehicle and go off the beaten track to uncover hidden nature trails and remote, deserted beaches.

Big Island, Hawaii. Credit: Getty Images. Kulaniapia Falls, Big Island, Hawaii. Kauai, Hawaii. Aerial landscape view of cliffs and green valley, Kauai, Hawaii. Maui, Hawaii. Oahu, Hawaii.