discovering hawaii

The only island state in the United States, each of the six main Hawaiian Islands has its own distinctive character. From the spectacular sun-kissed beaches and world-renowned surfing on O’ahu to the rugged coastlines of Maui, the active volcano on the island of Hawaii, peaceful Moloka’i and Lana’i, and the breathtaking Kaua’i’s lush beauty, this is a land of extreme awe. The following is designed to help visitors identify the highlights of each unique and fascinating island.

HONOLULU AND WAIKIKI

• World class beaches

• Historic Capitol District

• Vibrant Chinatown

• Pearl Harbor

Honolulu is the state capital and the largest city in Hawaii. This sprawling urban metropolis includes Waikiki, the center of the tourism industry, with thousands of high-rise hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs. The world famous golden sands and clear blue ocean at Waikīkī attract millions of visitors each year. Be sure to visit the Kuhio Beach statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing.

Honolulu’s Capitol District is a treasure trove of architecture, history, and culture. Highlights include the State Capitol, Kawaiha’o Church and, most glorious of all, ‘Iolani Palace.

The state’s foremost art collection is housed at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, and the nearby Bishop Museum offers a fascinating insight into Hawaiian culture.

Chinatown is worth exploring for the food markets, ethnic restaurants, lei sellers, antique shops, and art galleries. The relics and memorials of the infamous WWII site Pearl Harbor attract 1.5 million visitors each year and are not to be missed.

MOLOKA’I AND LANA’I

• Enchanting Halawa Valley

• Remote Kalaupapa

• The lunar landscape of

The Garden of the Gods of Lana’i

The idyllic islands of Moloka’i and Lana’i provide a serene and remote retreat.

Kaunakakai, Moloka’i’s main town, is a lovely place to stroll. The unspoiled east side of the island is where visitors can experience Hawaii’s amazing natural beauty. The protected Halawa Valley and Kalaupapa National Historical Park boast spectacular and haunting landscapes.

Once known as Pineapple Island, Lana’i offers visitors a host of wonders. The Garden of the Gods is a lunar landscape filled with rocks of all shapes and sizes, formed by wind erosion over many millennia.

KAUA’I

• The lush north coast

• Magnificent Na Pali Coast

• Dramatic Waimea

Kaua’i’s lush tropical landscape is breathtaking. Visit the incredible North Shore, the nature reserve near Kilauea Point, the atmosphere of Princeville and Hanalei, and the Na Pali Coast with the Kalalau Trail that winds through the Kalalau Valley. Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park offer spectacular views.