Island Insights

To help you plan your dream Hawaiian vacation, this section of the Hawaii State Vacation Planner includes short feature stories and insights into the exciting outdoor and indoor activities that you can enjoy while in the Hawaiian Islands. In Hawaii, you can experience incredible natural physical beauty that leaves you speechless, year-round excellent weather that warms your soul, and an endless array of fun activities for the vacation of a lifetime.

Choose your island by clicking on the appropriate link to the left. Then click on any subject and read about that island’s history, shopping, golfing, weddings, dining, and other fun-filled activities. New information is added regularly, so check back often!

Every island has its own personality with sights and pursuits that can't be found anywhere else:

• On the island of Hawaii, known as the Big Island, you can see an active volcano, snow ski, and swim with dolphins and manta rays.
• Kauai, the Garden Island, is known for its lush vegetation, its small town feel, the Wiamea Canyon ("the Grand Canyon of the Pacific"), and the dramatic Na Pali coastline.
• Maui, the second most-visited island (after Oahu) has something for everyone, ranging from cosmopolitan Wailea to secluded Hana.
• Oahu, the most populated and metropolitan of the islands, is home to Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and Waikiki, the most developed areas in the islands.

The 6,427 square miles of the Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanoes that have eroded over millions of years into lush, emerald mountains with sparkling waterfalls, soaring peaks, and green valleys. Hawaii boasts deep canyons, a snow-capped mountain, and, of course, miles and miles of gorgeous beaches. The information here will help you enjoy all 6,427 square miles of the islands as you plan your dream Hawaiian vacation.