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 Despite the crowds, the islands have not been ruined by tourism. Resort development is concentrated into surprisingly small regions - Waikiki is the classic example, holding half the state's hotel rooms in just two square miles - and it's always possible to venture off into pristine wilderness, or to camp on the seashore or mountainside.
The physical beauty of Hawaii is almost unparalleled. Majestic mountains were created millions of years ago by volcanic activity that thrust these islands three miles from the ocean floor. Wave action across endless eons of time created coral reefs, and then battered and broke them to create miles of white sand beach. Its position at the center of the Pacific ensured that almost every plant and animal that would find a home here would come as an invited guest.
There are no strangers in Paradise. Perhaps the most beautiful part of Hawaii is the genuine warmth of its people. They call it the spirit of Aloha. It has allowed a melting pot of cultures from all over the world to find common ground, and a new home, in this most gentle of places.
Hawaii actually offers six ways to experience its beauty. On its six different islands, Oahu, Maui, the big island of Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai, you will find six different experiences of Hawaiian culture.
There's the hustle and bustle of Honolulu on Oahu, the unspoiled botanical wonder of Kauai, the legendary beaches of Maui, the mesmerizing volcanoes of the Big Island and the unadulterated, sleepy Molokai and Lanai. No two islands are alike and all are worth visiting - which makes choosing just one or two islands all the more difficult.
The best thing about your Hawaiian vacation is that it can be designed to fit your budget. All of the best things about Hawaii are free including the ocean, the beaches, and the sun.
The main thing to remember is that the best way to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation is to get active. Rent a car. Better yet, rent a convertible. Put the top down... and explore. Hike the trails. Visit the museums and historical sites. Find a new and 'undiscovered' beach. Let your hair down and have fun. It really doesn't get any better than this.
Visiting the islands
The entire Hawaiian Islands share a similar topography, having been formed in the same way and exposed to the same winds and rains. Each is much wetter on its north and east - windward - coasts, which are characterized by steep sea cliffs, inaccessible stream-cut valleys, and dense tropical vegetation. The south and west - leeward or "Kona" - coasts are much drier, often virtually barren, and make ideal locations for big resorts. The key decision in any Hawaiian itinerary is whether to go to Oahu, and specifically Waikiki, which holds virtually all its accommodation. If you enjoy cities, and prefer nightlife and crowds to deserted beaches - or simply if you don't want to drive - then it's worth staying for three or four days in Waikiki. Otherwise, unless you're a surfer heading for the legendary North Shore, you may end up regretting any time you choose to spend on Oahu.
Each of the other islands - referred to as the Neighbor Islands - has its own strengths and weaknesses. Maui, Kauai and the Big Island all offer accommodation for every budget, and all cost the same to reach from Oahu (it's also possible to fly direct to Maui and the Big Island from the US West Coast). The best for beaches is probably Maui, followed by Kauai and then the Big Island; for scenery, and also hiking, Kauai beats the Big Island, with Maui well behind. The Big Island boasts the awesome spectacle of the world's most active volcano - Kilauea, which has been erupting ever since 1982.
Among more specialized interests, Maui offers the best conditions for windsurfing and whale watching; Maui and the Big Island are equally well equipped for diving, snorkeling and golf; and the Big Island has great deep-sea fishing, as well as being the best suited for a touring vacation. The appeal of the lesser islands rests largely on their sense of seclusion; Molokai is a down-home, inexpensive, and very traditional Hawaiian island, while Lanai has become a haven for the mega-rich.
First-time visitors to Hawaii often find themselves planning their next trip back to this island paradise. And there's no debating that almost everyone would enjoy what the islands of Hawaii have to offer. Beautiful stretches of beaches, lush tropical forests, magnificent flowers, a rich cultural heritage, and glowing rivers of red-hot lava that pour into the sea.
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