The Garden Isle: The dramatic cliffs and pinnacles of its Na Pali Coast have served as a backdrop for major Hollywood films, while 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon and the Nounou Trails traversing the Sleeping Giant mountain ridge are hiking destinations.

The Gathering Place: Oahu is the state capital, Honolulu. Highlights of the city include historic Chinatown and the Punchbowl, a crater-turned-cemetery. Waikiki is an iconic beach, dining, and nightlife area. West of Honolulu is Pearl Harbor, the site of WWII's 1941 bombing attack and home to the USS Arizona Memorial.

Playground of the Wealthy: Sprawling Haleakala National Park encompasses the island's highest peak, volcanic Haleakala, and the pools and waterfalls of Ohe'o Gulch, accessed via the scenic, winding Hana Highway. The island's 30 miles of beaches include golden-crescent Kapalua, sheltered from strong currents by lava-rock promontories.

The Big Island: Hawai'i is the largest in the United States Hawaiian archipelago in the Central Pacific. Its diverse terrain spans colored-sand beaches at Papakolea (green) and Punalu'u (black) to lush rainforest. Within Volcanoes National Park are two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Hapuna Beach and Kahalu'u Beach Park in the west are popular snorkeling sites.