Kauai
Called the Garden Isle, this island is most suited for those who are into the nature of the Hawaiian islands. There is lots of natural beauty here, but virtually no nightlife outside the hotels. If possible, stay somewhere on the North Shore. Second choice would be the Poipu area, although it is much less picturesque. You will probably find yourself driving to the north side of the island frequently. You could do most of the things on this island in around 3 days - but you can keep busy for much longer, if you so choose. Come here for beautiful vistas and pretty beaches. Must see things to do:
Waimea Canyon
The Grand Canyon of Hawaii. Pretty on a clear day - always a bit crowded. Best done in conjunction with the Pali Lookout.
Na Pali Lookout
Beautiful overlook - this is the picture most people display when speaking about Hawaii. Gorgeous, with a hiking trail at the top, if you are so inclined. There are 2 lookouts - the first is ok, but by following the newly paved road to the left (you might have to walk it if it's closed) you will get to the trail head and a much better view. Great sunsets.
Hi Kee beach
Iconic beach on the beautiful Princeville Resort. Hike around the boulders at the point for a view of the coast that is totally uninhabited and gorgeous. Eat at the restaurant on the lanai if you can - beautiful sunsets while you eat.
This is an awesome beach - since it is hard to get to, most people skip it. Picturesque, possibly secluded, and good snorkeling.
Na Pali Snorkeling Trip
To really see the beauty of the Na Pali cliffs, you really need to see them from the water. Snorkeling tours are great, bc they included lunch and drinks, as well as guided snorkeling and a built-in sight-seeing tour. It is a bit pricey (around $100 per person) but it usually takes up 5 hours or so, so you get your money's worth. As a bonus, you almost always see dolphins riding the wake of the boat.
Maui
I call this one the Disneyworld of the islands - it is the place where most families go to vacation in the islands. I haven't been myself in over 10 years, so my memories are strictly regulated to where my parents decided we would go, which wasn't ever very far from the hotel. There are palatial hotels here with great pools, and lots of activities. You could probably visit Maui for 2-3 days and be satisfied. Things you must do while here:
The Road to Hana
I remember this being beautiful and jungly, with several waterfalls, including some you could jump off of. This is the 'must see unique' thing on Maui - some stops are shown below.
Visit Lahaina
A fun touristy town with great restaurants and lots of art galleries. Fun to wander around in and spend a lazy afternoon.
The Big Island
There is something of everything on this island. It is huge compared to the other islands, and it might be a good idea to break up your stay between 2 different hotels on opposite sides of the island. A fun place to go, you won't run out of things to do - I'd make sure you have at least 5 days here, or you might be crazy rushed trying to see everything. Things you should try to make it to while you're here:
Volcanoes National Park
There are lots of different things to see/do here - plan on giving it a whole day. Speak with the rangers at the station in Volcanoes, and they will let you know where the lava is currently flowing. If it's accessible by foot, it is best to go out at twilight - you can be guided by the glow of the lava, and possibly the steam from when it meets the ocean. Be sure to bring a flashlight. See the craters and steam vents near the park tourism center. Check out the lava tunnels too - bring a flashlight.
Finally, there is an amazing black sand beach that is fairly new, so it probably isn't on any of your maps or guidebooks. we stumbled upon it purely on accident. I have never seen one like it - usually black sand beaches are made of small pebbles, but this one was actually sand. It was beautiful. If you want to go there, let me know and I'll draw a map for you or something.
Tide Pools on the South Shore
a bit of a drive, but a great snorkeling spot. Some of the better reef formations that I've seen in the islands, and tons of fish. Mildly difficult entry, and bring a wetsuit - I froze my tail off.
Mauna Kea
Yes, it is possible to lay on the beach in the morning, and be snow skiing that afternoon. Only on the Big Island. I think the skiing is probably very expensive and probably crappy, so save that for Colorado. Bring a jacket for the snow, and head up top to the observatory to view the night sky.
Cook's Bay
THE snorkeling spot on the Big Island, you rent a kayak to reach the Cook monument and snorkeling area. Kayaking across the large bay can be very exciting - apparently there is a pod of dolphins that swims circles in the bay as they rest during the day. You can spot them here and there, and if you are very lucky they will swim right by your kayak and you can bail over the side to swim with them. The picture below was actually taken by my sister during a visit.
Snorkeling is great, lots of fishies to be seen. Be sure to put sunscreen on your legs so you don't roast during the paddle over and back.
Green Sand Beach
This is a very interesting and unique beach, completely worth the visit. However, if you don't have a 4x4, be ready for a trek through what I like to call a 'post-apocalyptic landscape'. This is not what you think of when you think of Hawaii. It's about 1 1/2 hour walk, if I remember correctly. The beach is amazing, and there are little sea arches you can swim out to and climb if you desire (aka if you have testosterone). Very pretty. The picture below shows the green sand pretty well.
Lanai, Molokai, etc.
These are little, rarely traveled islands that I don't suggest visiting unless you have been to the other islands first. Pretty yet boring is what I've heard. Maybe I'll change my mind when I go, but right now I'll go off other's opinions.
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