KAUAI

Whales may winter in Kauai, but with five distinct resort areas, travelers land in Lihue year-round. The oldest in the Hawaiian chain, some of Kauai’s greatest treasures are accessible only by sea or air. The Na Pali Coast on the North Shore is one of them; the 11-mile Kalalau Trail another. For less of a challenge, set your sights on the resort areas of Princeville; Hanalei Bay; Ka Ulu o Laka temple; and the gentle waters of the Coconut Coast. There, windsurf off Kalapaki Beach or take the children snorkeling at Lydgate Beach Park.

On the West Side, the Waimea Canyon provides an awe-inspiring reason to go on a driving adventure while the South Shore invites sunbathers to what the Travel Channel, monk seals, and sea turtles have dubbed “America’s Best Beach,” Poipu Beach Park. Between it all, find ten golf courses—including signature ones designed by Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones, Jr.—and resorts that will make you momentarily forget this island still mostly belongs to Mother Nature.