HAWAIIAN ISLANDS QUICK TOUR

Hawaii, the Big Island The Big Island of Hawaii is the youngest and largest island in the chain and is still growing with Mauna Loa, the world's most active volcano, looming thousands of feet above sea level. The Big Island is the state's greatest producer of cattle, sugar, papayas, vegetables, macadamia nuts, and anthuriums. There are more orchids here than anywhere on earth, and the only coffee plantations in the country are based here. Be sure to stop by the Volcanoes National State Park, see the beautiful black sand beaches, and taste that Kona coffee. You can even snow ski here or ride with the cowboys at Parker Ranch.

Kauai  Kauai is often dubbed "The Garden Isle," and for good reason. The unaffected beauty of Kauai's rainforests, beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and rivers make this island a very special place for those who enjoy the outdoors. Kauai was the first to be created geologically and the only island not conquered by Kamehameha the Great. Spectacular charms like the Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast top many visitors' lists. The Na Pali Coast boasts towering cliffs, deep valleys, and an unforgettable coastline. The Waimea Canyon, in contrast to the lush spectacle of the Na Pali, is a barren-looking ten-mile-long gorge that some call "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Outdoor sports, including hiking, whale watching, and scuba diving, are very rewarding here. Another way to see the sights is to take a helicopter ride, since many of Kauai's appealing features can't be reached by road.

Lanai  At one time, Lanai was the world's largest pineapple plantation, reaching a peak of 18,000 acres of cultivated fields. The plantation has dwindled down to a few hundred acres, and a few resorts have popped up here and there. For the most part, however, Lanai's rustic charm is appreciated by those who want to get away from it all.

Maui  Residents of the island assert that Maui is definitely "no ka oi," or the best. The island's popularity by visitors seems to prove their claim. Many come to see Mount Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano on earth, rising above the ten thousand feet mark. Bike tours and hikers take advantage of the winding road and trails. Another beautiful drive is along Maui's Hana Coast. Take in the rainforest, the thick vegetation, waterfalls, black sand beaches, fishing villages, and lava flows along the three-hour drive to Hana. You want to pace yourself since there's a lot to see on the winding road. Whale-watching is another show-stopper, with a peak period of November to May.

Molokai  Known as "The Friendly Isle," Molokai has the genuine spirit of aloha brought by the many native Hawaiians who live on this quiet and uncrowded isle. Molokai may be only thirty-eight miles long and ten miles wide, but it still requires a minimum of two days for exploration:  one for the western end and another for the eastern reaches. Travel by rental car allows for a leisurely pace to view its natural landmarks. A visit to Kalaupapa is one of the highlights of touring Molokai. The peninsula, located along the rugged north shore, remains an isolated paradise. The secluded nature of the area has a history: Kalaupapa used to be a leper colony attended in part by the highly esteemed Father Damien.