Where Do You Go on Your First Trip to Hawaii?

Oahu

Oahu is the main Island of Hawaii and home to Honolulu. On this island, you can experience urban life as well as lush rain forests and pristine beaches. The first stop to make in Oahu is Wakiki Beach, and if you have kids Wakiki Aquarium. If you like historical sights, then make sure to see Pearl Harbor. Get lunch in Honolulu's Chinatown, and then head to the North Shore, where the TV show LOST is filmed. It is also home to some of Hawaii's best surfing.

In Maui you can hike up the dormant volcano Haleakala and even walk through the crater. Be sure to take a camera because the views at 10,000 feet are spectacular. Back down at sea level, you can take a sailing day trip to Lanai, the smallest of the islands, which includes meals and snorkeling. If you have time to stop on Lanai, the island offers horseback riding. The coast of Maui joins those of Lanai and Molokai as a Humpback whale National Marine Sanctuary, so do not miss the chance to go whale watching!

See Kauai from air on a helicopter tour. Prices are generally around $150 per person, but the spectacular views of the island and its surroundings are worth it. Kauai also has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii, and kayaking them is a great way to see the island. Go snorkeling or scuba diving to see the under-side of Kauai.

Hawaii's Big Island is still growing, and you can even see lava flowing. After checking out the lava, go to Puuhonua O Honaunau National Park and see an ancient temple surrounded by carved wooden idols. If you did not get a chance to see whales yet, you have another as they pass off the Kona coast from December to April. Finally, you can buy all sorts of fresh seafood and local produce from the farmer's market at Hilo.