Experience the islands of Hawaii
... breathtaking beauty and
aloha spirit
Luxury Travel to Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations, offering a rare combination of dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable adventures. As a Hawaii Destination Specialist and frequent visitor - eight trips and counting - I’ve experienced all the islands, toured the top luxury resorts, and enjoyed the best excursions.
At Show Them the World, we leverage personal knowledge and local relationships to design custom itineraries that go beyond the typical vacation. Whether you're planning a family adventure, a romantic getaway, or a multi-island journey, we help create a trip your family will remember for years to come.
Why Visit Hawaii
Traveling the world fills me with joy, and Hawaii holds a special place in my heart. It was my first love, and it's the place I keep going back to again and again. My kids feel the same way.
Even though they've been multiple times, when I ask them where we should go next, Hawaii is always on their list.
What Makes Hawaii So Special?
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Breathtaking and diverse landscapes that allow you to experience multiple vacations in one - beaches, active volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, lush rainforests
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A welcoming and rich culture that gives meaning to your vacation and helps you feel right at home
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Warm, sunny weather year-round
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Miles of white (and black!) sand beaches framed by black rock and groves of palm, almond, and pine trees
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A wide range of natural adventures to keep everyone engaged - surfing, snorkeling, SUP, kayaking, whale watching, hiking, biking, ATV, ziplining, helicopter tours, farm tours, and more!
How to Choose the Best Hawaiian Island for you
From lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes to pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, each island in Hawaii offers its own distinct character. Selecting the right combination and optimal pacing is often the key to an exceptional trip. If you only have a week, I suggest sticking with one island. But if you have 10-14 days or more, then you can plan to island hop.
Maui: best all-around island and best for first-timers
Maui is my favorite island for first-time visitors because it has the best of everything Hawaii has to offer - the most miles of swimmable beaches in Hawaii, lush valleys and rainforests, volcanic landscapes, rich culture and culinary delights - all packaged into a sophisticated tropical paradise with down-home appeal.
In addition, the island is easy to get around and has no shortage of luxurious oceanfront resorts with amazing amenities to keep you entertained when you aren't out exploring. With excellent snorkeling and marine life, scenic drives like the Road to Hana, and the unforgettable sunrise experience at Haleakalã National Park - to name just a few of Maui’s best adventures - your visit to this spectacular island can be so much more than just lounging on a beautiful beach.
Kauai: best for stunning scenery and adventure
The lush tropical paradise of Kauai is what most people dream of when they think of Hawaii, because the island’s dramatic landscapes are featured in iconic movies like Jurassic Park, Avatar, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Kauai holds a close second to Maui for me because of its jaw-dropping beauty, relaxed pace, and small-town charm. However, Kauai isn’t as easy as Maui, because it has fewer swimmable beaches, more unpredictable weather, and is more difficult to navigate given 80% of the island is only accessible by water, air or on foot. But I love that about Kauai, because it challenges you to be adventurous!
Hawaii’s Big Island: best for diverse landscapes and wide open spaces
The Big Island lives up to its name–it's larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. Its size creates a slower pace and a sense of space that's hard to find elsewhere in Hawaii, although you'll spend more time driving than on the other islands. In return, you'll experience Hawaii's most diverse landscapes, from multi-colored beaches and lush rainforests to cascading waterfalls, lava fields, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and even snow-capped Mauna Kea. The Big Island is an ideal choice for travelers who love dramatic scenery, outdoor adventure, and road trips.
Oahu: best for big city fun and culture
Oahu offers big city fun in a small island setting. As the most populated and most developed Hawaiian island, Oahu has many iconic Hawaii activities in a compact area, making it easy to see a lot in a short period of time. In fact, most of my clients spend three days here - one day at Pearl Harbor, one day on Waikiki Beach, and one day exploring the Windward Coast and North Shore. If you’re short on time and can’t fit Oahu in your itinerary but really want to experience Pearl Harbor, you can even do it on your way home from one of the other islands!
Where to Stay in Hawaii
After you’ve decided which islands you’re visiting, your next decision is where to stay.
A thoughtful choice can make your vacation truly exceptional—and also determine how much time you spend in the car.
Each island offers 2-3 main resort areas with multiple luxury properties at each stop. By working with Show Them the World,
you benefit from our luxury partnerships, which provide you with VIP amenities like:
• Complimentary breakfast
• Room upgrades
• Red carpet welcomes
• Food & beverage credits: from $100-$1,500
• Exclusive promotions
• Early check-in/late check-out
Where to Stay Maui
Maui offers two main resort areas: Wailea to the south, and Ka’anapali/Kapalua to the west. Choosing where to stay depends on your vacation style and budget.
Wailea
In south Maui, Wailea offers grand 5-star luxury resorts connected by the lovely Wailea Beach Walk, plus beautiful cove beaches, a more peaceful vibe, and a central location, so there’s less driving to points of interest.
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Favorite Wailea resorts for families: Fairmont Kea Lani, Grand Wailea, Wailea Beach Resort
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Favorite Wailea resorts for adults: Fairmont Kea Lani, Hotel Wailea, Four Seasons Maui, Wailea Beach Resort
Ka'anapali/Kapalua
In west Maui, Ka'anapali offers high-rise resorts on a strip of beach centered around Black Rock (for snorkeling and cliff diving) and Whaler’s Village (for shopping and dining). Because Lahaina town is being rebuilt after the wildfires, this area’s dining scene isn’t as strong as it used to be, but it still has a livelier energy and more walkability versus Wailea. While the beach is narrow, the sunsets here are particularly spectacular. Ka’anapali resorts range from 3-4.5 stars, appealing to travelers on a more moderate budget.
Kapalua, about 10 minutes north of Ka’anapali, is a more remote high-end enclave with beautiful coastal trails and world-class golf.
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Favorite west Maui resorts for families: Resort at Kapalua Bay (formerly Montage, soon to be St. Regis), Sheraton Maui, Westin Maui, villa properties
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Favorite west Maui resorts for adults: Westin Maui; however, I think Wailea is best for grownup getaways.
Where to Stay Kauai
Kauai offers three main resort areas: Poipu on the south shore, Hanalei/Princeville on the north shore, and Lihue/Coconut Coast on the east side. Many of my clients split their stay between the north and south shore, so they can easily experience both sides of the island.
Kauai’s South Shore
Versus the north side, Poipu’s weather is sunnier and typically has less rain. For that reason, resorts are more plentiful here. The south side is more convenient for Waimea Canyon, Allerton Garden, and departures for Na Pali coast cruises.
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Favorite south Kauai resorts for families: Grand Hyatt Kauai, Koloa Landing
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Favorite south Kauai resorts for adults: Ko’a Kea Resort, although I recommend the north shore for adults.
Kauai’s North Shore
This area is what makes Kauai unique, so Hanalei or Princeville gets my vote on where to stay on Kauai. My first choice for Kauai will always be the spectacular 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, the only luxury resort on the North Shore. Staying here makes it easy to explore the Na Pali Coast and oh-so-charming Hanalei.
Kauai’s east side
Lihue, Kapa'a, and the Coconut Coast offer budget-friendly options that are more centrally located to the airport and several excursions; however, this area is not as charming or picturesque as the rest of the island.
Where to Stay Hawaii’s Big Island
On the Big Island, you'll be happy to spend the majority of your time on the west side where the sunsets are as spectacular as the luxury beachfront resorts.
North of the Kona airport on the Kohala coast, you’ll find spectacular beaches, lunar landscape hikes with petroglyphs and caves, world-class golf, and some of my favorite resorts in Hawaii. Starting from the north end of the Kohala Coast, here’s how the areas fall:
Mauna Kea/Hapuna
Quiet area with two of the best beaches on the island. Two 4-star resorts anchor this area - Mauna Kea Resort and Westin Hapuna Beach.
Mauna Lani
Refined luxury enclave with golf, resorts and residences, petroglyph parks, and historic fish ponds. Two 5-star resorts anchor this area - Mauna Lani and Fairmont Orchid. I recommend them both!
Waikoloa Beach Resort
Commercial center with family-friendly resorts, shopping and restaurants, plus one of the island’s best swimmable beaches (Anaeho’omalu Bay or A Bay, for short). Two large 4-star resorts anchor this area - Hilton Waikoloa Village and Marriott Waikoloa Beach.
Hualalai Coast
Ultra luxury enclave built into dramatic lava landscapes with pocket beaches and coves. Two 5-star resorts designed with cultural intention anchor this area - Four Seasons Hualalai and Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort. I highly recommend them both!
Where to Stay Oahu
Oahu offers three main resort areas - Waikiki on the south side, Ko Olina on the west, and Turtle Bay on the north shore.
Waikiki
Perfect if you want to be in the heart of it all - two miles of high rise oceanfront resorts, restaurants, nightlife and shopping. Accommodations are plentiful, so your options can feel overwhelming
Favorite Waikiki resorts: The Royal Hawaiian ("Pink Palace") and Moana Surfrider are the two most historic and charming Waikiki resorts. The Outrigger properties (Reef and Beach) offer excellent locations, an authentic Hawaiian vibe, and a more moderate price
Ko Olina
For a more relaxed experience, check out the three major resorts on Oahu’s west side in the master planned resort community of Ko Olina. About a 45-minute drive from Waikiki, you’ll find a series of man-made lagoons at the Four Seasons Ko Olina, Disney Aulani, and Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club.
North Shore
If crowds are not your thing and you’re looking for authentic Hawaii, you can find it on the North Shore, about a 90-minute drive from Waikiki, but it feels world’s apart from the rest of Oahu. Think local food trucks instead of curated dining districts, a wild and ever-changing coastline that draws professional surfers in the winter and snorkelers in the summer, and a slower pace that makes it easy to relax and reconnect. The Ritz Carlton Turtle Bay offers a range of accommodations, from hotel rooms up to 4BR villas, perfect for families of all sizes.
Best Experiences in Hawaii
Hawaii is not a destination for just lying on the beach or by the pool. This destination’s rich experiences are how the islands truly come alive: a sunrise above the clouds, snorkeling beside sea turtles on what feels like your own private island, a bird’s eye view of the 8th natural wonder of the world, a private guide bringing the landscape and culture into focus in a way that changes how you see it entirely. These are the moments that stay with you long after you return home—and the ones worth building your trip around.
Best Experiences on Maui
Maui has a way of striking the perfect balance—refined yet relaxed, iconic yet deeply personal—and the experiences here reflect that beautifully. Yes, there are moments everyone has heard of, but how you choose to experience them is what transforms the trip. Whether it's exploring the Road to Hana with a private guide who knows where to pause, or watching the sun rise above Haleakala in complete stillness, Maui rewards those who approach it with intention. These are the experiences that turn a well-known island into something that feels entirely your own. Here are my favorites.
Haleakala Crater
Haleakala, the "House of the Sun," is a massive dormant volcano that makes up 75% of the island. Most visitors go for either sunrise or sunset. Sunrise will mean a 2am wakeup time, so do it your first morning, and book a permit 60 days in advance. For sunset, stop in Upcountry on your way to explore the farms for lavender, goat cheese, wine, and vodka. But beware the winding drive back to your hotel will be in the dark!
Lana'i Snorkel Cruise
A client favorite for the food, service, crew, and scenery! Unlike most snorkel cruises where you snorkel from the boat in deeper water, you land on the island of Lana'i to snorkel from the beach and explore as you wish. Lunch is served on the island, and it's delish! If you're on Maui during the winter, look out for whales! You can spot them from the shore, but you'll definitely see them on your cruise!
Road to Hana
One of the most beautiful yet difficult drives you'll ever take—64 miles of narrow, winding cliff-hanging roads that will take you 7–9 hours roundtrip. The stops are where the real beauty lies—waterfalls, blowholes, black sand beaches, botanical gardens, lava tubes, and the Seven Sacred Pools. If you can't imagine driving both ways, Hana Sky Trek offers a guided drive one way, and a helicopter on the way back!
Surfing and Outrigger Canoe
Everyone should take surf lessons at least once, and Maui is the perfect place to try! Outrigger canoe is another Hawaii can't-miss experience where you can learn about the history of canoeing and jump in and swim with sea turtles. Fairmont Kea Lani offers complimentary outrigger canoe for all guests.
Best Experiences on Kauai
Kauai feels untouched in a way that’s increasingly rare, and the experiences here are all about immersing yourself in that natural beauty. This is an island where the most memorable moments often come with a sense of awe—whether you’re flying over the Na Pali Coast, hiking through lush valleys, or accessing hidden beaches that feel worlds away from everything else. It’s less about checking off highlights and more about slowing down and letting the island unfold around you. When approached thoughtfully, Kauai offers a kind of quiet, breathtaking magic that stays with you long after you leave. Here are my favorites.
Na Pali Coast
Whether on foot, helicopter, or boat, this 17-mile stretch of sea cliffs, green mountains, and sandy coves is not to be missed! If you’re doing a helicopter tour on just one island, Kauai is the place! For sea views, choose from an expedition raft cruise that can get into sea caves or a more comfortable catamaran that goes to a Forbidden Island! If you're ready for a big workout, you can kayak the whole coast, an amazing adventure I did in my younger days. On foot, you can hike the first section of the Kalalau Trail, but make sure you secure a parking permit or shuttle pass beforehand.
Waimea Canyon
On the west side of the island, take in the ever-changing colors of Waimea Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Hike the Cliff and Canyon Trails and stand along a cliff edge for a 360-degree view! Before or after, be sure to stop at the McBryde or Allerton Botanical Gardens for landscapes that are out of this world!
Embrace your
adventurous side
Kauai is the only place where you can mountain tube down sugar plantation chutes with spectacular views. There’s also waterfall rappelling, ziplining, horseback riding, kayaking, and an ATV waterfall tour!
Best Experiences on Hawaii’s Big Island
The Big Island is raw, dramatic, and endlessly diverse—and the experiences here feel larger than life because of it. This is where you move between climates, landscapes, and entirely different energies in a single day, from black lava fields to lush valleys to pristine coastline. The most meaningful moments aren’t just about what you do, but how you’re guided through it—whether that’s witnessing active volcanic landscapes, snorkeling with manta rays after sunset, or exploring remote corners few visitors ever reach. The Big Island rewards curiosity and thoughtful planning in the most unforgettable ways. Here are my favorites.
Night-time swim with manta rays
These majestic “butterflies of the sea” swim to the light to feed on plankton, so while you’re holding onto a lighted surfboard, they glide right under you, an exhilarating experience! We've done it twice now - once from a boat and once from the beach, and the intimate beach excursion wins my vote, hands down! A daytime snorkel cruise to Kealakekua should also be on your list!
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
When there’s active lava flow, a visit to the volcano is spectacular, especially at night. Consider a helicopter tour to take in the scale of this volcanic giant and follow the path of lava flow to the sea. For avid hikers, you have black rock trails as far as the eye can see.
Island tour
If you don’t mind a full day of driving, getting to the other side of the island is a must. Aside from the volcano, the lava tube, Punalu'u black sand beach, Akaka Falls, and the lush Waipi’o Valley topped our list! Make sure you book a private tour in a comfortable vehicle.
Mauna Kea summit stargazing
At almost 14,000 feet, the Mauna Kea summit sometimes has snow, an incredible contrast on this tropical island. For travelers 13+, you can head to the summit for spectacular stargazing, but it’s recommended to book a guided tour due to the altitude.
Best Experiences on Oahu
Oahu is often misunderstood as simply the busiest island, but in reality, it offers some of the most dynamic and culturally rich experiences in Hawaii. Beyond the energy of Waikiki, there’s a depth here that reveals itself when you know where to look—private surf lessons on the North Shore, quiet days on the Windward Coast’s peaceful beaches with mountain backdrops, or curated food experiences that tell the story of the island through its flavors. Oahu blends history, culture, and energy in a way no other island does, making the right experiences here feel both vibrant and deeply meaningful.
Waikiki Beach
Stroll the beach to see the surfers then shop, dine and people watch on the Waikiki Beach Walk. Grab sunset drinks at House Without a Key, and then dine at Duke’s before watching the Friday night fireworks from the beach!
Pearl Harbor
History buffs can book a tour with a veteran and see the USS Arizona and Missouri, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, Pacific Aviation Museum, and Punchbowl Cemetery. Ask me how you can even do Pearl Harbor on your way home without overnighting on Oahu!
Hiking
Secure a permit to climb popular Diamond Head for gorgeous views or branch out for lesser-known hikes like the paved Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, the scenic but steep Lanikai Pillbox Hike, and the lush Manoa Falls Trail to a waterfall.
Island Explore
On the North Shore, check out Waimea Bay, my favorite swimming spot, snorkel at Shark’s Cove, or grab a lunch plate in Hale'iwa town. Don't miss the beautiful beaches on the east side or Windward Coast. My favorites: Waimanalo and Lanikai.
