Lahaina Hotels

Lahaina - where Honolulu and Oahu are - is a great big lu'au. If this is your first vacation, Lahaina should definitely serve as your jumping-off point. Even many locals have never been to Lana'i because, for years, there was nothing to see but mile upon mile of pineapple and red-dirt roads. Two upscale resorts offer the usual island mix of sun and sand, plus archery and shooting, four-wheel-drive excursions, and superb scuba diving. Both attract the well-heeled in search of privacy, but the luxe shine has worn a bit. Do stroll Dole Park, the town square; if there's a local event on, you'll meet the bulk of the population in minutes.

Here, on the third largest island, you'll find 75% of the state's population. Waikiki beach offers a gentle introduction to water-related pursuits, while the North Shore's monster winter surf challenges the nerves of professional surfers. The island's museums and historic and cultural sites will ground you, at least a bit, in Hawaii history. The widest range of restaurants as well as the best nightlife scene are here, too. And the island, with its knife-edged mountain ranges, verdant green valleys, territorial-era architecture, and ring of white-sand beaches, is just the Hawaii you came to see.