Oahu
On your first morning in Oahu, I always encourage visitors to visit Waikiki to hike Diamond Head. Most Americans wake up early because of the time change, so what's better than a fantastic view of the city and feeling like you've earned your breakfast? The hike is relatively short and easy.
There are a few different options of where to stay in Oahu, but for clients who want easy access to the restaurants and activity in Waikiki, staying at a resort like the Royal Hawaiian puts you in the heart of the action. Waikiki is an excellent spot to take a surf lesson or hop on an Outrigger canoe ride - the water is warm all year and the waves are generally pretty nice and easy. A day trip driving up to the North Shore (especially in the winter months) showcases massive waves that draw surfers from all over the world.
Maui
Maui offers so many scenic views and waterfalls, and a great way to see them is to do a drive to Hana. The Hana Highway is a 64.4-mile-long stretch which connects Kahului to the town of Hana in east Maui. It's not an ideal choice for people who get carsick! Though Hana is only about 52 miles from Kahului, an uninterrupted car-trip takes about 2.5 hours to drive, since the highway is very winding, narrow, and passes over 59 bridges, of which 46 are only one lane wide. There are approximately 620 curves along Route 360 from just east of Kahului to Hana, almost all of it through lush, tropical rainforest. Many of the concrete and steel bridges date back to 1910, and all but one are still in use.
For people who enjoy being in the water, Maui is an awesome spot for a snorkeling adventure. The photos below are from the Kai Kanani Sunrise Snorkel, and other options include Molokini and Lanai for sailing trips. Be on the lookout for sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and even whales in the winter season.
The Big Island (Hawaii)
Hawaii (affectionately known as "The Big Island) is the largest of the Hawaiian islands and has 63% of Hawaii's overall land mass. However, only 13% of Hawaii's population resides on the Big Island, so this leaves an unspoiled paradise that is great for hikers and others who like the feeling of something more secluded. Volcanoes National Park is a big draw for visitors to the island, and helicopter tours to the volcano are very popular.
An evening manta ray snorkel is one of the most popular activities in Kona, where you can observe manta rays as wide as 15 feet as they feed on plankton at night.
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is one of the many resorts on the Big Island that cater to clients who want luxury relaxation and adventure while experiencing the true feeling of Aloha.