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Kalalau Valley, Kauaʻi

Hawaiʻi: the land of mālama

Kalalau Valley, Kauaʻi

With emerald-hued sea cliffs, black volcanic beaches, and hidden waterfalls engulfed in rainforest, Hawaiʻi's natural beauty goes without saying, and protecting it is a vital Hawaiian value. Giving back — both to the environment and those who live in it — is known locally as mālama.

When creating your trip to the island chain, your specialist can make sure mālama is woven into your experience. They’ll hand-pick activities that are both matched to your passions and help you connect with the people and places that make Hawaiʻi special. That might include sprinkling in a couple of Responsible Choice hotels or designing an entire sustainability-focused trip.

Along the way, you could hike Kauaʻi’s velvety-green Nā Pali Coast with a private guide who has intimate knowledge of the land, learn about marine life as you snorkel with manta rays after nightfall, or experience an authentic lūʻau on a hillside in Oʻahu.

Our ideas for exploring Hawaiʻi

From an island-hopping adventure that takes in Hawaiʻi's breadth of landscapes to a road trip that delves deeper into just one or two islands, you’ll find ideas below to inspire your own adventure, crafted from scratch just for you.

Where to stay in Hawaiʻi

Never too far from the azure waters of the Pacific, each of our Hawaiʻi hotels has a distinct character. Your specialist will select stays to suit your tastes, whether it’s a palm-wreathed resort or a waterfront suite.

  • Puna 2 Oceanfront Suites, Napili Kai Beach Resort, Maui

    Napili Kai Beach Resort

    Perched on the shorefront overlooking tropical gardens and Maui’s turquoise Napili Bay, this boutique resort has a traditional Hawaiian feel and is well-suited for families. There are four pools, an 18-hole putting green, and a complimentary kids’ club.

  • Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hawaii (Big Island)

    Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

    Founded in 1965, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was once the most exclusive and expensive resorts of its day and remains a landmark on the Kohala Coast.

  • 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay pool

    1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

    Experience luxury and sustainability at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, nestled on Kauaʻi’s north shore with striking views of Hanalei Bay and the Nā Pali Coast. Enjoy an eco-friendly stay, locally sourced dining, and a range of wellness activities.

Best things to do in Hawaiʻi

Exploring with an expert by your side can help uncover Hawaiʻi's true character. You could hike to hidden waterfalls as your guide shares stories about their culture or spend the day thatching traditional houses to give back to the local community.

  • Kualoa Ranch

    Sustainable cultural experience at Kualoa Ranch

    Engage in sustainable practices and learn about Hawaiian culture with this mālama experience at Kualoa Ranch. Participate in activities like planting trees and harvesting taro while exploring the pristine landscapes of this sweeping nature reserve.

  • Manta Ray Night Snorkel, Hawaii (Big Island)

    Manta ray night snorkel

    As plankton rises to the water’s surface at dusk, watch beneath the waves as manta rays float gracefully in front of you to feed. In between snorkeling, your guide will be on hand to tell you more about the species.

  • Watefalls

    Kohala waterfalls tour

    Discover the Kohala region on a guided tour featuring lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and historic sites. Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

More inspiration for your Hawaiʻi trip

Our specialists have visited Hawaiʻi time and time again, sharing their recommendations and stories in the travel guides below. We hope they give you a taste of how you might experience Hawaiʻi's islands for yourself.

  • What to do in Hawaii: our highlights guide
    Makena Beach, Maui

    What to do in Hawaii: our highlights guide

    What to do in Hawaii: our highlights guide

    There’s more to Hawaii than just beaches, according to USA specialist Gillian. With six main islands to discover, you can spend your days exploring ever-changing volcanic landscapes, snorkeling with manta rays, taking a helicopter flight over cliffs, and soaking up the Polynesian culture.

    11 min read

    Read this guide
  • Self-driving in Hawaii
    Diamond Head, Waikiki, Hawaii

    Self-driving in Hawaii

    Self-driving in Hawaii

    Hawaii is known for its powdery beaches and swaying palms, but the islands of this tropical archipelago have much more to offer. One of the best ways to experience Hawaii away from the crowds is on a fly-drive tour, giving you the flexibility and freedom to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the Aloha state at your own pace.

    7 min read

    Read this guide
  • Honeymoons in the USA
    Merced River & El Capitan, Yosemite National Park

    Honeymoons in the USA

    Honeymoons in the USA

    As a honeymoon destination, the United States has a lot to offer. USA specialist, Carl, picks some of his top choices, from exploring San Francisco and driving the Pacific Coast Highway to staying on a ranch in the Rocky Mountain states and experiencing the swamplands and culture of Louisiana.

    11 min read

    Read this guide

Hawaiʻi in pictures

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