Situated on Maui's western shore, Kihei has grown exponentially over the years and now offers an impressive selection of hotels and restaurants, catering to visitors who flock to dive, swim and sun themselves on Maui's fine white sand beaches. Home to the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Kihei is an excellent place to spot the vast mammals. Head out on a boat charter, eco-tour, rafting trip or fairway, or rent a car and drive the coastline or to volcanoes Haleakala and Puu Kukui.

Sure, some people go to Hawaii for adventure, but if golf, shopping and being pampered are the most strenuous activities on your itinerary, Wailea’s your destination. With one of Maui’s best beaches at Keawakapu, three championship courses at Wailea Golf Club and a trio of top spas, visitors will have every opportunity to relax. And if adventure is your goal, an outrigger canoe is only a rental away.

Lahaina, the former Hawaiian capital, was the center of the global whaling trade, and its Historic District is a National Historic Landmark. Traditional Hawaiian luaus, surf lessons and tours on horseback are fun, but let’s be realistic—you wouldn’t be in Hawaii if you didn’t want to go to the beach. Try Ka’anapali Beach, one of Maui’s best.

Where white sand beaches and the glimmering, blue Pacific meet green, lush, volcanic peaks sits Kapalua, Maui. Located on Maui's northwest shore, Kapalua is exclusive, sophisticated and relaxing with activities like golf, tennis, water sports and tropical life that soothe the senses and the soul. Host to the renowned Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, nestled amongst Cook pines and surrounded by acres of pineapple, Kapalua is the perfect getaway. Access to breathtaking nature, outdoor activities and beach-life are why visitors love Kapalua vacation. After a day in the sun, experience an authentic Hawaiian Luau. Feast on traditional foods such as succulent kalua pig cooked in an earthen oven, poi or haupia (coconut pudding). Steep in Hawaiian tradition as you enjoy this long-lived Hawaiian festivity which includes time-honored Hawaiian music, hula dancing and fire dancing. From your accommodations, plan a trip to the Haleakala Volcano; explore the lush vegetation, birds and animals in this protected marine-life conservation district. Follow a walking trail through the paths of ancient lava rivers that have long since cooled And visit the caves, marveling at the stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone. Walking the winding trails of this ancient subterranean river of lava is safe and easy and an enjoyable activity for the entire family. Climb to the peak of the Haleakala volcano and take in the spectacular view of the crater from the rim, or be adventurous and climb down into the crater on foot or on horseback.

Once a mere pineapple patch, the red-dirt island of Lanai is an oasis of calm. Reaching the island is difficult - no direct flights from the mainland - but once you arrive, the tropical surroundings are the ideal backdrop for snorkeling and scuba diving, swimming in Hulopoe Bay (a marine preserve), whale watching, horseback riding, golfing, hiking, four-wheeling and exploring the red spires of the Garden of the Gods. The 1920s-era town is small but quaint, and the locals go out of their way to be friendly.

The South Kohala coast of the island of Hawaii is home to Waikoloa Beach. Ancient Hawaiian history and culture, including petroglyphs believed to represent the heavens, stands side-by-side with ultra modern full-service resorts. Waikoloa is also home to fine examples of traditional Hawaiian aquaculture. In 1985, the University of Hawaii renovated the Anchialine ponds which today nuture a wide variety of sea life. Nearby Anaeho'omalu Bay has the Ku'uali'i and Kahapapa Fishponds. 

Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.

From the Magic Kingdom to magical spa treatments, Orlando sparkles with the promise of adventure. Spend a day exploring the world-famous Disney theme parks or screaming your head off on a Universal Studios roller coaster. For a less adrenaline-pumping afternoon, enjoy the quiet natural beauty of the Harry P. Leu Gardens or enjoy a seaweed scrub at a luxury day spa. Savor fresh and local ingredients at one of Orlando’s James Beard-nominated restaurants.

Stretching 126 miles south toward Cuba, the stunning Keys are a perfect escape. Highlights along the way include Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and the irrepressible Key West. Get up close with an amazing array of fish while snorkeling, diving or fishing in the warm turquoise waters. Creeks, coral and costumed spectacles are other lures along the way. Highway 1 is a spectacular ribbon tying together the islands and atolls of this paradise between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic.