A Hawaiian Islands Guide for Every Type of Traveler

Snorkeling with manta rays and hiking beneath waterfalls are just two of the adventures that await in Hawaii. We’re highlighting hotel and vacation rental stays with elevated benefits, plus a cruise line that visits multiple destinations. Find the Hawaii getaway that suits your travel style.

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The adult infinity pool at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay at sunset reflects the changing colors in the sky. Sun beds are set up to overlook the bay.

Hawaii looms large with timeless appeal, calling to honeymooners, adventurers, and families alike with its dazzling landscapes, epic sunsets, and rich culture. From surfing the famed waves of Oahu’s Waikiki Beach and exploring the lush natural wonder of Maui’s Haleakalā National Park to sampling the fresh, regional fare, there’s much to see and do across the many Hawaiian Islands.

Make your trip to the Aloha State even more rewarding when you book your stay through American Express Travel®. At Fine Hotels + Resorts® properties*, Platinum Card® Members can enjoy an exclusive suite of benefits that includes daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4pm check-out, and a $100 credit that can be applied towards eligible charges, such as food and beverage, spa, or other on-property charges1.

When staying two nights or more at The Hotel Collection properties* Platinum Card Members receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges1, a room upgrade upon arrival, when available2, and 12pm check-in and late check-out, both when available.

Plus, with the $200 Hotel Credit* get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection3 bookings made with your Platinum Card through American Express Travel.

If you prefer the comforts and convenience of a vacation rental, consider Select Homes + Retreats™, our curated portfolio of professionally managed homes in a growing selection of U.S. destinations – including the Island of Hawaii and Kauai.* When you book Select Homes + Retreats through AmexTravel.com with your Platinum Card, you earn 5X Membership Rewards® points* for your booking. Or, you can choose to use Pay with Points* for all or part of your booking.

When it’s time for takeoff, your Platinum Card can get you access to lower air fares on select routes on Alaska Airlines bookings with Recommended Flights. You can earn 5X Membership Rewards® points* for airfare purchases on your Card on up to $500,000 in air purchases per calendar year booked through Amex Travel or flights purchased directly from airlines. Or, you can use Membership Rewards® Pay with Points* for all or part of your flight.

Start planning your Hawaii trip with our island-by-island recommendations below, including things to do, hotels and rental homes, and cruises.

Explore Island of Hawai'i | Maui | Kauai | Oahu

Island of Hawai’i: Immerse Yourself in Native Culture

At Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, two carved wooden ki‘i stand next to the water to represent gods, deities, and ancestors.
Aerial view of Diamond Head, a huge, extinct sandy-brown volcano overgrown with shrubbery and popular with hikers in the Honolulu area.
View from afar of Kahakuloa Head at sunset. On the promontory, lush greenery gives way to brown oceanside cliffs.
Four speckled manta rays, three together and one behind, glide through bright-blue water over a rocky seafloor.
On the lanai of a Kona Village guest room, a wide bamboo sun bed with black cushions is stationed to look over volcanic rocks at the ocean.
The Shipwreck Bar at Kona Village is built around the beached New Moon sailboat. Drink supplies are in the ship with stools lined up outside.
At the outdoor shipwreck pool at Kona Village, a black square of ground separates the infinity hot tub from the surrounding lap pool.

The largest of all the islands, Island of Hawai’i (known informally as the Big Island) also lies the furthest south, which means it stays the warmest year-round.

The different areas of the roughly 4,000-square-mile island each have their own personalities. On the western coast of Kona, you’ll find charming seaside towns, beautiful beaches, and rich history. Take a day to explore Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, a historic, 180-acre park known as a place of refuge. Or get up close to Kona wildlife on a manta ray snorkel boat tour, where you’ll get the chance to swim alongside the gentle giants.

Where to Stay - Fine Hotels + Resorts:  Book your stay at Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, a stunning beachside property with suites offering expansive views of the crystal-clear ocean, surrounding mountains, or tropical gardens. The layout was planned in accordance with the area’s traditional winds to maximize natural breezeways, and the purpose-driven resort harnesses the power of the sun through over 8,000 solar panels.

An on-site cultural center invites guests of all ages to deepen their understanding of Hawaiian culture and heritage through guided tours of an on-site petroglyph field, wildlife walks, traditional hula dancing, lei making, and ukulele lessons. Plus, the resort offers an Ocean Pursuits program where knowledgeable watermen and women lead water activities, from sunrise paddles to sailing canoe excursions.

Put your $100 credit toward eligible charges, such as a restorative treatment at the resort’s Asaya Spa or a handcrafted tropical cocktail at one of the three bars.

Where to Stay - Select Homes + Retreats:  Sprawling ocean views welcome visitors to this family friendly Big-Island estate, a true masterpiece of design and indoor/outdoor living. Three- to five-bedroom luxury homes each feature large master suites, private gardens, outdoor spas, and great-room entries with sliding glass walls that invite a tropical breeze. Nestled in a gated-community, the property sits just steps from world-class beaches. Walk to other nearby amenities such as golf, tennis, swimming pools, restaurants, and shops, and enjoy the convenience of resort charging privileges. Elevate your island of Hawaii experience at The Bluffs.

The Mauna Kea Villa 3040 – Hawaiian Masterpiece property in Waimea sleeps eight  and includes a 1,279-square-foot lanai in addition to a capacious 2,683 square feet of living space. Along with its own pool, barbecue grill, and wet bar, this luxurious property affords guests access to the nearby Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, along with their amenities. Both vacation rental properties are professionally managed by Mauna Kea Residences by East West Hospitality.

Remember that when you book Select Homes + Retreats through AmexTravel.com, you earn 5X Membership Rewards points* for your booking. Or, you can choose to use Pay with Points* for all or part of your booking. What’s more, you have the flexibility to cancel for free within 48 hours after booking, if you booked at least 10 days in advance of your stay. Explore all Select Homes + Retreats properties on the Big Island

Maui: Hit the Beach to Catch a Wave and Some Rays

The Haleakala Crater soil is ashy, volcanic black and gray, dotted with bright green plants. Beyond, mountains are shrouded with mist.
Surrounded by bright, dense forest greenery, two streams of Wailua Falls pour off a cliff into a round, blue-green pool.
The ocean breaks on cliffs and volcanic rock covered in bright greenery.

Second in size only to Island of Hawai’i, Maui is famed for its natural beauty and pristine shoreline. Maui is home to Honolua Bay, a popular destination for scuba divers and surfers alike. Hikers also flock to Maui for its breathtaking trails, from which you can explore dynamic landscapes from rainforests and waterfalls to dramatic volcanic craters. Opt for the Haleakalā Crater hike, a four-mile adventure through the stunning Haleakalā National Park.

Where to Stay - Fine Hotels + Resorts:  Book your stay at the oceanfront Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Wake up to complimentary daily breakfast for two, valued at $80 per room and served al fresco at DUO, and get ready for fun in the sun. This luxe family-friendly property is just steps from the beach and counts three pool areas: ­­ a saltwater fountain pool, a waterfall pool designed with children in mind, and an adult-only pool. The Spa invites further relaxation, with 13 indoor rooms, three outdoor oceanfront spaces, and locally inspired treatments like the Lomi Mohala massage, which promotes the feeling of mohala, the Hawaiian term for heart opening.

Where to Stay - The Hotel Collection:  A comparatively more affordable family-friendly option, Wailea Beach Resort features an on-site adventure water park (and an adults-only infinity pool with private cabanas for parents to take some time for themselves). With two night stays or more, you can receive a room upgrade, upon arrival, when available2, so with any luck, you’ll be staying in a roomy suite with a private balcony; some also have extended lanais, creating indoor/outdoor living space for the family. Take in picturesque views of the island by sea with a complimentary Hawaiian outrigger canoe tour and treat the kids to a traditional shaved ice at poolside food truck Mo Bettah.

Kauai: Get Lost in the Natural Beauty

Three children are silhouetted against misty morning light as they run with their surfboards into the ocean.
 The jungle opens on a dirt hiking path to reveal bright blue skies, the ocean, and a misty mountainous coastline.
Sunny aerial view of Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, which includes a half-circle of steep cliffs around a beach.

Known as the "Garden Isle" due to its exceptionally verdant natural beauty, Kauai’s landscape is marked by towering cliffs and waterfalls, a striking coastline dotted with hidden caves, and tucked-away beaches for sunbathers. Visit famed Wailua Falls, an awe-inspiring 173-foot waterfall, or take in island views from the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile mountainous trail best suited for more experienced hikers.

Where to Stay - The Hotel Collection: Book a suite appointed in soothing tropical tones at Ko'a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach, situated on one of Hawaii’s most popular and picturesque South Shore beaches. Your stay begins with a ceremonial tiki torch lighting and complimentary Mai Tai. With two night stays or more, you can put your $100 credit toward a treatment like Pohaku Hot Stone massage at the resort’s spa or a tropical cocktail at the Pool Bar. And wind down with breathtaking sunsets enjoyed from an Adirondack chair next to the resort’s fire pits or the privacy of your suite’s balcony.

Where to Stay - Fine Hotels + Resorts:  On Kauai’s North Shore, you can settle into an earth tone-accented suite at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, a tranquil haven with water views  and seven on-site restaurants and bars. The oceanfront Welina Terrace serves a family-style menu of island-inspired Japanese dishes and hosts nightly bands. With guaranteed 4pm check-out, you can toast your extended vacation over a handcrafted cocktail or two at the poolside Sandbox Bar before heading home.

Where to Stay - Select Homes + Retreats: Hale 'Ae Kai, a Balinese-inspired estate on Kauai’s serene northern coast, is one of our curated, professionally managed vacation rentals. The 15-acre oceanfront property comprises four pavilions connected by breezeways and surrounded by gardens, ponds, and a fruit orchard. The Central Pavilion is the gathering spot with a gourmet kitchen and dining area. A private trail leads to Secret Beach for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Kilauea Lighthouse. But you don’t need to go far to relax; you can unwind in the home’s infinity-edge pool and spa. It’s an ideal base for groups of up to 10 seeking privacy and ready to splash out.

Map Secret Cove
Map Secret Cove
Map Secret Cove
Map Secret Cove
Map Secret Cove
Map Secret Cove

Where to Stay - Select Homes + Retreats: Natural beauty and contemporary style come together at the Secret Cove vacation rental, perched on a bluff above Kauai’s Secret Beach. This pod-style home sleeps eight and offers expansive, luxurious living and dining spaces both indoors and outdoors. Wake up to sweeping ocean views from each suite and channel that mellow vibe as you head to the stunning infinity pool and spa. There’s a path from here, too, that leads to Kauai’s Secret Beach. Both vacation rental properties are professionally managed by Pure Hawaii.

Oahu: Gather Together to Enjoy Outdoor Recreation

View inside the barrel of a wave as an Asian male surfer ducks down to surf through.
Waikiki beach at sunset. Beachgoers splash in the pink-tinged waters and the palms and skyscrapers down the coast are lit up for the night.
On a palm-fringed beach, visitors climb on volcanic rock. Beyond, a bright green mountain rises into a cloudy sky.
View over the beach at Honolulu with Diamond Head on the horizon. A small sailboat is about to take off and hundreds of beachgoers play.

Home to the capital city of Honolulu, Oahu owes its unusual topography to its two extinct volcanoes, Ko'olau and Wai'anae, and draws surfers from around the world to its beaches. The most visited island in Hawaii, Oahu is aptly known as the “Gathering Place.” While there, take time to visit the historic site of Pearl Harbor and explore the nearby Pacific Aviation Museum.

Where to Stay - Fine Hotels + Resorts:  At the Halekulani, an iconic property on five tranquil acres along Waikiki Beach, suites feature calming neutral color palettes, contemporary wood furniture, and fully furnished lanais. Relax beside the orchid-mosaic pool by day and tune into live entertainment at the jazz lounge by night.  Award-winning La Mer is a formal French-inspired spot, while the more casual House Without a Key serves up an eclectic menu of seafood-leaning small plates and mains along with traditional Hawaiian performances, and Orchids is the place to be for Sparkling Sunday Brunch by the ocean. Here’s a tip: your hotel key card grants you complimentary access to nearby museums, including the Manoa Heritage Center and Shangri La.

Where to Stay - The Hotel Collection:  For a playful boutique alternative, book your stay at Wayfinder Waikiki. It’s a quick stroll away from Waikiki Beach, and offers up poolside DJs, access to the nearby Ala Wai golf course, and activities like Golden Hour yoga. With two night stays or more, you can take advantage of 12pm check-in when available to make the most of your day –grab a cup of coffee at the hotel’s B-Side Coffee Bar before heading out to sites like Diamond Head, a volcanic cone and national park with a historic hiking trail. To explore Diamond Head on four wheels, inquire about renting a Moke electric Jeep. End your evening at Lost + Found, the resort’s lively poolside speakeasy.

Explore all Hawaii properties in Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection.

 

 

Go Port-Hopping Across Hawaii and Beyond

In the thermal spa, three white women in bathing suits recline on sun beds in front of a bank of windows overlooking bright blue water.
Water-level view of a white woman and a man in bathing suits paddle boarding towards a lush island.
A spacious cabin is decorated with blue and gold accents, a large bed, a swirled ceiling pattern, and gold curtains in front of a balcony.
A white man and a white woman hold their hands out to each other as they walk around a pool in front of a waterfall.

Island-hop with ease with Norwegian Cruise Line, the only cruise line sailing four Hawaiian islands in seven days, year-round. Experience an island every day of your Hawaiian vacation or expand your horizons with a South Pacific cruise spanning five Hawaiian ports, Bora Bora, and Tahiti.

With the Cruise Privileges Program*, Platinum Card Members receive valuable amenities on eligible sailings of five nights or more with participating cruise lines, including up to $300 onboard credit per stateroom, and earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per booking through American Express Travel. Plus, on Norwegian Cruise Line, receive a complimentary dinner for two at Le Bistro restaurant during your cruise.

If you’re ready to plan your dream Hawaii vacation, visit AmexTravel.com or call 800-525-3355 to get started. 

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