Big Island

There are plenty of small, secluded beaches with gentle waves (especially along the southern shore) that are perfect for sunbathers and families. Golf courses, horseback riding, hiking, and fishing round out your stay. As with Oahu’s North Shore, you’ll need to take care in winter if you’re visiting the beaches. If hiking’s your bag, read up on trails and necessary permissions, as much of the land is privately owned. Molokai (and Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai) lends itself to an aerial tour; Blue Hawaiian Helicopters (800-786-2583), one of the larger operations in the islands, offers several tour packages to give you a bird’s-eye view of this chain of pearls.



fran gealer is based in l.a. her work has appeared in publications such as coastal living, travel + leisure, and bon appétit.

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