A Hawaiian Islands Guide for Every Type of Traveler

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

Different areas of the roughly 4,000-square-mile island each have their own personalities. On the western coast of Kona, you’ll find seaside towns, beautiful beaches, and 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 beachside property with suites offering expansive views of the crystal-clear ocean, surrounding mountains, or tropical gardens. The layout was planned 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.

Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay - Select Homes + Retreats: In the prestigious Mauna Lani Resort area in Waimea, the Mauna Lani Lux Golf Estate combines minimalist design with natural splendor. With six bedrooms, it’s an ideal base for large families or groups. The modern interior features sweeping windows that bring the outdoors in, and the spacious lanai encourages dining and relaxing. Nearby, you can play golf at Mauna Lani Golf Courses, visit pristine beaches, or indulge in dining and shopping. Your rental includes access to One Ocean’s exclusive oceanfront retreat, where you can enjoy a private dinner or unwind in the cliffside jacuzzi, taking in Mauna Lani’s 210-degree sunsets.

Where to Stay - Select Homes + Retreats: Set along the Hapuna Golf Course with Kohala Coast views, Hapuna Estates 8 combines island elegance with the comforts of a boutique stay. This rental property’s home-away-from-home vibe includes a luxe great room with an indoor/outdoor layout, five bedrooms that can sleep 10, and professional-grade kitchen appliances. Soak up the ocean views from the home’s private swimming pool, hot tub, and well-appointed lanai. Your stay includes complimentary access to amenities at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, such as two white sand beaches, swimming pools, and a fitness center.

Where to Stay - Select Homes + Retreats: Perched on a bluff at the exclusive Hualalai Resort, the Kulanakauhale Estate delivers ocean and coastline views as far as the eye can see, including Mt. Hualalai, Mauna Kea, and the Kohala Mountains. The 3,640-square-foot interior features soothing neutral tones, an open floor plan and vaulted ceilings. Four bedrooms sleep eight guests, while the private outdoor area includes a spacious covered lanai, infinity pool with waterfall and barbecue area. When you’re feeling active, the resort center, beach and restaurants are just a quick golf cart ride away. Hualalai’s 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Course, one of two world-class golf experiences at the resort, is available to registered guests.

Remember that when you book Select Homes + Retreats through AmexTravel.com, you earn 5X Membership Rewards points* for your booking when using your Platinum Card. 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. 

Second in size only to the Island of Hawai’i, Maui is famed for its natural beauty and pristine shoreline. It's where you'll find Honolua Bay, a popular destination for scuba divers and surfers. Hikers also flock to Maui for its 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: Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection is a refined family-friendly haven stretching across 34 oceanfront acres that include ancient fishponds, lava fields, gardens, and three beaches – Keiki Beach’s protected cove is good for young kids. Standalone oceanfront residences come with private driveways, full kitchens, and pools. The resort showcases local culture through lei-making workshops, ’ukulele classes, storytelling by in-house historians, and the farm-fresh dishes at oceanfront restaurant CanoeHouse. There’s also a 36-hole golf course, wellness spa, and watersports on offer.

Where to Stay - The Hotel Collection:  A comparatively more affordable 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, you might be staying in a roomy suite with a private balcony (some also have extended lanais). Take in picturesque views of the island by sea with a complimentary Hawaiian outrigger canoe tour and treat the kids to a shaved ice at poolside food truck Mo Bettah.

²Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

Known as the "Garden Isle" for 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 Wailua Falls, an awe-inspiring 173-foot waterfall, or take in 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 at Ko'a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach, 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, 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 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. Among the seven on-site restaurants and bars, oceanfront Welina Terrace stands out for the family-style menu of island-inspired Japanese dishes and nightly live music. 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: The Ikena Lani combines island serenity with full-service luxury. The spacious six-bedroom home sleeps 12 and features an indoor-outdoor design, carefully selected furnishings from Asia, and a wrap-around lanai that overlooks the ocean and mountains. This elevated residential experience includes a black-bottom swimming pool, spa, koi ponds, and outdoor shower. It all lends itself to a relaxed rhythm of poolside afternoons and laidback, come-as-you-are dinners.

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, you might take time to visit Pearl Harbor and explore the nearby Pacific Aviation Museum.

Where to Stay - Fine Hotels + Resorts:  At the Halekulani, on 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 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 provides 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 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.

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.

^†Ship and stateroom exclusions apply, please see full terms and conditions.
^††Ships' Registry: United States & The Bahamas.

Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.