Hawaii

Six islands open to visitors, each with a different shape of coastline. Volcanic geology gives Hawaii the widest range of sand in the directory — white, golden, black and, on two beaches, green — and the north and south shores of the same island can be unswimmable and glassy on the same afternoon. Which side you are on matters more than which island you chose.

Getting there

Direct from the US west coast to Honolulu, Kahului, Kona and Lihue; connecting through Honolulu for everything else. Honolulu to Maui is about 30 minutes, but it is a second flight with a second bag drop. A rental car is effectively required on every island except Oahu.

Entry

United States entry rules apply. ESTA for Visa Waiver Program nationals, a US visa otherwise. No separate requirement for Hawaii; domestic arrivals from the mainland need no documents beyond normal US domestic ID.