Travel has always gripped me with excitement and anticipation beyond a bucket list itinerary. It encompasses everything from sharing time with kindred spirits who pop in and out along saga to immersing into cultures that allow you to linger just a bit longer as you roll from one destination to the next. It all places you within the heart of a journey as it unfolds rather than simply transporting you from the starting line to the finish line.

Top 6 Things To Do In Oahu

“The Heart of Hawaii” may be best known for the urban chic attitude of Honolulu and Waikiki, but it’s also home to quaint towns and rural roots in the interior and along the Windward Coast. And then there’s the legendary North Shore, synonymous with hot wave action and a cool surfer vibe.

Top 6 Things To Do In Kauai

Hawaii’s Grande Dame, the “Island of Discovery” is graced by bold precipices, sundrenched beaches, tumbling waterfalls and verdant rainforests that create a dream for snorkeling, hiking and boating. Splurge with a helicopter tour or Port Allen boat excursion cruising the breathtaking Napali Coast.

Top 7 Things To Do On The Big Island

Youngest and southernmost in the chain, “The Big Island” is the creation of five volcanoes – with Kilauea still spewing molten lava. Recreation abounds, with deep sea fishing, hiking and scuba diving among top picks.

Top 7 Things To Do In Maui

This is the place for hiking, snorkeling and windsurfing. Diversity rules on the 734-square-mile “Valley Isle,” from powdery beaches and lush rainforests to eclectic Upcountry towns and upscale resorts. From December through April, this humpback whale playground often delivers close encounters during whale watching excursions.