The Hawaiian island of Oahu is a surfer’s paradise, with swelling waves that can reach epic heights. No wonder, then, that it’s the site of one of the world’s premier competitions, the Triple Crown of Surfing. If hanging ten isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the beautiful beaches – particularly famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Art connoisseurs will appreciate the annual Hale'iwa Arts Festival, a celebration of local crafts, painting, jewelry, sculpture, dance, and music.

Kapolei, named for the volcanic cone Pu'u o Kapolei (loosely meaning "hill of beloved Kapo"), is locally known as Oahu's "second city" after Honolulu. Built on former sugarcane and pineapple plantations, Kapolei is an affluent and vibrant city that is growing rapidly. It has an ever-changing urban scene as well as the Ko Olina resort and marina community and the Disney Aulani Resort. Sportsmen can play a round of golf at the Ko Olina Golf Club before a sophisticated evening on the town. 

Once a mere pineapple patch, the red-dirt island of Lanai is an oasis of calm. Reaching the island is difficult - no direct flights from the mainland - but once you arrive, the tropical surroundings are the ideal backdrop for snorkeling and scuba diving, swimming in Hulopoe Bay (a marine preserve), whale watching, horseback riding, golfing, hiking, four-wheeling and exploring the red spires of the Garden of the Gods. The 1920s-era town is small but quaint, and the locals go out of their way to be friendly.

During the winter, Jackson Hole is a wonderland of snow skiing, snowmobiling and ice-skating. Summer in Jackson Hole is all about hiking, whitewater rafting, golfing and horseback riding. When you come down off the slopes, you can choose from recreation options like dog sled tours, sleigh rides and wildlife and nature tours. During the summer, you better get your energy level up because kayaking, hang gliding, hot air ballooning, mountain biking and stagecoach rides are just a few of the many options available. For climbers, hikers and nature lovers, the nearby Grand Teton National Park is an absolute nirvana. The towering mountains of the Teton Range stretch 40 miles, and include eight mountains over 12,000 feet. Keep in mind, too, that Yellowstone National Park’s South Entrance is only 90 minutes away, and another 45 minutes or so to reach Old Faithful. If you’re looking for some serious, fast-paced family fun in Jackson Hole, try the Alpine Slide, where you slide down 2,500 feet of Snow King Mountain in a bobsled. For a calmer experience, enjoy the Bridger Gondola, which takes tram riders from the Teton Village to heights of 10,000 feet. Golf enthusiasts have access to some great golf with tee opportunities at Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design and Teton Pines Resort Golf Course, designed by Arnold Palmer.

A city with a 200-year Southern heritage, visitors will find activities that celebrate Huntsville’s rich history, as well as attractions that highlight the city’s scientific side. At the Alabama Constitution Village, villagers in period clothing take time from their daily chores to guide you through eight reconstructed Federal style buildings. Younger visitors will love the 150 hands-on activities at the Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center and older kids will learn what it takes to be an astronaut at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Looking for outings with a cultural flair? Landmarks such as the Huntsville Botanical Garden and Huntsville Museum of Art are must sees.