Only the third largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, Oahu still lays claim to more than 75% of the country’s population and the capital city, Honolulu. It’s also the most visited island and hotel-packed tourist areas like Waikiki won’t live up to the tropical idyll, if that’s what you have in mind. But, with great popularity comes good places to stay, plenty of fun activities and excellent transport. Escape to the windward side (north/north east to non-Hawaiians) and quieter beaches are backed by lush forest and impressive volcanic peaks and ranges.

• Most family hotels are in the Waikiki district south of Oahu city centre.
• There are 19 state parks on Oahu including several beach parks and forests.
• The south and west of Oahu is hotter and drier than the chillier, wetter windward side.
• Don’t miss: Ko’olau Range, Sacred Falls State Park, Pearl Harbour, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu Zoo, Sea Life Park and Lanikai Beach.

Maui’s the second largest of the main islands and attracts just over a third of Hawaii’s visitors. There’s no comparable city to Honolulu and even the holiday town of Lahaina has barely changed in 150 years. Maui’s famous for water sports, winter whale watching and enormous Haleakala volcano. It’s also home to some of Hawaii’s best road trips, fabulous waterfalls and gorgeous beaches, particularly on the extremely warm and sunny west coast.

• Kaanapali and Kihei are the best areas for large, family-friendly resort hotels.
• Lahaina is Hawaii’s prettiest town with an enchanting seafront main street.
• The coast of Maui can be extremely hot
• Don’t miss: Hana Highway, Kula Botanical Garden, Heleakala National Park, whale watching at Paia Bay and Ho’okipa Beach.

As the name suggests, Hawaii is the biggest island in the archipelago: almost the same size as Maui and Oahu put together, but less visited than either. Ancient culture and customs have survived here, there several monuments and historic sites and the only real holiday resorts overlook the dramatic, black lava beaches on the western coast. Dynamic is a gentle description for an island with an active volcano, but Kilauea last erupted in 1983 and any future threat doesn’t stop curious tourists getting as close as they can in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

• Family holiday resorts and hotels are best on the sunny north west Kuno Coast.
• The green, forested east coast has remarkable wilderness walks and hikes – often marked in order of difficulty.
• Don’t miss: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Crater Rim Trail, Lapakahi Historic Park, Kealakekua Beach for dolphin watching, surfing at Waimea and Kohala.