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Compared with Kailua-Kona, Hilo is often called "old Hawaii": more historic, less touristy, and strongly residential. Built along the Wailuku River and Hilo Bay, it has a revitalized downtown, Liliuokalani Gardens, and ties to the 1960 tsunami. Its 50,000 residents reflect plantation-era immigrant roots. Very rainy, lush, and near rain forests and waterfalls, Hilo is also the "City of Rainbows" and home to the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival.

Kona on Hawaii's west coast has a north-south contrast: the north has sandy beaches and barren lava slopes, while the south is greener and feels more like old Hawaii. Its main resort, Kailua-Kona, is the island's most developed area, though low-rise buildings keep much of the shoreline open. Ali'i Drive is lined with shops, hotels, and flowers. Nearby are Mount Hualalai, Hulihee Palace, Ahuena Heiau, Kealakekua Bay, and the Kona coffee-growing region.

Gateway to Maui's lush landscapes and laid-back island spirit, Kahului offers easy access to golden beaches, swaying palms and dramatic volcanic scenery. From scenic drives and rainforest waterfalls to local markets and Hawaiian cuisine, this is a port that captures the relaxed beauty of the islands.

Kauai, the Garden Isle, is the northernmost and geologically oldest Hawaiian island. Nearly circular, only 3% is developed; most land is agriculture or conservation. About 52,000 people live mainly along the coast. Its pristine interior rises to Mount Waialeale, an extinct volcano. In 1778, Captain Cook made Hawaii's first Western contact here at Waimea. Nawiliwili Harbor became the main port in 1930. With mild year-round temperatures and northeast trade winds, Kauai draws many visitors.

Honolulu is Hawaii's only true metropolis: seat of government, commerce, shipping, entertainment, and constant debate. From a small harbor settlement by Mamala Bay, it grew around Nuuanu Stream and King Kamehameha I's 1804 compound, then spread after piped water arrived in the early 1900s. Today the City and County of Honolulu stretches from Pearl Harbor to Waikiki and into the hills, with sights in Waikiki, Downtown, Chinatown, and beyond.

Nuku Hiva, the second-largest island in French Polynesia's Marquesas after Tahiti, is still largely undiscovered by tourism. It offers dramatic mountains, eight harbors, one of the world's highest waterfalls, deep clear waters, lush forests, and archaeological sites like tikis and pae pae. Though French is official, Marquesan/Tahitian is more widely spoken, and younger locals also speak English. Herman Melville's stays here inspired Typee and Omoo.

Rangiroa is French Polynesia's largest atoll. Over 400 motu enclose a vast lagoon, giving it the name "wide/long sky" or "immense sky." Avatoru and Tiputa sit by the main passes, where drift diving and snorkeling on incoming tides attract visitors to sharks and manta rays. Income comes mainly from government jobs, ecotourism, and pearl farming. Its calm turquoise lagoon, guesthouses, schools, and award-winning white and rosé wine also draw year-round visitors.

Moorea is a rugged, triangular high island in French Polynesia, often likened to a heart or bat. Its eight peaks rise to 1,207 m. A reef surrounds a narrow lagoon (a RAMSAR wetland) with few motu and sharks and rays. About one-eighth Tahiti's size, it has a relaxed feel, a road around the island, and 18,000 residents, many commuting to Tahiti by ferry. Visitors arrive via Temae airport or ships into north-coast bays, including Cook's Bay.

Set in the jewel-bright lagoon of Taha'a, Motu Taha'a is a dream of white sand, swaying palms and translucent turquoise water. This tiny islet offers a quintessential French Polynesian escape, with superb snorkelling, tranquil beach time and sweeping views across the reef-fringed island scenery.

Raiatea, the "Sacred Island," is a key site for Polynesian origins. Its best-known landmark is the Taputaputea Marae, a large ancient temple complex still intact, with traces of old rituals including a sacrificial stone. The Faaroa River is French Polynesia's only navigable waterway. Mount Temehani is a demanding trek and home to the rare white tiare apetahi flower, found only above 1,300 ft and protected by law.

Raiatea, the "Sacred Island," is a key site for Polynesian origins. Its best-known landmark is the Taputaputea Marae, a large ancient temple complex still intact, with traces of old rituals including a sacrificial stone. The Faaroa River is French Polynesia's only navigable waterway. Mount Temehani is a demanding trek and home to the rare white tiare apetahi flower, found only above 1,300 ft and protected by law.

Papeete is the capital and gateway to French Polynesia, a tropical paradise of islands, beaches, and turquoise seas. It's a superb base for exploring Tahiti, with clear lagoons for snorkeling, black volcanic beaches, blowholes, and lush green mountains. Visit to relax and soak up the rhythm of Polynesian life.

Papeete is the capital and gateway to French Polynesia, a tropical paradise of islands, beaches, and turquoise seas. It's a superb base for exploring Tahiti, with clear lagoons for snorkeling, black volcanic beaches, blowholes, and lush green mountains. Visit to relax and soak up the rhythm of Polynesian life.