When considering Hawaii, many people visualize a group of islands that are beautiful, welcoming and warm to the senses. Other qualities that often come to mind include sugar cane and macadamia nut fields, fiery volcanoes and some of the best surfing in the world.

While these are all quintessential notions and images of Hawaii, each island in the group holds its own unique visual characteristics and cultural offerings, thus making Hawaii an ideal getaway destination for every type of holidaymaker.

If, for instance, you’re traveling to Hawaii primarily to dive, snorkel, sunbathe and go to luaus (a Hawaiian feast), Maui might be the perfect destination for you. The island of Maui offers a perfect balance between the classic offerings of a tropical island – such as beautiful beaches and a serene setting, as well as common tourist attractions such as bars and restaurants. However, if you want to enjoy island qualities alongside city life and excitement, Oahu or the Big Island might be a better option.

Oahu and Big Island are home to larger cities and have much more to offer those in search of a lively nightlife. The Big Island is also renowned for one of Hawaii’s most quintessential features – active volcanoes. The Big Island is made up of five shield volcanoes – Kohala, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Kilauea and Hualalai. It is also home to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of Hawaii’s biggest attractions.

If you prefer to spend your Hawaiian holiday submerged in as much nature as possible, Kauai is by far the best holiday spot for you. Called the “Garden Isle”, Kauai is the most untouched of any of Hawaii’s islands. The majority of the island does not have any roads and it’s very common to see undisturbed beauty in every direction. The island of Kauai is also home to the Na Pali Coast, which encompasses 6,175 acres of land and is located on the northwest side of the island. Many tourists will hike the Na Pali coastal cliffs, while others might take a raft ride in the water alongside the cliffs. Another popular activity when visiting Kauai is to take a helicopter ride over its impressive coastline.