United States

Set on the sun-drenched western edge of Hawaiʻi Island, Kona’s coast is a study in contrasts. Black lava fields stretch to white-sand beaches, and coffee groves climb the green slopes of Hualālai volcano. In the highlands, Kona’s famous crop reigns supreme; family-run farms handpick beans from trees rooted in volcanic soil. Head to a roastery for a tasting, or sample local cacao and vanilla—crops grown nowhere else in the U.S. Back at sea level, the story is equally as vivid.

Set on the Big Island’s rain-nourished eastern side, Hilo rewards those who follow its pace—gentle, grounded, and unexpectedly powerful. The town is visually striking; look one way to see rainforest and waterfalls, the other to spy the snow-dusted peak of Mauna Kea, Hawaiʻi’s sacred mountain. Begin the day with a stroll along the bayfront into downtown, browsing family-run shops and artist studios that carry on living traditions such as carving wood and beating kapa.

Kahului sits on storied ground, shaped by centuries of movement, trade, and transformation. Set on Maui’s northern coast, between Haleakalā and the West Maui Mountains, the region holds deep cultural significance, as it was here, in 1790, that King Kamehameha’s forces defeated Maui’s warriors in a pivotal step toward unifying the islands. Nature is especially generous in this part of Maui. Head inland to ʻĪao Valley State Park, where hiking trails wind through the rainforest for sensational views of the ʻĪao Needle, a 1,200-foot spire that rises dramatically through the mist.

The spirit of Hawaiʻi sings in unexpected places in Honolulu, from palace corridors and open-air markets to the song of the ocean itself. Certainly, the city’s beaches are legendary; paddle a board out from Ala Moana Beach Park if you want sensational coastal views, but slip away from Waikīkī’s buzz to Kakaʻako, where bold street art, farmers markets, and salty-sweet breezes reveal the city's vibrant soul. Walk the halls of ʻIolani Palace (the only royal palace on U.S. soil) or visit Bishop Museum, the historical home for Hawai’i’s ancient artifacts.

Situated on its namesake island, Wrangell is a charming and historic town surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest and the pristine waters of the Inside Passage. The area has been home to the Tlingit people for thousands of years, and their influence is evident in the town's art, traditions, and ancient petroglyphs found along the shoreline. Wrangell’s layered history includes time as a Russian and British outpost, as well as a boom during the Gold Rush era, and the Wrangell Museum offers a glimpse into this storied past.

Set amid dramatic mountains and glaciers at the head of Prince William Sound, Whittier is an excellent launching point for exploring Alaska’s pristine beauty. A boating or kayaking expedition through the icy fjords provides scenic views of the glaciated inlets and may also offer glimpses of sea otters, seals and breaching whales. Hikes along the local trails lead into the surrounding mountains and to waterfalls cascading from the icefields into the sound.

Valdez is nestled on the shores of Prince William Sound, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Chugach Mountains. Known for its dramatic landscapes and vibrant history, Valdez is both a gateway to outdoor adventure and a testament to resilience. The town’s history is shaped by its role in the Gold Rush, its recovery following a catastrophic earthquake in 1964, and its importance as the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The Valdez Museum provides insight into these events, highlighting the community’s pioneering spirit.

Sitka's history is deeply rooted in its Alaska Native heritage and influenced by its time as a Russian colonial outpost. The two stories meet in Sitka National Historical Park, where you can explore the restored 19th-century Russian Bishop’s House and walk a scenic coastal trail lined with Tlingit and Haida totem poles. Other notable landmarks include St. Michael’s Cathedral, an outstanding example of Russian Orthodox architecture, and the Baranof Castle State Historic Site, where Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States in 1867.

Positioned on narrow Frederick Sound and accessible only to small yachts and fishing vessels, Petersburg is truly one of Alaska’s hidden gems. Known as “Little Norway,” the town was founded in the early 1900s by Norwegian immigrants who established a thriving fishing industry here, and Peterburg’s rich Scandinavian heritage is evident in its architecture, cultural festivals and time-honored traditions.

A tiny community on the rugged west coast of Prince of Wales Island, Klawock offers a unique opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of the remote Alaskan wilderness while also getting an authentic glimpse into the traditions and lifestyle of the locals that make their homes here. Klawock Totem Park is renowned for its collection of totem poles that reflect the artistry and culture of the Tlingit people, and you may have the opportunity to watch a master carver demonstrate the techniques used by local artisans to keep this ancient art form alive.