From views and activities to culture and weather, here’s how to choose.

OnMaui, sit above the clouds and watch the sunrise from 10,023 feet up at the summit ofMount Haleakala.

You could also visit this sacred summit at sunset and stick around for some stargazing.

Guide to Haleakala

Getty Images

Sunny Fitzgerald / Travel + Leisure

Hiking enthusiasts, meanwhile, will appreciate a visit toKauai.

A limited number of permits are issued each day, so definitely plan ahead.

Fortunately, this challenging trail is not your only option for seeing some of Kauai’s best views.

Hiking Waimea Canyon, Kauai, Hawaii

Sunny Fitzgerald / Travel + Leisure

Each island also offers the chance to try something new.

Kauai is the only Hawaiian island with navigable rivers, so it’stheplace for river kayaking.

you’re able to also see a variety of fish, many of which are endemic to Hawaii.

Snorkeling on Molokini, Maui, Hawaii

VW Pics / Getty Images

If youre lucky, you may even spot a whale shark.

Get a sense of the concept ofmalama aina(caring for the land) by doing it.

Guests can pop in and watch for a few minutes or observe for the full two hours.

Hula performers at a Lu’au in Maui

Taylor McIntyre / Travel + Leisure

From Maui,take the passenger ferry to Lanaito experience a slower pace of life.

From Kauai, joinHolo Holo Charterson a full-day excursion near Ni’ihau.

The island is also home toseveral top-rated hotelsthat offer a range of luxurious amenities.

The Farm at Hokuala at Timbers, Kauai, Hawaii

Sunny Fitzgerald / Travel + Leisure

Youll also find live music at several venues on the island, includingDukesin Lihue andTahiti Nuiin Hanalei.

WestJet also provides service from Calgary and Vancouver, plus a seasonal route from Edmonton.

Weather

Thebest time to visit Hawaiilargely depends on what you plan to do there.

Lanai, Hawaii

Ann Cecil / Getty Images

Given the microclimates here, even within each island, the weather can change by region.

Kauai is considered to be one of the rainiest places on the planet, with Mt.

Waialeale receiving roughly 450 inches of rain each year.Of course, thats one of the reasons its so lush.

Sunset on Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

P_L_photography / Getty Images

Maui receives less rainfall than Kauai.

That said, the weather isnt always what you might expect.

On my most recent trip to Kauai and Maui, the sunniest day was at Mt.

Airplane flying over Kauai, Hawaii

Matthew Micah Wright / Getty Images

Waialeale, while I experienced high winds and several days of rain on Maui.

Sunny day at Waialeale, Kauai, Hawaii

Sunny Fitzgerald / Travel + Leisure