Once you visit Hawaii, you know.

You understand that the Hawaiian Islands are like no other place on earth... that the Aloha Spirit is alive in every Hawaii resident... that the islands' rich cultural heritage and history continues to guide Hawaiians today... that fiery orange, red and magenta sunsets are not a myth.

If you've never been to Hawaii and want to experience firsthand this very magical place, consider an escorted tour or independent multi-island vacation. These types of trips give you a wonderful overview of Hawaii, introducing you to the most important sights on two or more islands. Some even cover all four of the major ones: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (Big Island) and Kauai.

Then, once you've experienced Hawaii for the first time, you'll know where you'd like to spend your next Hawaiian vacation -- perhaps getting a closer in-depth look at just one island. Because, trust me, as soon as you're home from your initial vacation on Hawaii, you'll be planning your next trip to this tropical paradise.

Here's a sneak peek of the islands you might visit on your escorted tour or independent vacation on Hawaii:

Oahu

Most trips to Hawaii start in Honolulu, since is the state's capital city and home to the biggest airport (although there are direct flights from mainland U.S. to other islands). In Honolulu, you'll find incredibly popular Waikiki Beach. Walk along the revitalized Waikiki Beach Walk, with retailers, restaurants and hotels. Surfers flock to the beach, if not for the great waves, but to strut their stuff to onlookers.

Another popular spot to watch surfers is Oahu's North Shore, where waves reach up to 30 feet in the wintertime. The lush, green Waimea Falls State Park is also on the north side of the island.

But before you leave Honolulu, one must-visit is Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Honor the soldiers who lost their lives in the air attack December 7, 1941, by learning more about that fateful day in the museum. Many visitors take the flowers of their leis and toss them in the water around the Memorial as a sign of peace.

Maui

Maui is chock full of fun activities and natural beauty. If you travel to this island between December and March, be sure to book a whale-watching tour to see the gr humpback whales pass by the island as part of their annual migratory trip.

The old whaling port of Lahaina is a wonderful place to spend a few hours, browsing its many shops and historic sites. While the Road to Hana offers amazing and breathtaking scenery, the 52-mile drive is not for the faint of heart, with its many curves along the coastline. If you choose to rent a car and make the drive, plan to spend the entire day making the trip and enjoying the stops and sights along the way.

Another popular sightseeing spot is Haleakala Crater. Drive to the top of this active (but not currently active) volcano at 10,000 feet and learn about the unique ecosystem here. It can be quite cool at the top, and weather conditions change quickly, so be sure to dress in layers for this excursion.

Snorkeling tours abound on Maui. One popular itinerary takes visitors by boat to view the marine life around Molokini, an extinct crater, with a stop at "Turtle Town," to see the sea turtles that make their home there.

Hawaii, the Big Island

It's all about volcanoes -- extinct and active -- on the island of Hawaii, nicknamed "the Big Island." You can't miss the volcanic rock alongside the highways, and many of the beaches have black sand. A highlight is driving through Volcanoes National Park, and a stop by the visitors' center to get an update on lava flow -- yes, you can actually see molten lava flowing. Kilauea is a very active volcano.

Other sites on the Big Island include Mauna Kea, the world's tallest mountain (as measured from the ocean floor!), whose peak is sometimes blanketed in snow in the winter months. Its highest elevation above sea level is 13,796.

Don't miss out on sampling 100% Kona coffee, grown on the 600 coffee farms found in the Kona region (west side) of the island. Many offer tours to visitors with free samples afterwards!

Kauai

Known as the "Garden Isle" for its lush green tropical jungle, Kauai is the oldest and northernmost island. Main attractions on Kauai include Waimea Canyon, also called as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and the Fern Grotto, an unusual cave formation that you reach by boat. If you're game, consider kayaking the tranquil Wailua River; Kauai has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii.

To the north of the island , you'll find charming Hanalei Bay and the luxurious Princeville Resort, perched on a cliff. Also here, tour the Kilauea Lighthouse, on the northenrmost tip of the island, with panoramic views of the coastline. On Kauai's southern end is sunny Poipu with its incredible white-sand beaches.

No matter what island or islands you visit in Hawaii, you can enjoy countless opportunities to get up close and personal with nature -- whether that's hiking or biking, snorkeling or deep-sea fishing. Of course, if your main goal of your Hawaiian vacation is to relax, there is absolutely nothing wrong with simply admiring the ocean views from a lounge chair on the beach!

Photo credits: Ukelele lesson, sea turtles, HTA/Ron Dahlquist; Waikiki, Joe Solem; Volcano, HTA/Kirk Lee Aeder.