Megan's Bay (Photo: Deb Roskamp)

There’s something about an exotic island vacation. Swaying palm trees, crystal clear waters and pristine white sands are among the many images that come to mind; a place where time stands still and all your troubles are caressed away by a gently blowing tropical trade wind. Right now a kick-back vacation is a necessity for many of us—and there are countless deals out there with prices at all-time lows. Here are some of my favorite island getaways.

THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

On the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, the whole world heard of the U.S. territory of Hawaii. The attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor instituted a massive boom of U.S. military personnel, who poured into the Hawaiian island, making it one of the largest strategic military bases in the Pacific. Men and women, many of whom who had never ventured more than 40 miles from their place of birth, were shipped overseas to this new tropical world of beauty. After the war, Hawaii, now fully on the radar for travelers, became the destination of choice for weddings, honeymoons and that vacation of a lifetime. What I’ve always liked most about a trip to Hawaii is the diversity and unique character that each island offers.

Oahu—The Gathering Place. For most Americans in the ‘50s, Waikiki Beach was Hawaii. The long shallow beach, dotted with high-rises and resort hotels, with stunning views of Diamond Head and featuring the new sport of surfing, was paradise found for the American traveler. Today, Oahu offers all the urban pleasures of Honolulu, the Pearl Harbor Museum, plus the natural beauty of the rustic North Shore, home to world-famous surfing beaches and the Polynesian Culture Center.

Maui—The Magic Isle. A former whaling center, Maui has the distinction of being the constant winner of “Condé Nast Traveler” “Best Island in the Worl”’ readers’ poll. Maui is the adventurer traveler’s delight with world-class windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, whale watching and hiking through Haleakala Crater. A trip to Maui would not be complete without a car ride on the Road to Hana, renowned for its natural beauty and towering waterfalls.

Molokai & Lanai. Without a single traffic light on either island, both Molokai and Lanai are havens for eco-adventurers in search of the Hawaii of time gone by.

Kauai—The Garden Isle. This is the island of intense tropical beauty: color-drenched gardens, lush valleys, gorgeous coastlines and soaring sea cliffs. You can experience