The wraparound lanai at the Sheraton Maui’s Sandbar offers views of neighboring Lanai and Molokai islands, as well as a menu of pupus and tropical cocktails. (Courtesy Ben Davidson) It was late in the day when I checked into Kauai’s Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa on the south shore of the Garden Island. After a five-hour flight from Oakland to Lihue and a 45-minute drive to Poipu, I was hungry, thirsty and more than ready to ease into some quality island time with a da kine (excellent) tropical cocktail and some island-style bites.

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below." Forget revenge when it comes to vacations this year, what we all need is sunny spot to rest. May I suggest Hawaii's Big Island? It's a little more locals-only than Maui and its microclimate offers the rainforest on one side of the island and sunny beaches on the other.