5 islands. 22 days in Hawaii. 1,000 impressions. That was our Hawaii road trip. Hawaii is overrated? We beg to differ. We've seen a lot on our travels, but the islands of Hawaii offer incredible experiences and breathtaking moments in every way imaginable. Whether you're looking for a beach vacation, an active holiday, a round trip, or a cruise — Hawaii has something for every type of traveler.

The largest Hawaii island, Big Island, should be on every Hawaii itinerary. In the north, Mauna Loa is truly awe-inspiring — at 4,205 meters, it's the tallest mountain in the world if you count the massive base beneath the ocean's surface. You can experience incredible sunsets and a starry sky like nowhere else. In the southeast, volcano enthusiasts will be in heaven. The active Kilauea captivates everyone who visits and offers plenty of hiking trails. Beyond that, Big Island has so much more variety to offer.

Maui is a superb spot for whale watching during the winter months. It boasts stunning beaches and top-notch surfing spots. The "most beautiful sunrise in the world" — as the flyers on Maui proclaim — atop the Haleakala volcano is something you truly shouldn't miss, and the same goes for the legendary Road to Hana.

Molokai is one of the more laid-back and unspoiled Hawaii islands. In the north, the towering sea cliffs — over 1,000 meters high and plunging almost vertically into the ocean — are particularly breathtaking. The best ways to take them in are by helicopter from Maui or by mule ride. You'll encounter very few tourists here. The former leper colony on the Kalaupapa Peninsula in the north can be reached by plane, or you can simply enjoy the stunning views from the Kalaupapa Lookout. On the east side, you'll find wonderful hiking routes through Halawa Valley.

Oahu offers fantastic surfing on its north shore. Pearl Harbor and Honolulu in the south are familiar to just about everyone and sit on the bucket list of nearly every Hawaii traveler. The famous — and unfortunately usually crowded — Hanauma Bay is also a fixture on almost every itinerary.

Kauai is an absolute must for nature lovers. The Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast offer fantastic hiking opportunities and scenic overlooks for those traveling by car. If your budget allows, a helicopter tour is an absolute must — it's the only way to truly appreciate the vast stretches of this largely inaccessible island paradise from above.

Read the Hawaii travel report.