The island of Hawaii has long been a favorite of mine, with its relaxed pace, numerous archaeological sites and remarkably diverse landscapes, ranging from lush tropical forests and parched lava fields to the sometimes-snowy mountain peak of Mauna Kea, topped with astronomical observatories. And although Oahu and Maui have larger airports, it is still possible to fly nonstop to the Big Island from the U.S. mainland. Kona’s airport is almost charming, with its indoor-outdoor Polynesian-style architecture.