Going to Hawaii is something you just have to do. Face it, it's the state that doesn't belong with the rest, it's undeniably friendly and gorgeous, and it wouldn't be right of you to ignore its existence when you've so dutifully visited the less-stunning American counterparts that birthed you, raised you, and currently shelter you. It's on all of our lists as it should be on yours, so if you've yet to sail in this direction with the mainland at your back, accept the inevitable and start planning your trip today.

Your secret musings (you know you've considered this trip before) have left you worried about one thing; with five islands to choose from, which one should you set in your sights for this upcoming vacation? You can't really go wrong with any of them, but let us suggest Kauai as a great place to start. Lush, lovely, and bursting with diversions, it's practically welcoming you with open arms.

Kauai is known as the "Garden Isle" because of its abundant wildlife and idyllic scenery. The beaches are nothing to take for take for granted, either, and the cultural attractions will keep you quite busy and entertained. Basically, you've heard a lot of pretty sweet rumors about Hawaii, and lucky for you all the rumors are true.

Since having a good time during this visit is a pretty safe bet, you might want to tighten things up even more and focus on southern Kauai in the area called Koloa as the base camp for your wanderings. Here you'll find enough to do to keep you busy for quite a while, so start in Koloa and if you have time, work your way around the rest of the island.

The south shore has especially good beaches for swimming and snorkeling, so hopefully you've brought your appetite for underwater sightseeing. Rent some flippers and a mask and grab some fish food for an up-close-and-personal view of the colorful, curious fish that are privileged enough to call this their home. If you're interested in endangered species, check out Kipu Kai Beach for a chance to see the Nenes, geese that nearly met a terrible fate until a few kind-hearted Hawaiians stepped in.

Continue your tour by making stops at the Koloa History Center, Kukuiolono Park, National Tropical Botanical Garden, or just kick back on one of Poipu's famous beaches for a doze or novel-reading session. This southernmost point is the cream of the crop when it comes to sandy strips of stereotypically-beautiful shoreline, so make some time for Poipu.

One of the more high-profile points of interest in Koloa is Spouting Horn, a natural occurrence of rock and tide-meeting that results in a hissing, gushing lava tube. The natives had their own ideas about what it symbolized, but to you it might mean the release of all the tension that once filled your body. Watch the ocean spray dissolve into the breeze and think only of the here and now of this fabulous vacation.

Also located in south Kauai are several vacation homes, so you truly will be making Koloa your home base for your Hawaiian explorations. Settle into a convenient condo or a deluxe ocean side villa for a few days, making the beach your backdrop to family fun, solitary stays, or a romantic rendezvous. Kitchen appliances, an outdoor grill, and ample space for sleeping, entertaining, and playing games distinguish a vacation rental from most hotels, so if you've never taken this route before, now would be a good time to try it out.

Your visit to Hawaii is turning out to be pretty promising. Guess it won't be such a chore after all to stray out to this far-away state with uncommon yet oh-so-inviting features, so pack up your bags and prepare to cross off an item from your life list of things to do. Make arrangements at home, book a flight, and choose the Koloa Vacation Rental that will best complement your stay. You'll feel better once you've tackled this outstanding obligation.