Our top spots for January vacations, whether you’re escaping the cold or embracing it.

When I was growing up, Kauai—the Garden Island—was where my family would head when Oahu felt too busy. It hasn’t changed much. The most pristine of all the Hawaiian islands, it is also the oldest. The island’s landscape—often a backdrop for major films like Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean—is mesmerizing. Think: deep verdant valleys, towering sea cliffs, neon rainforests, and white-sand beaches

How to make the most of five days in Hawaii from the top tables to the best stretches of sand and more.