U.S. residents needn’t necessarily leave the country for bluer-than-blue waters and powdery sands. The country's 50 states and five territories have something for every kind of island lover, whether you wish for untrammeled beaches, sunlit forests, vibrant reefs, or waters where whales reside all year long. From Maine’s majestic mountains to the visually sumptuous beaches of the U.S. Virgin Islands, here are 15 of the best islands in the U.S. where you can leave your worries—and your passport—behind.
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Oʻahu, Hawaii
Hawaii enjoys top-of-mind recall as one of the best destinations for a paradisiacal domestic escape. For centuries, these palm-dotted Pacific islands have been luring travelers to their scintillating shores. Oʻahu—the most visited island—is home to the state capital Honolulu and its world-famous beaches (Waikiki, anyone?), breathtaking hiking trails (Diamond Head never disappoints), and thirst-quenching shave ice stands. Want fairytale waterfalls? Cloud-caressing skyscrapers? Tropical city life? Surf-ready waves? Oʻahu has it all. Grab your nearest and dearest (and perhaps a surfboard) and head to one of the island’s sandy beaches—all of which are public.