HAWAII HOLIDAYS

Stunning sights, fantastic facilities and a unique location, it is time to say “aloha” to Hawaii, one of the most perfect archipelagos on the planet. While there are 19 islands, six offer accommodation for the thousands of visitors that grace the shores each year. The four most popular destinations are:

Big Island

The biggest island in Hawaii, it has a towering volcanic centre that then flows down to the golden coastline and pristine waters with lush foliage. The Volcanoes National Park is a breathtaking place, filled with more than 23,000 rock carvings, where you can hike through the dramatic terrain, through the Thurston Lava Tube, and see the sun set atop of the Kilauea Caldera volcano.

The city of Hilo is a great place to visit and, if you are there during the Merrie Monarch Festival then you can watch the celebration of the ancient Hawaiian dance – the hula. Don’t miss the Mookini Luakini Helau, on the Kohala Coast, this is the most sacred temple in Hawaii and is 1,500 years old.

Oahu

Home of the state capital of Honolulu, this is a popular destination and has been known as the ‘gateway’ to the United States mainland. It boasts great dining and shopping options.

Consider taking a drive through the scenic Hana Highway. This 109-kilometre stretch of road is known as one of the greatest roadtrips in the world and is a breathtaking journey that takes you through beautiful jungle interior and past stunning waterfalls. The Pineapple Express train is another wonderful journey where you will pass the old Dole Plantation, which was the centre of the country’s pineapple industry.

Want to try surfing? You’re in luck because the North Shore is renowned for good waves and they get some of the biggest on the planet during the winter months. Waikiki Beach is also a popular spot for anyone looking for a surf lesson while the Waimea Valley National Park has some great hiking and cliff diving opportunities. Check out the ancient sport of canoe paddling too at the Ala Wai Park between February and September.

A visit to the Arizona War Memorial at Pearl Harbour is highly recommended.

Whilst on the island, take the opportunity to visit the Bishop Museum, which is a restored mission home complete with artefacts and a native garden. Also, you can experience the Hula here or at Halekuani’s House Without a Key to get a glimpse of the ancient dance.

Maui

Stunning, dramatic scenery makes for a wonderful backdrop on the island that is known as the ‘Valley Isle’ thanks the valleys engraved in the volcanoes. It isn’t all rugged landscape as the Maui is home to no fewer than 80 beautiful beaches. Ka’anapali Beach is one of the most well known and is the perfect place to participate in some cliff diving.

Winter sees the arrival of humpback whales and you can head out to see them off the coast at Wailea. The Molokini underwater volcanic crater is a stunning area where you can dive with sea turtles and bike up to Haleakala Crater to watch the sunrise.

Kauai

Another island that comes complete with green mountains and waterfalls, Kauai is a tropical paradise. Head to the Napali Coast for beautiful views or fly through the jungle on ziplines at the Princeville Ranch. Elsewhere, you can test your swing on the golf courses, relax in the spas or watch dolphins on the Na Pali Coast.

Stunning Hawaii Islands

Visit old Hawaii by taking a trip to Molokai. An island undisturbed by the influx of tourism, you can see the tallest waterfall in Hawaii and the highest sea cliffs in the world..

Food is important to those from Hawaii and you will see south-east Asian influences shine through in the cuisine. Keep your eyes peeled for Loco Moco and masaladas while the POG (a drink with guava, orange and passion fruit) is delicious. A shave ice is also popular and perfect for a cool down.