O’ahu
“The Gathering Place” well named as this is where people gather along Waikiki Beach, a crescent of golden sand lapped by gentle waves, the iconic backdrop for world-class surfing, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious resorts. But Oahu has much more than Waikiki, visit historic Pearl Harbour, the Diamond Head Crater, a stunning tuff cone overlooking Waikiki, or witness the fiery glow of Kualoa Ranch, a historic working cattle ranch used in countless movies. Venture into the verdant heart of the island, where rainforests teem with life and waterfalls tumble into hidden pools. Explore the Polynesian Cultural Center in Honolulu and witness ancient traditions come alive. Hike the windward Koolau Mountains, their emerald cliffs plunging into churning waves, or discover secluded coves along the rugged North Shore, a surfer’s paradise.
Maui
We urge you to include Maui in your travel plans to support the islanders as they struggle to recover from the disastrous fires of August 2023. At the time of writing (December 2023) everywhere except Lahaina has re-opened and you will be welcomed with open arms. Aside from the area around Kaanapali and Lahaina, Maui is as beautiful as it always has been with stunning beaches and farm-to-table restaurants. It is worth while to hire a car in Maui to explore the island for instance the hairpin road to Hana in the east of the island stopping at Twin Falls, Iao Needle, and Waianapanapa State Park is amazing as is the Haleakala National Park Sunrise – but be warned, you have to book and pay in advance to get into the park to prevent overcrowding and promote conservation!
Kaua’i
The Garden Island, the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs aged by time and the elements. Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls! Again, a car is handy because, as well as dramatic beauty found in many places but perhaps particularly the Na Pali Coast where you might want to hike the Kalalau Trail and the Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” the island is home to a variety of outdoor activities. You can kayak the Wailua River, relax and snorkel on Poʻipū Beach, hike the trails of Kōkeʻe State Park, or go ziplining above Kauaʻi’ s lush valleys. Above all, it is the island’s laid-back atmosphere and rich culture found in its small towns that make it truly timeless.
Hawai’i, the Big Island
The youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. Nearly twice as big as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, its sheer size is awe-inspiring. You can travel through all but four of the world’s different climate zones here, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Mauna Loa. From the many geological features at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the lush valleys of the Hilo and Hāmākua Coasts to the jet-black sands of Punaluʻu Beach, the island of Hawaiʻi is an unrivalled expression of the power of nature. Your home on Hawai’i might well be the Kona district stretching along the west coast of the island where you find not only glorious beaches, but also coffee farms and historic Hawaiian landmarks. Shielded from winds by Maunaloa, south Kona’s calm and clear waters are perfect for snorkelling, diving, sailing and spotting dolphins and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). One of Kona’s most memorable experiences is going on a manta ray boat tour to scuba or snorkel with these gentle, graceful sea creatures. And on land, don’t forget to travel to the cooler upland slopes of town like Hōlualoa, where you can sample the distinctive flavours of the famous Kona coffee.
