Hawaii Holidays

Who is Hawaii best for ?

For travellers who want a taste of both nature and culture in the Polynesia of the United States, resting place of the Pearl Harbour war remains. For those who want to experience all nature has to offer from sugary beaches and dense forests to towering waterfalls and humbling volcanoes. For die-hard surfers and beach-bum wannabes who want to take to the waves to experience the thrill of big breaks or dive below them to discover a vibrant underwater world of coral reefs. For those who want to swing serenely in a hammock under the dappled shade of a palm tree or feel the spray on their faces while whale watching.

Which experiences is Hawaii best for ?

A beautiful blend of volcanoes, ocean and untamed nature, Hawaii holidays demand to be spent outdoors in the elements. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain, skimming down the face of a wave on a board or plunging into the water for a wild swimming experience, there are an abundance of nature-themed activities to enjoy. A Hawaii holiday also lends itself perfectly to learning about traditional culture and the island’s ancestors who travelled between the islands by canoe. Life on these idyllic islands is still very much linked to ancient tribal ceremonies from traditions and tikis to songs and tattoos. Make sure to set aside time on your Hawaiian holiday for a Luana evening where you can watch hula performances and captivating cultural dances to the soundtrack of traditional island tunes.

What is the best option for a Hawaii holiday?

The islands themselves are the remnants of massive volcanoes that burst from the ocean floor millions of years ago, and which are still growing strong. Seven of the eight main islands are inhabited, and because they are so easy to get between, we would highly recommend combining two or more on any trip, because they all have something different to offer.

Special things to do in Hawaii

The ocean is Hawaii’s beating heart and a holiday in this postcard-perfect part of the world inevitably involves the sea. For experienced surfers, Hawaii is the ultimate playground with its mythical beaches and impeccable tubes. Grab a surfboard, take to the waves and wait patiently for the perfect set to come along. For wildlife, dive beneath the water to swim with giant manta rays and sea turtles or hop aboard a whale-watching cruise. And if beach-bathing is more your thing, there are plenty of stunning spots to catch the sun from the bustling beaches of Oahu to the wind-swept sands on Kauai.

Maui

If we had to choose one island for a Hawaii holiday (don't do it!), it would most likely be Maui. Maui holidays allow you to explore an island home to 80 beautiful beaches and beginner friendly surfing conditions; a snorkeller's paradise in the vast submerged Molokini crater; wonderful trekking and riding country and the famously dramatic switchbacks of the Road to Hana. Take the ferry across to neighbouring Lana'i and the trip often also doubles as a whale watching trip.

Lanai

Lana'i itself goes by the nickname of 'Hawaii's most enticing island', which might explain why billionaire Larry Ellison of Oracle fame splashed a cool $300 million on buying 98% of it. Lanai holidays are all about a wonderfully laid back vibe (the speed limit on the island's traffic light free 30 miles of roads is 30 mph) and the chance to swim with spinner dolphins in beautiful Manele Bay.

Kauai

Next stop Kauai, the so-called 'Garden Island' that doubled as Jurassic Park in the movie and which is also home to Waimea Canyon. The American obsession with branding everything in sight means that sure enough this too has a strapline - 'the Grand Canyon of the Pacific' but branding or otherwise, Waimea, at 3,000ft deep is mighty impressive. Kauai holidays are all about activities from surfing and kayaking to mountain biking and, of course, hiking.

Honolulu on the island of Oahu

The observant among you might have noticed we haven't yet mentioned Honolulu. Well, it's on the island of Oahu and the only proper city in the islands. Honolulu holidays are about a lively nightlife and great (and very American) shopping but also Honolulu is also home to Pearl Harbour for history buffs to explore.

Hawaii Island

Finally, the big one - Hawai'i island itself, which is nearly twice as big as all the other islands combined. This is the place to see searingly hot molten lava and the vividly coloured volcanic sand beaches that show the massive geological forces still at work in the islands. Horses or helicopters are a great way to explore the bizarre lunar landscapes.

As you can see, there's plenty on offer on a Hawaii holiday and if (like us, if we're completely honest) you have preconceptions of a destination that long since sold its South Pacific soul to Americana, think again.