Hawai'i
As your plane begins its descent, you lean forward in your seat, hoping to catch a
glimpse of the emerald and iconic volcanic peak known as Diamond Head, rearing
out of the ocean and fringed with white sand. The moment you step off the plane
you know you’ve arrived in the right place – the air is warm and has that languid
feel that you only find in the tropics. Then, as if to reassure you further, you’re
greeted, not by the usual nod from a customs official, but with a brilliant smile and
a welcoming ‘aloha’. It’s a greeting you’ll hear a hundred times a day in Hawai‘i, and
one which you’ll find yourself slipping into your own language as you melt into the
rhythm of the islands. Hello, goodbye, peace, love and happiness – all sentiments
that suit the Hawaiian lifestyle perfectly. With its Polynesian heritage, it’s easy to
imagine that New Zealand would be like this if it had the good fortune to be dragged
a few hundred miles closer to the equator.
It’s the sort of destination that makes you want to try new things. Fancy learning
to surf? You’ll find a beginner-sized wave somewhere on any given day, and there’s
no shortage of patient instructors to get you up and riding. Or learn a new artform
or custom from the Islands of Aloha. The friendly Hawaiian locals will be only too
happy to share their stories and the strong spiritual connection between Hawai‘i
and New Zealand. One thing is certain – on your last night, as you watch the sun sink
into the Pacific, you’ll wish you could dally a little longer.
Hawai'i Island
Also known as the Big Island, there are plenty of wide open spaces here! A tropical climate at sea-level but some peaks will have snow on during winter, it truly is a destination with four seasons in one day! Do not miss the opportunity to see a volcanic landscape - one of many adventures you can partake in here. Volcanoes National Park is one of the few places where you can actually see new land being created as molten lava plunges into the sea. The sudden meeting of hot rock and cool water creates a vast steam cloud that can be seen from miles away, but to see it after dark is even more impressive, glowing red against the black lava field and night sky. Also check out the west coast where you’ll find Kona, a cute little waterfront town that today is famous for its coffee and World Ironman championship. History wise, Hawai‘i was the last royal residence of King Kamehameha the Great, while at Kealakekua Bay is where Captain Cook first set foot on the island and where he was later killed.
O'ahu
An old-fashioned trolley bus rumbles along streets fringed with palm trees. Beyond lies a white sandy beach where tourists and locals relax. The surf is small but perfectly formed – just right for a morning surfing lesson. Say aloha to tropical breezes, world class shopping, top quality restaurants, history making Pearl Harbour & tantalising cocktails. O‘ahu has much more to offer beyond Honolulu. Hire a car and circle the island. On the east coast you’ll find soaring cliffs, talcum-powder beaches and a quieter way of life, the perfect foil to the fun and frivolity of Waikiki. The world-famous surf beaches of the North Shore are another highlight, and even if you’re not a surfer, Sunset Beach may be the world’s best spot to watch the sun go down.
Kaua'i
They call Kaua‘i the ‘Garden Isle’, but it’s like no garden you’ve ever seen before. Its mountaintops trap the rainclouds that roll in off the Pacific, so its peaks and valleys are draped with lush vegetation. Geologically it’s the oldest of the four main islands of Hawai‘i, so it’s had plenty of time to develop some spectacular scenery. Mark Twain described Waimea Canyon as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’, while another highlight is the Napali Coast, where sheer cliffs rise thousands of feet straight out of the ocean. This coast is only accessible by hiking, boat or helicopter, but it’s well worth the effort. Of course, you don’t have to travel so extravagantly to appreciate Kaua‘i’s wonders – hire a bicycle from Kapa’a and cruise the cycle path that follows the coast for several kilometres. You’ll find your own patch of paradise.
Maui
Maui Wildfires Update – 17 Aug 2023
Due to the devastating wildfires which has resulted in the evacuations of thousands of residents and visitors, and multiple closures of major roadways on Maui. All non-essential travel to West Maui (including Lāhainā, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua) is strongly discouraged through the month of August, to allow the support of residents who lost loved ones, homes, their belongings, and businesses.
Other areas of Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, and Hāna), and the other Hawaiian Islands, like Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island remain open. Visitors are respectfully asked to be especially mindful and support the Maui community as they come to terms with this tragedy.
This laid back island is quintessential Hawai‘i. Small towns and social locals, you can park up solo on a beach with just your towel and your thoughts of what a beautiful place the island of Maui is. Be captivated by the changing landscapes around the island, take in that island air and forget what time of the day it is. Enjoy a cocktail at one of the many beachside bars in Ka’anapali while gazing out across the gorgeous blue sea to the neighbouring islands of Lana‘i and Moloka‘i. Get out and explore the beaches though, that’s the main attraction. There are resort laden beaches, long white sand beaches, secluded rocky coves, beaches fronted by parks and picnic areas, beaches for surfing, beaches for sandcastles – you get the picture…
