Island of Hawaii
Aptly dubbed ‘The Big Island’, the Island of Hawaii is both the youngest and the largest island in the Hawaiian chain. The island offers a conveniently compact microcosm of all the eponymous state has to offer.
With its pristine beaches lapped by azure waters, exotic flora and fauna, and its lush rainforests complete with breathtaking waterfalls at every turn, ‘The Big Island’ is remarkable for more than just its size.
As home to two of the world's greatest mountains, the world's most active volcano and 11 of the world's 13 climate zones, Hawaii boasts all the outdoor adventure opportunities you could possibly imagine.
Spend your days snorkelling with manta rays, riding horses in Waimea, sailing along the exquisite Kona Coast or simply unwinding on a lounger on one of this tropical paradise’s spectacular black, white or green sand beaches.
If you are seeking an unforgettable island adventure, look no further than the idyllic Island of Hawaii.
Maui
The Island of Maui has repeatedly found itself on exclusive lists of the world’s best island getaways, particularly for its miles of idyllic beaches, lush green valleys, and volcanic landscapes.
With their oft-quoted motto, 'Maui no ka oi' (Maui is the best), the island’s warm and friendly locals tend to agree.
While each of Hawaii’s unique islands have something exceptional to offer - Maui just seems to have it all: fragrant rainforests; quaint, historic villages; famed, farm-to-table cuisine; as well as a variety of activities to delight ocean and land lovers alike with ample hiking trails, sights to see and watersport options on offer.
Visitors can take in the spectacular views atop the Haleakala, watch whales breach off the coast of Lahaina, or marvel at the myriad waterfalls and pools along the well-travelled Road to Hana. The choices are as diverse as they are seductive.
Oahu
Nicknamed 'The Gathering Place', Oahu is the cultural and economic heart of Hawaii and home to over 85 percent of the state’s, laid-back, friendly inhabitants.
The clear blue waters, pristine beaches, and funky beach towns of the eastern and northern shore stand in stark contrast to the striking metropolitan cityscapes and fast-paced, big city lifestyle of the State’s Capital, Honolulu.
Home to Pearl Harbour, numerous beautiful Polynesian temples and the only royal palace in the US, Oahu remains rooted in its rich historical past while simultaneously moving forward and embracing the future.
The revitalisation of many of its quaint old towns has resulted in a slew of trendy designer boutiques, contemporary urban art galleries, and enough farm-to-table eateries to delight even the most enthusiastic foodie. It is this rich tapestry of the old and the new, bustling city living alongside slow-paced island life that makes Oahu an island paradise unlike any other.
Kauai
Dubbed the ‘Garden Island’ due to its lush green vegetation, Kauai is the most northwestern of Hawaii’s major islands.
This pristine tropical paradise features dramatic cliffs and pinnacles along its exquisite Na Pali Coast, exceptional hiking trails traversing its impressive Waimea Canyon, and over 80 kilometres of immaculate white-sand beach lining its spectacularly rugged coastline.
Visitors can look forward to an uncrowded island with a laidback atmosphere and an array of luxury resorts, fine restaurants, and world-class golf courses.
Popular activities on Kauai include: ziplining, surfing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, scenic helicopter rides, swimming in the magnificent Wailua Falls, and tours of the charming old towns of Hanapepe and Koloa.
Molokai
One of the state of Hawaii’s most scenic islands, Molokai is set to develop into a major ecotourism hub.
Divided into three main areas, Central Molokai is home to the island’s largest town of Kaunakakai, as well as some spectacular sea cliffs and the interesting site of Kalaupapa National Historical Park, a 19th-century leper colony.
In the East End of Molokai, you will find some photogenic historic buildings (such as St. Joseph’s Church), great diving and snorkelling at Kumimi Beach and incredible hikes and off-road adventures in the Halawa Valley and the Kamakou Preserve.
Finally, Molokai’s West End is a beach-lover’s paradise, with the wide, sandy shores of Papohaku and Kapukahehu offering diving, snorkelling, surfing and incredible sunset views.
Lanai
Also known as ‘Pineapple Island’ thanks to its past as a thriving pineapple plantation, Lanai is one of the least developed islands in the Hawaiian archipelago.
This exquisite little island features no traffic lights, no shopping malls, and only a handful of exclusive resorts offering barefoot luxury at its best.
Visitors can look forward to relaxing on exquisite white sand beaches, snorkeling and swimming in the protected marine reserve of Hulopoe Bay, enjoying romantic picnics overlooking Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), and hiking along the otherworldly lunar landscape of Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods).
Other popular activities include whale-watching, swimming with turtles, horseback riding through lush forest, scuba diving in spectacular caves, and playing golf with a backdrop of magnificent ocean views.
Whether you are seeking peaceful solitude or wild adventure, the idyllic island of Lanai has something for every traveller.
