Holidays in Hawaii

The Hawaii of South Seas literature and Hollywood films really does exist. Palm-fringed blue lagoons,  rainforests, beautiful waterfalls and wild rivers running through canyons, and volcanoes. Beaches believe it or not can come in various colours gold, red, black, and even green sands. There are many activities here from adventure to relaxation. Each of the six main islands is separate and different. There is so  much to see which is why so many people return to the Hawaii year after year for their holiday.

BIG ISLAND

The Aloha State's largest island, least developed with spectacular views. Volcanoes National Park is home to Hawaii's only active volcano Many activities are around spectacular beaches, with ocean kayaking, surfing, windsurfing and catamaran excursions. Away from the shoreline, hikers can trail  or horse enthusiasts can ride through forests. There's also mountain biking and 20 world-class golf courses. Nature lovers should head to the east side of Big Island for brilliant flowers and breathtaking waterfalls. At historical Kealakekua Bay, Captain James Cook dramatically lost his life in 1779 and Puukohola Heiau is a sacred site built in 1790 by King Kamemaeha, when he asked the gods for help in uniting the Hawaiian Islands. Whale watching, swimming with dolphins are also very popular excursions.

KAUAI

Quiet and unspoiled, Kauai, known as the Garden Island, is loved for its lush, tropical scenery and beautiful  beaches. At its centre is an easily accessible dense forest wetland, perfect for hiking. The Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon and the Kokee Region have the most popular trails with amazing views, tropical vegetation, streams and waterfalls. You can also enjoy mountain biking down Waimea Canyon Road or a helicopter tour into the waterfall-lined crater of Mount Waialeale. 8 world-class golf courses, or  a cultural visit with a visit to Kauai Museum and the Waioli Mission House. The historical towns of Hanalei, Hanapepe and Lihue will also delight. A virtual playground for children, families will love the Kauai Children's Discovery Museum virtual reality games and hands-on science and art activities.

MAUI

The second largest in the Hawaiian chain, Maui is also the most diverse. An unforgettable popular honeymoon holiday destination, it also caters very much for families and adventurers. Those interested in culture will love its thriving arts scene with choral concerts, classical performances, jazz pianists, comedy shows and Polynesian drumming. The beaches are stunning, some with brilliant pearl white sands, others with black volcanic sands. Kaanapali or Wailea are the most famous, or hire a guide to take you to beaches off the beaten track. Water sports are available or head inland to Haleakala- a dormant crater and one of 2 volcanoes on the island, it has hiking , biking trails and panoramic views. History buffs will love the town of Lahaina, a National Historic District and home to several important historic sites. The Lahaina-Kaanapali and Pacific Railroads is the  island's romantic plantation past. Other pursuits include glass-bottom boat rides to discover a whole new world under water and the Maui Ocean Centre with its walk-through acrylic tube.

OAHU

The heart of Hawaii, Oahu is one of the most popular holiday islands with something for everyone. Rich in culture and history, there are museums, temples, cultural centres and colourful festivals. Historical artefacts can be found at the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace, or stroll through Chinatown for turn-of-the-century architecture. The beaches are fantastic with swimming, surfing, windsurfing, boogie boarding, snorkelling and fishing. Alternatively, practice your golf 40 golf courses. As well as superb challenges, they offer spectacular vistas, including forested mountains, desert-like terrain and fields of sugar cane. Families are very much catered for on Oahu, with a variety of activities designed specifically. Take a submarine ride, enjoy the thrills and spills on offer at the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, head to the Sea Life Park or spend the day at Honolulu Zoo. Explore Real Polynesia is highly recommended, consisting of 7 authentic Polynesian villages with interactive games and crafts.

The Best Beaches  

Lanikai Beach (Oahu): Too gorgeous to be real, this stretch along the Windward Coast is one of Hawaii's postcard-perfect beaches -- a mile of golden sand as soft as powdered sugar bordering translucent turquoise waters. The waters are calm year-round and excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Two tiny offshore islands complete the picture, functioning not only as scenic backdrops but also as bird sanctuaries.

Hapuna Beach (Big Island): This 1/2-mile-long crescent regularly wins kudos in the world's top travel magazines as the most beautiful beach in Hawaii -- some consider it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. One look and you'll see why: Perfect cream-coloured sand slopes down to crystal-clear waters that are great for swimming, snorkeling, and bodysurfing in summer; come winter, waves thunder in like stampeding horses. The facilities for picnicking and camping are top-notch, and there's plenty of parking.

Kapalua Beach (Maui): On an island with many great beaches, Kapalua takes the prize. This golden crescent with swaying palms is protected from strong winds and currents by two outstretched lava-rock promontories. Its calm waters are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. The beach borders the Kapalua Bay Hotel, but it's long enough for everyone to enjoy. Facilities include showers, restrooms, and lifeguards.

Papohaku Beach (Molokai): These gold sands stretch on for some 3 miles (it's one of Hawaii's longest beaches) and are about as wide as a football field. Offshore the ocean churns mightily in winter, but the waves die down in summer, making the calm waters inviting for swimming. It's also great for picnicking, walking, and watching sunsets.

Hulopoe Beach (Lanai): This golden, palm-fringed beach off the south coast of Lanai gently slopes down to the azure waters of a Marine Life Conservation District, where clouds of tropical fish flourish and spinner dolphins come to play. A tide pool in the lava rocks defines one side of the bay, while the other is lorded over by the Manele Bay Hotel, which sits prominently on the hill above. Offshore you'll find good swimming, snorkeling, and diving; onshore there's a full complement of beach facilities, from restrooms to camping areas.

Haena Beach (Kauai): Backed by verdant cliffs, this curvaceous North Shore beach has starred as Paradise in many a movie. It's easy to see why Hollywood loves Haena Beach, with its grainy golden sand and translucent turquoise waters. Summer months bring calm waters for swimming and snorkeling, and winter brings mighty waves for surfers. There are plenty of facilities on hand, including picnic tables, restrooms, and showers.