Hawaii
The welcoming spirit of aloha is all-pervading on the captivating Hawaiian islands, a tropical playground of volcanic vistas, surfing beaches and island-hopping.
The welcoming spirit of aloha is all-pervading on the captivating Hawaiian islands, a tropical playground of volcanic vistas, surfing beaches and island-hopping.
Hawaii may not be what you expect. Yes, it’s got the verdant hills rising to meet pensive volcanoes and waves that crash on the shore as dancers hula in their grass skirts; but hop about to each island (only seven out of the 137 of which are populated) and there’s a distinct character to each. Oahu is the sociable one, home to the sophistication of capital city Honolulu.
Maui loves it’s wildlife, becoming the stop off for humpback whales on their winter journey, and Kaua’i is appearance-conscious, all pretty rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Then there’s quiet and petite Lana’i, dwarfed by Hawaii Big Island, its volcanic moodiness bubbling under the surface.
In pursuit of…
… more than just a pretty face
Its tropical lusciousness has long defined it, but the distinct Polynesian heritage that calls these natural landscapes home comes as a welcome surprise out of the greenery; best seen at dawn floating about in an outrigger boat as a member of the group blows on a pū (conch shell) to greet the rising sun. The goddess Pele is to thank for the volcanic topography, brought about by an argument with her sister – the goddess of the sea. And it’s these deities who were the subject of large ceremonial gatherings; these events have evolved over the years though, turning into one iconic great feast to honour significant life achievements – the luau.
“I'm proud to be representing the USA, but specifically the islands of Hawaiʻi because there are just so many different kinds of people there, and I feel such a connection to all of them. And I wouldn't be where I am today without the community of people that have really raised me.”
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A sense of place
Get to know our favourite places in Hawaii, from the iconic Big Island who is younger than it may seem to the lush corners of Kaua’i.
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![A picturesque waterfall in Kauai, illuminated by the warm hues of a sunset sky.]()
Kaua'i
As its nickname ‘the Green Island’ would suggest, the pristine beaches on Kaua’i’s North Shore are surrounded by verdant landforms from valleys to rugged cliffs, producing the most picturesque diorama in Hawaii. Kilauea lighthouse is great for unparalleled panoramic views, and a boat ride along the Napali Coast shows the waterfalls cascading into the sea from a different perspective.
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![Waikiki beach with Diamond Head mountain in background]()
Oahu
The most populated of the islands – and the unofficial home of the humble pineapple – Oahu is the vibrant gathering place. North Shore is where the surfers look to hang ten, Ko Olina is its own community with shopping and golf on its doorstep, and alongside the nightlife of Waikiki is the National Historic Landmark of Pearl Harbour.
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![Tall coconut trees in front of a green mountain]()
Hawai'i Big Island
The largest yet youngest, Big Island offers a vast contrast to its siblings. More like otherworldly desert than rainforest, lava rocks flank the roadsides and the heat of the volcanoes can be felt under foot on the black sand beaches. Playing astronaut comes easy in these infernal lunar landscapes home to one of the world’s largest active volcanoes.
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![A rainbow shining over green mountains in Maui, Hawaii]()
Maui
Maui is all about the experiences; ride The Road to Hana, known as one of the world’s most scenic drives; watch the sunrise at Haleakalà National Park from the top of the crater (that’s one for the photographers and romantics); and fly over the cliffs of Molokini, there’s a significant chance that a full circle rainbow might appear.
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![Pineapple fruit on a green plastic crate]()
Lana'i
Lana’i could be described as the island that time forgot. The smallest inhabited island, it remains untouched by the clamour of everyday life. Originally housing Hawaii’s largest pineapple plantation, Lana’i City is now home to a small handful of charming shops, cafés and a grassy park where watching the Spinner Dolphins in Hulopo’e Bay comes easy.
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Its essence...
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TEMPTINGTEMPTINGPassages from a journal A week in Hawaii
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![View from helicopter window down to mountains in Hawaii]()
7am
After a day getting our bearings, we’re about to really start the adventure. The Big Island is known for its volcanoes, so what better to kick things off than a helicopter tour over them. Later we’re going on a visit to Kaʻū, where we’ve been told the must see spots include Jaggar Museum, Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) and Halema‘uma‘u Crater.
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![Mountainous valley on the Big Island of Hawaii]()
6:57pm
The kids have been going on all day about Hawaiian mythology after the stories we heard on yesterday’s tour – mainly about the goddess Pele. It’s preoccupied them until this evening anyway, and they don’t know anything about this surprise. We’re going on a private catamaran to watch the sunset, then diving below the ocean’s surface for a night snorkel with some special gentle giants – manta rays.
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![Surfboards used as signs to Hana, Hawaii]()
1:37pm
We arrived on Maui yesterday and had a chilled day before an early rise this morning. We were taken for breakfast at a local favourite before moving onto Hana to explore the Ke’anae Peninsula, Hanawi waterfall and the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa. We’ve stopped off for lunch at the Hana-Maui Resort now, perched right on a headland so we’ve got amazing views to accompany our food.
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![Top view of turtle swimming]()
11:30pm
No prizes for guessing what resides in Turtle Town – developed by submarine volcanoes, the coral reef is home to the Green sea turtle. We kayaked and snorkelled around here for hours, getting to see views like Haleakalā summit, Molokini Crater, Pu`u Olai, the Makena and Wailea coastlines. This evening we went to the kids’ first luau. I’m not sure which they loved most, the food or the flaming knife stunts.
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![Lifeguard hut and palm trees on the beach in Hawaii]()
12:14pm
After capping our time in Maui off with a sunset sail, we landed on Oahu yesterday. We spent the day exploring Waikiki but today we’re in search of the perfect surf, and for that we need to go to North Shore. We’ve opted for a surfing lesson to help the kids out, after which we’re heading to Haleiwa Town for a spot of lunch and (hopefully) some sweet shaved ice.
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![A picturesque landscape featuring a vividly colored ocean and tall green mountains]()
6:43pm
We arrived on ‘the Green Island’ of Kauai today for our final few nights. We were told it’s the oldest and most lush of all the islands and it doesn’t disappoint, there must be at least 15 different shades of green alone. We’ve got a pretty loose itinerary for our time here, but we are visiting some must-sees like Hanalei Bay, Poipu Beach and Waimea Canyon – which at 10 miles long and some points as deep as 3,600 feet has earned the nickname ‘the Grand Canyon of the Pacific’.
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The leading line-up
Hawaii
Extraordinary
experiences
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![Waikiki beach with Diamond Head mountain in background]()
Feel the heat of the Big Island’s volcanoesTake to the skies on a helicopter tour over the brooding landscape to experience the sheer size of the natural formations. To make it really special, the doors are off so you can really feel the heat.
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![A beach scene featuring tall palm trees, surrounded by scattered rocks along the shore.]()
Swim with gentle giants after the sun has setA catamaran cruise at dusk is the gateway to the world of seafaring titans. When the sun has dipped below the horizon, don mask and snorkel for a glimpse into the underwater world of the manta ray after dark.
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![A surfer walking into the sea while holding a surfboard]()
Search for the swell on Oahu’s North ShoreStretching out over seven miles, it’s often said that if you’re in search of the perfect wave, you can find it on North Shore. Summer months are best for a gentler surf session, whereas winter brings in the big, frothing walls of water for the more seasoned pros.
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Destination essentials
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Flight
Time difference
Currency / Language
From the Reading room
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Nobody gets left behind
Secluded in the sprawling mass of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii and its humble archipelago seems like a small group of islands. But Hawaii’s hospitality feels larger than its perimeter. It is centred around ‘ohana’ or family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.
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Chasing the sunrise
Those people who are the first to catch the early hours of the morning say it changes their life. It boosts mood, reduces depression, and can even help us sleep better at night. Taking cues from nature as our actual clock is something we rarely do – find the time to rise with the sun and start your day in this transformative way.
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Get in touch your way…
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North America
There’s no sitting still in North America; in fact, it could turn the most docile of travellers into get-up-and-goers. But depending on where you end up, there’s a different definition of high-octane.
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California
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North America
Canada
ExploreThe image of fir trees reflecting perfectly into glassy lakes while snow-capped mountains wrap on all sides; Canada’s all-encompassing landscapes act as a humble reminder that the best adventures defy explanation.
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Florida
ExplorePearlescent shorelines, metropolitan delights and Peter Pan experiences aplenty – this sunshine state is simply a rollercoaster experience.
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Las Vegas
ExploreTo speak of Las Vegas without mentioning its extravagance would be a crime, but ventures into the spiritual sphere of Native American country are equally as synonymous with this land.
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New England
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New York
ExploreThe steeliest shapeshifter of cityscape times, not even a local can pin her down – creating a smorgasbord of opportunities for even the littlest Apples to give it a good go and start trying.
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United States of America
USA Cities: Chicago, Seattle, Washington DC
ExploreAs far as USA cities go, there’s no denying New York and LA revel in the spotlight; but get to know the personalities of their hidden gem siblings and you might just discover that the apple never falls too far from this family tree.
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United States of America
USA South: Georgia, Louisiana/New Orleans, The Carolinas
ExploreLike one big simmering hot pot, the American South nourishes the soul; with its scrumptiously hearty recipes, smooth as velvet jazz scene, and magnetically bubbly spirit that brings everyone together.
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USA National Parks: Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, California
ExploreStep outside of the USA’s vibrant cities and you’ll find some of nature’s finest creations sequestered away in the embrace of its many National Parks.
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