Hailed as the birthplace of modern surfing, Hawaii has developed a reputation for being all about catching the next wave. But with the spirit of ohana being the state’s guiding light, the surf-averse need not worry about getting left behind.
Thought to have made its way over from Polynesia, surfing quickly became a staple in Hawaiian culture, even being a favourite pastime of the island nation’s monarchs. Today, beginners and pros alike flock to tropical coastlines like Oahu’s North Shore and Maui’s Honolua Bay to test their skills.
But the truth is, luxury Hawaii holidays have so much more to offer, and striking out beyond the sun, sea and surf is the most rewarding way to enjoy these adventure islands.
A staple in any island-hopping itinerary, The Island of Hawaii is not only the biggest in the chain, but the youngest. Characterised by its volcanic peaks, a doors-off helicopter tour that soars over Volcanoes National Park turns up both the heat and the thrill-factor. Luckily, though, the park isn’t out of bounds for those (especially families) who like to keep their feet firmly on the ground – comfy shoes are essential on a hike through this dramatic landscape. A personal guide is on hand to lead the way through eruption sites and even a lava tube, pointing out endemic flora and fauna along the way. This is on the way to a pretty farm that overlooks Hilo Bay, where cacao grows in abundance and private chocolate tastings take place beneath a hidden waterfall.
Alternatively, in Kona, a short yet sweet half a day exploring the craters and taking in the views from Hualalai Volcano satisfies a similar urge, while leaving plenty of time for a night dive with majestic manta rays while they feed on plankton by moonlight. Meanwhile, a sky of stars unfurls before the eyes above the dormant Mauna Kea and its observatory, following a sunset dinner and regenerative tour of an endangered native dry forest.
An old faithful when it comes to a Hawaii surf holiday, Oahu’s waves never disappoint. Yet while flocking to hang ten with locals and pros is an exhilarating experience, the island has so much more to offer. Famously, it’s the home of Pearl Harbor, where and exploration of its four museums (including the USS Arizona Memorial) comes in either the form of a casual self-guided wander or an in-depth private tour. And speaking of fame, the Silver Screen comes to life in the wide-open surrounds of Kualoa Ranch. A lush nature reserve in its day to day, it’s also been a filming location for many a blockbuster including the Jurassic Park franchise, The Karate Kid II and 50 First Dates. There’s a long list of experiences to be had here, but the Best of Kualoa Tour would be our choice; consisting of three excursions taking in the Hakipu’u rainforest, the working farms and tropical gardens of Hakipuʻu makai, and the movie sites of Ka’a’awa Valley, where you can discover Godzilla’s footprints, Kong’s boneyard and a plethora of memorabilia and WWII artifacts.
From history and Hollywood to full-blown island immersion, the Polynesian Cultural Center is 42 acres of Pacific Island tradition. Each area is an authentic representation of six Polynesian island nations – Tonga, Tahiti, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa and, of course, Hawaii – where guests can dive into experiences like cooking demonstrations, canoe rides, and activities like weaving and spear throwing. A Hawaiian highlight, though, is taking part in a Lu’au – an energetic show including a lei greeting ceremony, delicious local delicacies and traditional entertainment.
A diorama of lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls and beaches of ebony and scarlet sand, Maui is nature at its finest. With such rich land comes an abundance of picture-perfect farms where the produce can even outshine the views. Nestled in the heart of the island above Kula is O’o Farm, a homestead for all things culinary and an essential stop on the agritourism scene. Here, a farm-to-table lunch begins with a tour of the fields, so you can see exactly where the ingredients that are about to grace the table have come from. Dishes are then served in casual and wholesome family-style in the centre of a communal dining table, where everyone can dip in as they please.
Leaving the bucolic scenes of Upcountry Maui for the depths of Molokini Crater just off the coast, a morning cruise aboard a luxury catamaran drops eager snorkellers right into the middle of this crystal-clear marine preserve. For an exclusive experience, the Top Deck caters only to the grown-ups who have private access to the Premium Open Bar and a dedicated server and snorkel guide alongside other amenities.
The oldest and most verdant of this string of islands, Kaua’i’s habitats demand to be explored by the active and the adventurous. Daring souls are drawn to the island’s ziplines, flying over the jungles of the South Shore, the Hoary Head Mountain Range and Waita Reservoir. Perhaps then heading to the centre of the island to float down the open canals of Lihue Plantation that weave beneath the mountains. And just like the Big Island, helicopter tours prove fruitful with breathtaking bird’s-eye views of Mānāwaiopuna Falls (of Jurassic Park fame) and the Napali Coast – a place completely inaccessible by road.
These lush landscapes don’t just cater to the thrill-seekers; foodies find their place in the borders of family-owned Lydgate Farm. Here, a tour through fields of native fruits and tropical plants is led by an in-the-know guide who will wax lyrical about Hawaii’s local produce. There’s also the opportunity to try the estate’s speciality – the cacao fruit – and the smooth chocolate that’s made with it.
The sleepy island of Lana’i is the place to take it slow, and the things to do here reflect that. Exclusive to Four Seasons Resort Lanai guests, golfing is a chilled-out pastime with the island being home of one of the most famous Jack Nicklaus golf courses – Mānele – where three holes sit atop the cliffs on Hulopoʻe Bay and make for a scenic round or two. Another way to take in the views is on horseback, either trotting along the coastline or venturing into the wooded valleys in search of local wildlife.
Out to sea, things stay on the relaxed side bobbing along on the waves aboard a catamaran or yacht. Sailings can range from all-day tours around the island’s curves, discovering hidden corners and soaking up the sun's rays on deck, to sunset trips with drinks in hand and appetizers gladly consumed. The time between mid-December to March brings another sailing adventure to the table as the humpback whales migrate through the balmy waters, when boat trips alongside a naturalist reveal what life is like for these gentle giants and offer the chance to hear their melodic song.
