Aloha "The People of Hawaii would like to share their islands with you"
Hawaii – The Island of Oahu - the "Heart of Hawaii"
Oahu where the timeless natural radiance of the Hawaiian Islands meets the modern luxuries of today, Hike down a lush mountainside, just minutes away from a soaring cityscape, feast at a luau under the stars one night; dine at a five-star restaurant another. Sunbathe all day on the North Shore then dance all night in Waikiki, there’s no shortage of things to do on Oahu.
What can I do on Oahu?
- Take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach
- Watch world-class surfers charge the big waves on the North Shore
- Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
- Marvel at the American Florentine architecture of Iolani Palace
- Dress up and experience downtown nightlife and art galleries
At first glance, this bustling cityscape may seem familiar, but set against the warm wash of pink clouds at dusk, the azure ocean, and the unmistakable silhouette of Diamond Head (Leahi), these city lights are like no other lights on Earth.
It’s this fundamental contrast between the ancient Hawaii and the modern Hawaii that makes discovering Oahu so enjoyable. Serene Ocean views meet metropolitan cityscapes; Hawaiian architecture meets art deco design. Big city meets small town.
Yes, the bright lights of Waikiki can certainly catch your eye. But to discover the real Oahu you need to look beyond. You might be surprised at what you see.
Oahu is called the "Heart of Hawaii" so it's the appropriate home to Hawaii's widest range of popular activities and sights: Waikiki, The North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace. The attractions are endless on Oahu.
Hike to the top of Diamond Head for a panoramic view of Waikiki, ride on horseback or on an all-terrain vehicle at Kualoa Ranch, play golf past dinnertime on a long, Hawaiian summer's day. Hit the ground running on your visit to Oahu.
Take a surfing lesson at the world famous Waikiki Beach, snorkel the reefs of Hanauma Bay, take a boating excursion for an up close view of Oahu's marine life. You'll see why adventure thrives in the deep blue ocean surrounding Oahu.
See Oahu from a different point of view; fly over Oahu's verdant valleys and majestic cityscapes. Parasail by parachute, 400 feet above Waikiki beach or for the ultimate rush; try a tandem sky dive high above the North Shore.
Hawaii – The Island of Hawaii – the “Big Island”
Famous for the active Kilauea volcano, Hawaii’s Big Island is home to a list of fascinating anomalies.
Eleven different climate zones generate everything from lush rain forests to arid deserts, black sand beaches to snow-capped mountaintops. The Big Island is Hawaii’s biggest playground.
What can I do on Hawaii’s Big Island?
- See molten lava flow at Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Play in the snow atop Mauna Kea, the world’s tallest mountain (measured from the ocean floor)
- Hike through Waipio Valley, the “Valley of the Kings”
- Explore Puukohola Heiau, the largest restored ancient Hawaiian religious temple
- Enjoy the entertainment, culture, and cuisine in Hilo and the Kona Coast
Hawaii can be a humbling experience from the torrents of molten magma flowing from Kilauea Volcano flowing into the steaming sea to the snow-capped cloud shrouded heights of Mauna Kea. From the lush green rain-forests of the Hamakua Coast to the jet black sands of Punaluu Beach, Hawaii’s Big Island is an unrivalled expression of the power of nature.
The dramatic size and scope of the largest Hawaiian Island create a microcosm of environments and activities. On this island’s vast tableau, you’ll find everything from extravagant resorts and astonishing golf courses to sleepy, local towns, and sacred Hawaiian historical sites.
Almost too much to experience in just one visit, discovering Hawaii’s Big Island is no small task. But no matter how much of this island you see, you’ll leave with a deeper reverence for the beauty, power, and history of the Islands of Aloha.
To avoid confusion with the name of the entire state, the island of Hawaii is called “Hawaii’s Big Island,” and what an appropriate name it is. Bigger than all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, its sheer size can be intimidating. Home to numerous ancient Hawaiian temples, the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, and the landing spot for the first European missionaries, the Big Island is also an important place to learn about Hawaiian history. With so much to see, it’s best to experience the island in small pieces. There’s plenty of room on Hawaii’s Big Island for your return.
Hawaii – the Island of Maui - “The Magic Isle”
Maui - voted “Best Pacific Island” by readers of Conde Naste Traveller,
The second largest Hawaiian island, known as ’the Magic Isle’, offers 33 miles of superb beaches, crystal clear waters and a dramatic extinct volcano. Maui has a smaller population than you’d expect, making Maui popular with visitors who are looking for sophisticated diversions and amenities in the small, intimate towns, peppered throughout the island.
Lahaina: An old whaling town, which can be reached via the historic sugar cane train from the lovely resort of Kaanapali. Much of the original town still exists, which together with a wide variety of shops and restaurants make this a popular place to visit.
Haleakala National Park: This is a must see destination - a setting untouched by commercialism and which offers some beautiful mountain views. The highlight of your visit will be the Haleakala Crater with a stunning view of the extinct volcano. Stand above a sea of clouds high atop the crater, watch a 45 foot whale surface off the coast of Lahaina, lose count of the waterfalls outside your window as you drive the hairpin turns of Hana highway, There’s a reason why Maui is nicknamed “The Magic Isle.”
Whale Watching: November to April is whale watching season in Maui, when you can hope to see humpback whales blow just off shore.
Hana: The peaceful town of Hana on Maui’s rugged east coast lies at the end of the legendary Hana Highway, which snakes around 600 bends and over 54 bridges along the northeast coast! However, the drive is more than worth the effort, as you pass through breath-taking scenery of rain-forests, fast-flowing waterfalls and stunning seascapes.
Maui’s unique vistas also make it a much anticipated destination. From beaches that have repeatedly been voted among the best in the world to the scenic heights of Haleakala Crater, a visit to “The Magic Isle” recharges the senses. But like every good magic trick, you’ll have to see it for yourself to believe it.
For more information on holidays to the Hawaiian Islands call 01243 779 737
