Whether you hike, swim or fly above them, here’s how to experience each of the Hawaiian Islands for a truly unique adventure.
SMALL GROUP BIG ISLAND TOURS IN THE ISLAND OF HAWAII
Discover the The Island Hawaii with a pre-organised day tour – complete with professional local drivers, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles and your own personal iPad to keep you informed throughout! Start with breakfast (and fresh Kona coffee) from a local bakery then leave it to the experts to drop you at the doorstep of some of the most unmissable sites on the island. Tours can offer you the opportunity to hike through a native rainforest, see turtles on the black sand of Punaluu Beach or feel the hot steam of a resting volcano – so you can simply sit back and relax.
SAFARI STYLE JEEPS IN LANAI
With most of the rugged regions of this isolated islet inaccessible by humble hire car (there isn’t a single traffic light across the entire island and only 30 miles of road are paved!), this one is better left to the experts. An off-road, four-wheel drive rental vehicle is not only helpful in allowing you to access the road less travelled but absolutely necessary. After all, without it, you could never experience the extraordinary landscapes of extraterrestrial Kaunolu, historic Keahiakawelo or deserted Keomoku. Just remember to respect the cultural significance of each.
HIKING IN KAUAI
According to the great Doctor Suess: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
Sound advice to take on board if booking a trip to the Hawaiian paradise of Kauai. Famed for its cliffs and canyons, the Garden Island is best explored on two feet, so lace up your boots and take advantage of views including Na Pali coast, Kalepa Ridge and Waipo’o Falls. Don’t forget: “You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way.”
WATER ADVENTURES IN MAUI
Pack a thinking cap with your swimsuit if planning a trip to the second-largest island of Hawaii. Tropical, beautiful, warm and welcoming, Maui offers its visitors many things… including the enviable dilemma of how to spend their time! With 50 kilometres of pristine beaches, ocean activities are made for Maui. Not so simple is the solution to how they are to best enjoyed. From surfing, scuba to snuba, stand up paddle boarding to sailing, swimming to sunbathing (shall we continue…?) we’ll leave it to you to decide if you want to enjoy Maui on, in or under water.
CYCLING IN MOLOKA’I
Book a bike to experience the best of Moloka’i. With a small footprint (or tyre tread?!) the 61-kilometre long/16-kilometre wide Friendly Island is best enjoyed on two wheels. Get on your bike and cycle around spots such as South Shore’s historical Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove and Church Row; beautiful Papohaku Beach on the island’s west side; and the east end’s ancient Halawa (Cathedral) Valley. Be sure to hit the breaks and occasionally stop to appreciate the view too.
DRIVING IN OAHU
While Waikiki is unquestionably wonderful, it would be a shame to visit Oahu and never venture beyond Honolulu. Although the island is serviced by public buses, travellers who would really rather be in the driver’s seat can DIY. With a little strategic planning – and a hire car- you can check out Windward (the eastern shore of the island), the south-east or Oahu’s popular North Shore. Our suggestion is a Mustang, convertible or soft-top Jeep. And take your time…After all, you are on the Aloha Island!