For most visitors Hawaii is an enchanting wonderland of rainbows, waterfalls and perfect beaches. It was here that I first heard and felt the meaning of Aloha and it changed me forever. Aloha means “May the breath of God be always on your lips” - a beautiful way of saying hello and goodbye Hawaiian style. And believe me; breathing Hawaii’s air is near to Godliness. Spectacular sunsets, swimming with dolphins and giant turtles, soaking in liquid sunshine and feeling humbled by majestic views are just some experiences that cause people to fall in love with these islands of the gods.

My first glimpse of Hawaii was not what I expected. As the plane approached Honolulu Airport, high-rise hotels and clusters of modern buildings challenged my idyllic image of grass huts amid swaying coconut palms. However, Honolulu has its own charm and I soon found my fantasy not far from this shiny city on the sea.

I stepped off the plane and was engulfed by warm moist air and the sweetness of plumeria blossoms. A reception awaited us in the airport’s tropical garden. “Aloha,” a gorgeous young Hawaiian couple dressed in grass skirts and little else, welcomed and adorned us with fragrant flower leis and soft kisses on our cheeks. The girl, with thick dark hair flowing to her hips greeted the arriving men, and the boy, with strong, sensual features welcomed the women.

As a young teen, I remember falling in awe with this dark-eyed boy with silky brown skin, the aromatic air and dreamy sunlight. Hawaii had cast its spell over me before I had even left the airport. I returned year after year, the spell of Hawaii never leaving my heart. Lying more than 4000 kilometres off the west coast of the United States, Hawaii consists of Kilauea Volcano and several smaller ones that are either uninhabited or restricted for native Hawaiians only.

Most tourists visit the islands of Kauai, Maui and Oahu, often making day trips to see mighty Kilauea Volcano erupting on the Big Island. Oahu has the only international airport, located in Honolulu. Each island has a small airport or two, some of which resemble grass huts under coconut palms.

Each island evokes a unique atmosphere from one another: Oahu is the most social island, known as the ‘Gathering Place’. The home of modern Honolulu and ancient Diamond Head crater, Oahu blends old and new like nowhere else. The island's most popular beach, Waikiki, was a place of healing for the ancient Hawaiians. Today it is home to many luxurious spas.

The historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel is set on 10 acres of prime beachfront, tucked among high-rises on legendary Waikiki Beach, in the heart of Honolulu. Its pink Spanish facade appears from another era, and it has attracted celebrities, such as Shirley Temple, since 1927. Incidentally, the Shirley Temple cocktail was invented at this hotel.

Away from the hum of the city, Oahu’s North Shore is blessed with some of the most perfect waves on Earth, hosting several international surf competitions each year. No where else do waves form like these, often stopping traffic while people find any bit of space to stand in astonishment as massive blue entities of water rise, crest and break in a surreal show of nature’s powerful beauty.

What is equally amazing is the human strength and passion that causes men and women to thrust themselves into these towering walls of water, riding them on nothing more than a thin board. Even if you don’t surf, anyone can appreciate the impressive performance the North Shore puts on from November through February. After all, Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing.

Maui, known as the ‘Valley Isle’ and named after the Hawaiian sun god, is renowned for its verdant valleys, pink sand and spectacular Haleakala crater where daring cyclists speed down its face. Maui is also the Island of Love with many barefoot couples tying the knot on its sun-soaked shores. On the island’s less touristy side, the road to Hana thrills and enthrals those brave enough to travel its twists and turns, revealing dramatic drops into waterfall valleys and secluded coves.

Hookipa Beach lures windsurfers from around the world and many celebrities make Maui their second home. The long, sweeping shores of Kaanapali Beach boast fantastic hotels such as the Westin Resort & Spa, a tropical wonderland in itself. The exclusive area of Wailea features the Four Seasons Resort and the Wailea Golf Club’s championship courses. There are around 50 courses set in stunning locations on the Hawaiian Islands.

Further out on the island chain is Kauai, the ‘Garden Isle’. Said to be the oldest island, Kauai’s wilderness is dense and diverse, perhaps the reason it was chosen as the prehistoric setting for the movie Jurassic Park. Remember Puff the Magic Dragon who lived by the sea, in a land called Hanalei?

Nestled on Kauai’s north shore is the tropical fairy-tale town of Hanalei, bejewelled with rainbows, emerald fields, mist-draped mountains and quaint wooden buildings; the very place that inspired that everlasting song. Hanalei also played the role as the mystical island of Bali Hai in the classic movie South Pacific.

The Hanalei Bay Resort captures the essence of Hawaii with ocean views and waterfalls amid gorgeous gardens. Pamper yourself at the spa or play a round of unforgettable golf perched atop the ocean cliffs at the nearby Princeville Resort.

Continue past Hanalei to the end of the road and you come to magnificent Na Pali Coast State Park; a breathtaking series of lush, steep valleys carved by waterfalls and streams leading to isolated beaches. Not for the faint-of-heart, hikers with sturdy feet will be grandly rewarded whether they hike one kilometre or the entire 20 kilometre Kalalau trail, traversing five extraordinary valleys. But remember, there’s only one way in and out, so if you are not prepared to camp, you will have to hike equal distance back to civilization.

Hawaii is magical, fascinating and fun. It effectively blends American efficiency with laid-back Polynesia and sophisticated tourist facilities. Yet all you have to do is scratch the surface to find ancient Hawaiian culture, mysterious legends and archaeological treasures. Sacred temples, Kings’ roads, stone walls and petroglyphs are scattered throughout the jungles, while legends tell of old Hawaiian kings buried inside hidden caves guarded by potent curses.

Visit during the months of November through May and you will be treated to breaching whales during their migration. Enjoy a luau on the beach complete with fire dancing and rock-roasted wild boar. Rainbows seem to be a daily, year-round occurrence here. The carefree rhythm of the islands and spirit of Aloha touches everyone who breathes the air of these enchanted isles.