Hawaii's landscape is rich and diverse, quickly transforming from green, rolling hills to arid, desert-like lava fields; from frigid, towering heights to balmy beaches with perennially warm waters. Outdoor activities like surfing or scuba diving are a passion for many who live here, and visitors benefit from a wide selection of outfitters and activities. Children will especially enjoy helicopter rides and whale-watching tours.
Diving and Snorkelling
The unique system of lava tubes and volcanic shelves below the surface of Hawaii's waters harbour an amazing spectrum of aquatic life. Coral reefs, green sea turtles and diverse populations of tropical fish are accessible to divers and snorkellers alike. Some of the best snorkelling spots in the islands include Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island; Hanauma Bay on Oahu; Molokini Crater Nature Preserve on Maui; and the Na Pali Coast on Kauai.
Helicopter Rides
This is the best way to take in the scenery of the Hawaiian Islands. Virtually every island has its own helicopter tour operators, flying passengers to get a bird's eye perspective on some of the most breathtaking local attractions. Some of the best helicopter tours are along Kauai's Na Pali coast and over the lava flows pouring into the ocean off the edge of the Big Island.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the Hawaiian countryside, and many of the most sought-after hiking sites are closed to car traffic. Whether taking a leisurely hike to a secret beach or scaling the archipelago's highest mountain (Mauna Kea at nearly 14,000ft), you'll enjoy Hawaii's dramatically changing landscape along the way. The local selection of wildlife is truly unique, highlighted by the endangered monk seals and rare nene (Hawaiian goose).
Kauai Children's Discovery Museum
Located in Kapa'a on Kauai's east coast, the Children's Discovery Museum is full of hands-on activities to engage and entertain Hawaii's younger visitors. Highlights include a planetarium, a rock-climbing wall and art workshops. Phone: +1 808 823 8222.
Na Pali Coast
The unique fluted cliffs of northwestern Kauai are a product of millions of years of erosion by the sea. The state park is inaccessible to cars, traversed only by the Kalalau Trail which spans 18 kilometres of valleys and ridges. The park is also a popular place to visit by sea kayak, charter boat or helicopter. Adjacent to Na Pali State Park is the majestic Waimea Canyon.
Surfing
Whether you're a seasoned professional, an aspiring amateur or a first-time novice, Hawaii is probably the best place in the world to rent a board and have a try at the waves. You'll have no trouble finding experienced instructors working with small groups in areas where the breakers are known to be gentle and forgiving. Needless to say, boogie-boarding and body-surfing are also popular pursuits.
Whale Watching
Pods of humpback whales visit the islands (specifically the protected waters around Kauai as well as between Maui and the Big Island) during the slightly cooler winter months. They arrive from Alaska (where they've been gorging on krill) and devote themselves to a season of courtship and childbirth. Groups of other whale species remain in the area year-round. Ask your hotel staff for the best-reputed local whale-watching tour.
Over the centuries, Hawaii has grown to foster one of the world's most unique cultural climates. Originally colonised by intrepid Polynesians, the islands later received waves of Western and Japanese immigrants (among many others). Today’s monuments, museums and historic places explore the dynamic between these differing cultures. A luau is a top-priority event for families in Hawaii, offering insight into the ancient culture of the Polynesians.
Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum
Before the days of Kona coffee and macadamia nuts, the Hawaiian Islands were dominated by sugar plantations. This museum is found on Maui, adjacent to the islands' largest remaining sugar mill that is still in operation. Exhibits include photographs, documents and artefacts sourced from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Phone: +1 808 871 8058; www.sugarmuseum.com.
Captain Cook's Monument
The site where Captain James Cook first landed on the island of Hawaii, this monument stands on a plot of British soil overlooking Kealakekua Bay at the heart of the Kona coast. Originally a sacred site to Hawaiians, Cook unwittingly landed here during the apex of an annual holy festival, prompting locals to mistake him for the god of harvests. The encounter turned sour after a few weeks and Cook was killed here in a subsequent skirmish. A plaque near the monument marks the approximate place of his demise.
Hawi Town
The fabled birthplace of King Kamehameha I, Hawi is situated on the north shore of the Big Island. Equally known for its role during the once-booming sugar industry, Hawi is now a quaint stopover with a string of art galleries and boutiques as well as a monument dedicated to King Kamehameha I. Follow the road north of town until it ends at the breathtaking Pololu Valley Overlook, the perfect place to reflect on a day of sightseeing.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
Held every November in the midst of the harvesting season, this is the only coffee festival in the US. There are more than 50 events planned to highlight the Big Island's prowess in the global coffee industry, including parades and the annual Kona Coffee Cupping Contest. This is the best time to visit local farms for samples and guided tours. Website: www.konacoffeefest.com.
Luau
A luau provides the perfect opportunity for families to learn about the native Hawaiian culture and have a good time in the process. The programme includes traditional dance and singing that explores ancient Polynesianstories. The menu features traditional Hawaiian fare, highlighted by kalua pig, roasted all day in an earthen oven. Well-reputed luaus are held on every major island, though Mauai boasts the strongest reputation.
Polynesian Cultural Centre
Half cultural showcase, half amusement park, Oahu's Polynesian Cultural Centre has dozens of exhibits related to the first explorers to land on and colonise the Hawaiian Islands. There are seven native villages set up to explore the cultures of other Polynesian cultures such as the Maori and Samoan groups. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with actors, experience an authentic Hawaiian feast (luau) and watch traditional dance performances (hula). Phone: +1 800 367 7060; www.polynesia.com.
State Art Museum
The Hawaii State Art Museum is located in the state's capital, Honolulu. This is the world's largest collection of work generated by Hawaiian artists. The principal gallery includes work by nearly 300 artists, most of which was created between the 1960s and the present. The museum has also spearheaded a campaign to use local art to enrich public spaces. Phone: +1 808 586 0900; www.state.hi.us/sfca.
The clustered tourist centres and resort communities scattered throughout the islands harbour a variety of boutiques and marketplaces. Itinerant farmers' markets usually appear once per week in a specific location, dealing in fresh produce; food products like raw honey or tropical fruit wines; and locally made handicrafts. Ala Moana shopping centre in Honolulu is the most modern and expansive retail outlet, though the capital cities of each island usually have a shopping mall of some sort.
Popular items for sale include the ukulele (a miniature, Hawaiian-style guitar); floral-print aloha shirts; hula (dance) attire like grass skirts; muumuus (long, floral-print dresses); and plumeria leis (garlands). Major cities -including Honolulu's Chinatown - also have their own international marketplaces, where you'll find a myriad of exotic souvenirs from around the world.
With so much beachfront real estate, Hawaii's finest restaurants have no trouble procuring a fine view or even a slice of the waterfront. The best eating establishments are usually found in or near the booming resort towns, serving a mix of Pacific fusion and mainstream American fare. Practically every menu features fresh, locally caught seafood with its own Hawaiian name. Commonly featured fish are ahi (yellow-fin tuna), mahimahi (dorado) or ono (wahoo). Highly acclaimed Kona coffee is available almost everywhere.
Given the international climate of Hawaii, you'll find cuisine from virtually every corner of the world. Sushi and other Japanese fare are ubiquitous, maintained by the thriving community of second- and third-generation Japanese. Thai, Korean and Chinese restaurants are also here. Local fare is unpretentious, catering for Hawaii's everyday citizens with inexpensive plate lunches served cafeteria style.
