Spotlight on Hawaii


Of the 137 islands in the Hawaiian chain, six welcome visitors with a warmth and charm known as the ‘Spirit of Aloha’. It’s easy to slip into the laid back Polynesian way of life. The scented tropical air, agreeable climate and warm waters add to the ease and enjoyment of your stay. The hardest part will be choosing what to do each day, Hawaii offers visitors so much.

Maui – “The Valley Isle”

• Maui is noted for Haleakala National Park, ‘Iao Valley and Wailua lookout, excellent beaches including famous Ka’anapali and Napili Bay and many outstanding golf courses.
• The town of Lahaina is on the National Registry of Historic Places. It was a missionary and plantation centre and a whalers’ stop in the mid-1800s.
• Cycle down Haleakala, a 10,023-ft. dormant volcano.
• Take a whale watching boat to see the thousands of humpback whales that winter here.
• Visit offshore Molokini, a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District ideal for snorkelling.

Oahu – “The Gathering Place” is the busiest island

• Home of the state capital and largest city, Honolulu.
• Famous landmarks include Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and the scenic Nu’uanu Pali Pass.
• Duke Kahanamoku, the “Father of Modern Surfing,” grew up in Waikiki. Visit Duke’s Waikiki restaurant, on the site of the original Outrigger Canoe Club.
• Try the waves yourself! It’s a thrilling experience being carried in on the waves in an Outrigger canoe or take a surfing lesson.
• Pay your respects at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. The Battleship Missouri, U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park and Pacific Aviation Museum are also found at Pearl harbour.

Kauai – “The Garden Isle” and “ Island of Discovery ”


• Kauai is the home of many natural wonders – waterfalls, blow holes, cliffs, caves, the Fern Grotto and colourful Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
• Lumaha’I Beach was the setting for nurses’ beach in the movie ‘South Pacific’; the wedding scene in Elvis Presley’s ‘Blue Hawaii’ was filmed at the coconut grove.
• Kayak down the Wailua River – Kauai has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii.
• Tee off at one of nine scenic and challenging golf courses.

Hawaii – The “Big Island” and “The Orchid Isle”

• Larger than the other main islands put together, Hawaii is famous for its volcanoes and gardens.
• From Hilo, visit Akatsuka Orchid Garden, Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of the top visitor attractions in the state.
• Mt. Kilauea is the world’s most active volcano, continuously erupting since 1983 and Mona Loa is the largest volcano in the world (13,680 ft.)
• On the Kona coast, accessible from Kailua, you’ll find the Kona coffee plantations, the historically significant Puuhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge) built in the 12th century, the painted church, and Hulihe’e Palace, summer home of Hawaiian royalty.
• Kealakekua Bay Marine Sanctuary is another ideal spot for snorkelling. On shore stands a monument to Captain James Cook, the first British explorer to visit the islands, who was killed here.

Molokai – “The Friendly Isle” is the most Hawaiian


• Molokai is true to its Hawaiian traditions – this is the real Hawaii with no bustling cities.
• Nature, tranquility, history and culture are the attractions.
• Hiking and mule rides are popular ways to see the island.
• Hike in Halawa Valley, visit Kalaupapa National Historical Park where Father Damien ministered, or take a boat to see the world’s tallest sea cliffs (3600 feet) along the North Shore.

Lanai – “The Most Enticing Isle” formerly “The Pineapple Island”

• Get away from it all on Lanai – most roads are unpaved, there are just two luxury resorts and two championship golf-courses.
• See the lunar landscapes of Keahiakawelo and the lava rock tide pools and spinner dolphins of Hulopoe Bay.
• Hike the Munro Trail for views of neighboring islands Maui, Molokai, K ahoolawe, Oahu, and the Big Island.