OAHU
A laidback 1970s vibe, incredible food, amazing shopping; that’s just the beginning of why Oahu could be the perfect island escape. From the beachside hotels of Waikiki to the big waves of Waimea Bay on the North Shore, Oahu is a water lover’s paradise. But beyond all the aquatic action there’s so much to explore.
What to do
After hiring a longboard from a beach boy on Waikiki to tackle the gentle waves, check out the island’s impressive art museums. First stop should be a tour of Shangri La, the house and garden of philanthropist and collector of Islamic art, Doris Duke. Next, head to the Honolulu Museum of Art.
Where to eat
Stop by Paia Fish Market Waikiki for just-caught local fish, prepared any way you want it. Then toast the sunset from the Royal Hawaiian or Moana Surfrider.
Where to stay
There are a number of Outrigger resorts in Waikiki. Our pick? The beachfront Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Rooms are upscale residential-style, and poolside you can hear Hawaiian slack-key guitar live music.
MAUI
Beyond Maui’s rows of beachside luxury resorts and golf courses, there’s fresh produce to sample direct from the verdant land rich in volcanic soil. Up green hills at cloud level, small farms have opened their gates and cellar doors for the public to visit.
Where to go
Head upcountry to visit farm doors and meet real Hawaiian cowboys, known as paniolos. Begin by wandering the fields of fragrant lavender at the Ali’i Kula Lavender farm, then sample wine at the Ulupalakua Vineyards, before tasting the vodka at Ocean Organic Vodka.
Where to eat
Immediately after booking your trip to Maui, go online and book a table at Mama’s Fish House; it’s often booked out months ahead, and there’s very good reason. The seafood is so fresh, the fisherperson who caught your catch is named on the menu. The setting, on the beach on Maui’s North Shore, is beautiful, too.
Where to stay
The rustic town of Paia, home to Willie Nelson, is the perfect base. Wander the art galleries, ukulele store and organic food market before bedding down at the Paia Inn, housed in a 1920s stucco building. It’s simple, relaxed and offers private access to the beach.
KAUAI
Known as ‘The Garden Island’, here lush tropical jungles abound, recognisable as the backdrop for such blockbusters as Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark. There’s good reason why moviemakers choose Kauai – it is beautiful from every angle.
What to do
Start with a wander through the Limahuli Garden and Preserve then take a helicopter tour over Waimea Canyon and the awe-inspiring cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Take in more beauty by boat on the Wailua River: it’s right near the long-closed Coco Palms Hotel where Elvis Presley floated down the lagoon serenading his bride in Blue Hawaii.
Where to eat
Order Shinji’s Poke Bowl and Kauai shrimp at Japanese Grandma’s Café, located in Hanapepe Town. Save room for Wailua Shave Ice featuring locally made syrups.
Where to stay
The former Princeville St Regis has reopened as 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Make a booking and head to the secluded Hideaway Beach.
LANAI
Just a short ferry ride from Maui, Lanai is largely owned by Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison, but that doesn’t mean you can’t also enjoy the fruits of what’s known as ‘the Pineapple Isle’ (named because it was once home to the giant Dole plantation). Ellison is actively promoting eco-tourism in an effort to make the island “the first economically viable, 100% green community”.
Where to go
You can discover lush valleys and ironwood forests near Lanai City by foot or horseback, and amble the Munro Trail through the rainforest to Lanai’s highest point for incredible views.
Where to eat
Splurge on a great meal at one of the two Four Seasons or sample Lanai City favourites at Blue Ginger Café.
Where to stay
Book in for a rejuvenating luxury wellness stay at Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort. They can tailor a personalised journey featuring wellness consultations, spa treatments, classes and lectures.
THE BIG ISLAND
The Big Island is best known for its natural wonders including volcanoes where molten lava oozes into the steaming ocean below. In the water, discover underwater treasures on a snorkelling expedition.
What to do
Take a ranger-led day hike to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. On the Kona side, head to the Kona Coffee Living History Farm to test out the beans and brews that made the area synonymous with coffee, then take a snorkelling tour with Body Glove Hawaii. Leave time for a spot of antiquing in Kona to pick up vintage pieces of Hawaiiana including vinyl records.
Where to eat
Book a table at Merriman’s to dine on fresh local cuisine from chef Peter Merriman, known as the original ‘locavore’.
Where to stay
Book into the beachfront Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, developed by Laurance S. Rockefeller. It was the first resort hotel on the island, and remains a classic, with one of the most awarded luaus.
MOLOKAI
A 15-minute flight from Oahu feels like a world away. Residents here call this ‘the real Hawaii’. Molokai is where you can fully immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture.
What to do
Take a hike or mule ride along a steep hillside to Kalaupapa before seeing hula dancers perform; Molokai is known as the dance’s traditional birthplace.
Where to stay
A simple seaside escape, the Hotel Molokai features Polynesian-style rooms with kitchenettes and wi-fi.
