Aloha from Hawaii

At wedding fairs, I am always asked about honeymoons to Hawaii and have to say, being fortunate enough to have visited the Hawaiian Islands, it truly is a magical place. The Hawaiian Islands are part of the USA and is the country’s 50^th state, with over 132 islands in the archipelago but just 6 of them allow tourism.  These are Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai and Hawaii.  The islands have stunning scenery and the island of Hawaii which is also known as ‘The Big Island’ is home to the active Kilauea Volcano.  Amazingly it started to erupt in January 1983 and hasn't stopped flowing since! My favourite island is Maui which still has active volcanoes, rain forests, valleys, springs, waterfalls, exotic plants and some of the most unspoiled beaches in the world.  The most beautiful of the island’s beaches line the entire west coast of Maui and a number of tropical beaches can be found on the eastern shores.  In west Maui is the seaside town of Old Lahaina which has art galleries, small inns and lovely restaurants lining the beautiful long sandy beaches of Kaanapali.  Kapalua has two large crescent-shaped beaches along with superb snorkelling and body surfing.  South Maui has the upmarket Wailea and fantastic beaches and finally, no trip to Maui is complete with a visit to Hana.  Hana is on the east coast and surrounded by stunning waterfalls and deep valleys – well worth hiring a car for the day to go and visit. Top tips for Maui – take the scenic tour along the road to Hana – plus experience the natural beauty of Haleakala National Park. A less visited Hawaiian Island is Kauai which is the fourth largest island and is a feast of green, tropical forest, cascading waterfalls and golden sand beaches.  It also has the breathtaking coastal wilderness of Na Pali Cliffs and Waimea Canyon which is also known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’.  As there is so much spectacular scenery here on Kauai, a hire car is a must as there is little in the way of public transport here. Top tips for Kauai – View the 4,000ft high cliffs on the Na Pali Coast by helicopter and look down into the depths of the Waimea Canyon. There is no place on earth quite like the Big Island of Hawaii. It is so called because it is the USA’s largest island and is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes.  The island was formed by five connected volcanoes and is divided into 6 districts.  Most of the island’s resorts are on the Kona side in the west, while Hilo the capital, is to the east and is more local. Top tips for the Big Island of Hawaii – Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the volcano eruption areas on an air tour.  Plus take in the amazing green sea turtles at black sand Punaluu Beach Park. And lastly, everyone’s thoughts when you talk about Hawaii are the island of Oahu where the famous Waikiki Beach is located!  The island has everybody’s vision is of a perfect tropical island holiday paradise with all the sea, land and sporting activities you could want as well as the opportunity for rest and relaxation in the many luxury resort hotels that line Waikiki Beach and beyond. Top tips for Oahu – Snorkel amongst the colourful tropical fish of Hanamua Bay to see the amazingly vibrant coloured fish.  Also, make the effort to go and visit Pearl Harbour and its moving monument to respect those killed in the attack of December 1941.