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Hawai’i is a trove of beauty and adventure just waiting to thrill your senses. Don’t sit still for long; use the Aloha capital as your base and make a break for the islands. You’ll find sacred waterfalls, verdant valleys and a never-ending array of Pantone pigments. And that’s just for starters. Read on for eight trips to take from Honolulu, Hawai’i – plus how to get there and where to stay.
Seven trips from Honolulu
1. Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
Just eight km northeast of Honolulu, on the Pali Highway towards Kailua, you’ll find panoramic views of Oahu’s Windward Coast. Park up and enjoy this magnificent outlook. Keep some coins handy for the $7 USD entrance fee for cars. Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744.
2. Nā Pali Coast
Hawaiian Airlines flies the short distance from Honolulu to Kiaua’s Lihue Airport several times a day; from there Port Allen is a 30km drive. Book a spot on Captain Andy’s custom 65′ luxury sailing catamaran.
3. Waikapala’e wet cave
An hour north of Lihue Airport, at the end of the Kuhio Highway, you’ll find Haʻena State Park, home of the Maniniholo dry cave and Waikanaloa and Waikapalae wet caves. The latter is a Hollywood star courtesy of Pirates of the Caribbean and its majestic natural beauty, of course. Kapaa, HI 96746, USA.
4. The Hāna Highway
In the mood for a road trip? This 105km Maui stretch from Kahului to Hāna is well-travelled for a reason. It may only be an hour’s drive door to door, but with waterfalls, lookouts and local surf stars at every turn, you’ll be lucky to make it to Hāna in time for dinner. With many spots along the way, there’s also many opportunities to support local Maui businesses.
5. Waimea Canyon
Nicknamed The Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this west Kauai icon is best experienced up from way up high. From the vantage point of a helicopter, you’ll see red cliffs, waterfalls and copious other natural wonders.
6. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawaiian Airlines fly from Honolulu to Hilo daily; from there, it’s 50km to the National Park. Mokulele and Hawaiian Airlines serve Kono Airport, which is 150km away on the opposite side of the Big Island. Entry is from $15 USD. HI 96718, USA, nps.gov.
7. The Munro Trail
Named after naturalist George Munro, the Munro Trail is a winding 20.6km hike through a rainforest of ohia lehua, ironwoods, pine trees and eucalyptuses that peaks at a 3370ft summit of Mount Lanaihale. From here, you can take in a view of most of the main Hawaiian Islands.
Flights deals to Honolulu, Hawai’i
Honolulu Airport is about 10km from Honolulu, 15km from Waikiki. Hawaiian Airlines is offering low direct roundtrip fares to Honolulu from Sydney – as well as connections to other islands – from $1312 AUD. With more than 120 daily flights between the islands, trips to other parts of the Hawai’i Islands are made the more easy. Plus, if you book with Hawaiian Airlines, you can enjoy one free bag, no change fees, entertainment and Island-inspired food and beverage on all Sydney to Hawaii flights.
Where to stay in Honolulu
Halekulani
With a legacy dating back to 1883, this 453-room contemporary complex still manages to emit an old-school charm. Its spectacular oceanfront location, views of Diamond Head and oval-shaped pool make the Honolulu hotel a serene base. 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA.
Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations
This 143-suite timeshare resort feels more boutique than a big-city complex, but you still get to reap the benefit of all the luxe additions; rooftop pool, rooftop bar and excellent cocktails. 2181 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
The ultimate urban oasis, this high-end hotel is as flawlessly hospitable as you’d expect of anyone bearing the Ritz-Carlton’s name. Tear yourself away from the eighth-floor infinity pool if only to explore the foreshore.
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