Classic Hawaii 1

Oahu is the island of Honolulu. And when we say Honolulu, we actually mean Waikiki, one of the most famous beaches in the world. The beach is bordered to the south by the Diamond Head promontory; it's worth driving up to the top of this extinct volcano crater for a beautiful panoramic view. The calm sea is ideal for surf lessons, where else? But there's more to the beach. The aquarium is a destination for families; boutiques, restaurants line Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenue, in the Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki Beach Walk, the International Market Place, and the huge Ala Moana Shopping Center. After sunset, the nightlife begins with live music in many venues. Less than half an hour's drive from Waikiki, you'll find Pearl Harbor, the Nuulani Pali Lookout, and the beautiful Hanauma Bay in a semi-submerged crater. The superb beaches on the windward coast are not to be missed, especially Kailua, Waimanalo, and Lanikai. Following the Pali Highway, you leave the skyscrapers behind and enter another world, with some of the most spectacular views in the archipelago. In the distance, you'll see the islet of Mokolii, nicknamed "the Chinese hat," on the turquoise sea. On the other side of the road is Kualoa Ranch, the valley that has served as a backdrop for famous films and TV series like "Jurassic Park" and "Lost." From here, the road climbs up to the north coast, with some of the world's most famous surfing beaches. But even if you're not a surfer, don't miss the beautiful Waimea beach in the summer months.

Hilo faces the rainy eastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, an authentic town surrounded by lush nature. Spectacular waterfalls such as Rainbow Falls, tropical botanical gardens and the lively downtown market make it a green, genuine base. From here one reaches the island's active volcanoes and rainforests. Hilo is the ideal destination for those seeking waterfalls, tropical nature and the authentic Hawaiian soul away from the resorts.

Kailua Kona faces the ocean along the western shore of Hawaii's Big Island, a town where Hawaiian history blends with coffee plantations and the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific. Along Ali'i Drive, the lively seafront strip, shops and restaurants sit beside historic sites such as Hulihe'e Palace, the former summer residence of Hawaiian royalty, and Moku'aikaua Church. Just to the north, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park preserves ancient fishponds and temples (heiau) of Hawaiian culture. The volcanic slopes of Hualalai are home to the celebrated Kona coffee fields, among the finest in the world, with many estates open to visitors. The clear waters of the Kona Coast offer outstanding snorkelling and diving, including the famous night dive with manta rays, while Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument draw kayakers and ocean lovers. Kailua Kona is the ideal base for discovering the authentic soul of Hawaii, among volcanoes, coffee and the sea.

Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, nicknamed "the Valley Isle" for its landscape of volcanoes and tropical coasts. It holds the golden beaches of Kaanapali, the spectacular Road to Hana and the towering Haleakala crater, where unforgettable sunrises await. Its waters are a realm of snorkelling, surfing and whale-watching. A Pacific paradise where lush nature and ocean merge.