New sensations in Hawaii
Oahu
After lapping up the sunshine at the popular Waikiki beach, head away from the crowds to explore a few uninhabited beaches with Wild Side Specialty Tours. This experience takes participants to lesser-known areas of untouched coastlines and coral reefs. Wild dolphins are even known to interact with people along these coastlines, so keep your eyes peeled.
Soak up the sounds of Hawaii at the annual ukulele festival held every July at Kapi’olani Park. It’s hard not to dance along to the infectious music which is the perfect accompanying tune for the sunny island lifestyle. Now in its 44th year, this festival has become a summer tradition in Hawaii, with locals, ukulele fans and visitors to the island all coming down to enjoy the beach boys vibe. The event will take place from July 18 to 20.
Oahu is also home to the Ala Moana Centre, the world’s largest outdoor shopping centre. Despite boasting 290 shops and restaurants in the complex it is still expanding, with the recent announcement that Bloomingdales will also be opening in late 2015.
Kauai
Rest and relaxation is easy to find on the island of Kauai, with its seemingly-endless coastline, serene rivers and top of the range spas.
It isn’t a trip to Hawaii without some quality beach time. Spend a few days lazing on the palm tree lined shoreline or floating through the tranquil blue waters of Salt Pond Beach Park, just one of Kauai’s many beautiful beaches.
If a good pampering is what you need to de-stress then head to the Koloa Landing at Poipu Beach Resort. The hotel has just unveiled a new spa facility, where guests indulge in relaxing Hawaiian styled spa treatments. The facilities, inspired by the rich natural landscapes of Kauai also offer couple rooms so you and that special someone can treat yourself together.
The property also has an eco-friendly package for guests who want to do their bit to help preserve the island. The Save Kauai package will provide guests with a $50 credit that may be redeemed at local shops.
Maui
Immerse yourself in local life on a trip to the friendly rural community of Hana on Maui’s lush northeast coast. The little town is a world away from the bustling Kahului, however the real experience is the trip there. The twisty Hana Highway winds its past the azure ocean, rushing waterfalls, tropical forests and fresh fruit-bearing trees while crossing 54 one-lane bridges along the route.
The dynamic natural spectacle spreads through the island, with Haleakala National Park home to a number of endangered species and Maui’s highest peak. Visitors can also wander above the clouds by hiking to the summit. Some adventurers even bike ride their way back downhill before spending the night under the Hawaiian stars at the camping sites located within the park.
Hawaii
Hidden among the luxurious shopping hubs on the big island of Hawaii are local craftsman and island-wear stores. The shops at Mauna Lani provide a perfect combination of big name fashion brands and local artistry. Here you can find one-of-a-kind gifts, local art and fine dining all in the one location.
Beyond the beautiful scenery and shopping strips, Hawaii has a rich culture of its own and some of the friendliest people on earth. The aloha spirit is on show yearly in the Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long cultural festival on the island which concludes with what many consider the world’s premier hula competition. Pick up some hula tricks and watch as the female soloists and hula schools from around the world take your breath away with their wide smiles and shimmying straw skirts.
For those heading to the mainland of Hawaii soon, Mauna Kea Resort is offering a Spring into Summer promotion with reduced room rates, a daily buffet for two as well as a $300 resort credit for food and beverages.
Lanai and Molokai
For all those loved up couples wanting a romantic escape, look no further than Lanai and Molokai. These islands tend to have fewer visitors than the bigger islands, so they provide quiet beaches where your partner is often the only other person in sight. Don’t miss the glowing sunset views from the white sand beaches, or head to Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove on Molokai to see the colours of the sky transform above the swaying coconut trees.
The Four Seasons Resorts Lanai at Manele Bay provides a perfect setting for a luxury getaway, with wedding and honeymoon packages also available.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
hawaiiLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!