We are also staying longer, tending to spend an average of 9 to 10 days in the state, making us one of the longest-staying and highest-spending international visitors. <\/p>\n
But the most shocking detail to me was that Australians are rarely venturing out of Waikiki, with most staying in the tourist hub. <\/p>\n
Back in December, I was fortunate enough to visit three islands that make up the state of Hawai’i, and it made one thing very clear. <\/p>\n
If you want to visit Hawai’i, do not make the grave mistake of simply staying in the big tourist areas around Honolulu and Waikiki, like so many Aussie tourists do. <\/p>\n
Yes, these spots are popular for a reason. They are lots of fun, extremely stunning, and have everything you could possibly need.<\/p>\n
But there is so much more to Hawai’i that so many visitors never get to see. The biggest mistake you could make while visiting the state is staying in just one area.<\/p>\n
Let me tell you why.<\/p>\n
O\u2019ahu <\/p>\n
The third largest, yet most popular island in Hawai’i, O\u2019ahu is home to the state\u2019s capital, Honolulu. <\/p>\n
With its lush green landscapes and stunning warm waters, it is what is conjured up in most tourists\u2019 minds when they daydream about a relaxing Hawai’ian holiday. <\/p>\n
Where to stay<\/p>\n
The OUTRIGGER\u2019s Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel<\/a> is nestled on the bustling Kal\u0101kaua Ave, right in the pulsating heart of Waikiki. <\/p>\n Just a few minutes walk from Waikiki beach, it blends breathtaking L\u0113\u02bbahi (Diamond Head) and ocean views with high-end luxury shopping, delicious local dining and vibrant street entertainment.<\/p>\n The different rooms and suites truly encompass the essence of local charm, and I was enamoured by the thoughtful small touches that really made us feel like we were in Hawai’i in our Junior Suite.<\/p>\n The fresh orchid in the bathroom captivated me, and the intricate wooden design truly embodied that Polynesian flair. <\/p>\n While there are dozens of breakfast spots right at your doorstep, the resort\u2019s very own Hawaiian Aroma Caffe<\/a> was a fun spot, overlooking the sparkling pool in the mornings. <\/p>\n While others participated in some very peaceful-looking yoga classes just next door, I loved going down in my pyjamas to grab an egg bagel and caramel macchiato. <\/p>\n It\u2019s all about balance! <\/p>\n The hotel is also home to Honolulu\u2019s first ever resident Cirque Du Soleil\u2019s show, Auana<\/a>, derived from a Hawai’ian word meaning \u201cto wander\u201d or \u201cveer off the beaten path\u201d.<\/p>\n It reflects the true sense of adventure the show embodies, guiding audiences through Hawai’i\u2019s ancient stories and cultural landscapes while merging tradition with Cirque du Soleil\u2019s signature artistic flair.<\/p>\n It pays homage to the state\u2019s heritage, blending breathtaking acrobatics, multimedia projections, and mo\u2018olelo (stories) inspired by the islands\u2019 rich culture.<\/p>\n Strolling down from our hotel room just upstairs to the conveniently located theatre at the Beachcomber, I had no idea what to expect as a total Cirque du Soleil first timer.<\/p>\n Full disclosure. In the past, despite respecting the art form, I have never been a massive fan of live theatre shows or musicals.<\/p>\n However, Auana changed my perceptions entirely. <\/p>\n I was completely transfixed from start to finish. Even my Mum, who, like me, had never gone out of her way to sit through any live theatre shows, was dazzled the entire way through.<\/p>\n The show is truly spectacular, and celebrates the essence of the Hawai’ian islands through breathtaking artistry and awe-inspiring athleticism, unfolding across eight chapters. <\/p>\n From the Polynesian migration, to the \u201cgolden age of tourism\u201d, each act honours a deep connection to the \u02bb\u0101ina (land), celebrating Hawai’i\u2019s rich heritage and cultural traditions.<\/p>\n Rooms at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel generally start at around AUD$350 a night.<\/p>\n What to do<\/p>\n You will never be short of things to do on O\u2019ahu. <\/p>\n There is truly something for everyone, and that is part of the magic of the island and why so many tourists come back, year after year. <\/p>\n A visit to Honolulu would not be complete without a stroll along the famous Waikiki beach, with water so calm and clear, it is like being transported to another realm of total relaxation. <\/p>\n While I vegged out on the sand, far more active tourists hiked up Diamond Head to take in Honolulu from above. <\/p>\n For the history buffs out there like myself, a visit out to Pearl Harbor<\/a> is a once in a lifetime experience.<\/p>\n We spent a solid few hours moving through this deeply moving historic site, visiting the USS Arizona Memorial.<\/p>\n A solemn war grave, it marks the final resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed on USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan on December 7, 1941. <\/p>\n Visitors can also visit the USS Battleship Missour<\/a>i<\/a> and pay their respects at the nearby USS Oklahoma and USS Utah memorials.<\/p>\n A visit to O\u2019ahu would not be complete without a day at the famous Kualoa Ranch<\/a>, a 4,000-acre private nature reserve located around 38km from Waikiki.<\/p>\n Any film freak can instantly recognise the dramatic scenic green valleys, as they have been the stunning backdrop for over 200 movies and television shows.<\/p>\n Nicknamed \u2018Hollywood\u2019s Hawai’i backlot\u2019, it has been the shooting location for blockbusters like Jurassic Park (1993) and Jurassic World (2015), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Pearl Harbor (2001) 50 First Dates (2004), George of the Jungle (1997) and Godzilla (1998) as well as television shows like Lost, Hawaii Five-O and Magnum P.I.<\/p>\n As we rode through the valleys in our tour car, it really felt like we were at the end of the earth, as if dinosaurs could come stomping around the corner at any moment. <\/p>\n One of the creepiest parts was coming across these giant prop dinosaur bones. They looked so real!<\/p>\n Our time in O\u2019ahu was beautifully capped off by a sunset sail on the Kamoauli,<\/a> an educational and cultural sailing tour aboard the only U.S.C.G.-certified Polynesian wa\u2019a kaulua: a traditional style all-wood, double-hulled sailing canoe.<\/p>\n Kamoauli is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Hawai’ian culture by offering a unique educational platform to share \u2018ka mo\u02bb\u014dlelo o ka \u2018\u0101ina\u2019 – the native history, myths, legends and stories of the islands. <\/p>\n We were instantly warmly welcomed onto the gorgeous boat by the delightful Captain Rob Riekena and his dedicated team<\/a>, before sailing out to Waikiki Bay.<\/p>\n An educational experience, Kamoauli is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the different unique aspects of Hawai’ian culture.<\/p>\n The lovely Uncle Danny had us playing the Hawai’ian steel guitar, giving me extra points for guessing the song Sleepwalk (1959), while the talented Sonny Kapu \u2013 who was once a contestant on American Idol \u2013 drifted us into serenity with his ukulele. <\/p>\n There are few things that could have been more relaxing than looking at the vastness of Diamond Head right in front as the tunes lulled us further into tranquillity. <\/p>\n Some days, guests are greeted with all sorts of marine life, like turtles, dolphins and even whales. <\/p>\n The Island of Hawai\u2019i (The Big Island)<\/p>\n Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a day on Mars? <\/p>\n Well, we might not have the technology to get there yet. But visiting the Island of Hawai’i feels like a pretty close second.<\/p>\n The stark, barren, basaltic terrain and high-altitude, low-humidity environment visually and geochemically mimic the red planet in the most wonderful way. <\/p>\n It is the land of bubbling volcanoes, world-famous coffee Kona coffee beans and some of the best snorkelling spots in Hawai\u2019i. <\/p>\n After a short flight from Honolulu to Kailua-Kona on Hawaiian Airlines, we were being transported through the most fascinatingly unique landscape I had ever seen, with tufts of fountain grass and black volcanic rock as far as the eye could see.<\/p>\n Where to stay<\/p>\n The tourist hub of Kailua-Kona, located on the western side of the Big Island, is home to an array of stunning resorts overlooking the rolling waves and dramatic cliffs above. <\/p>\n Checking into the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa<\/a> was a dream, with vast views of the deep blue ocean and the cliffs of Keauhou Bay welcoming us in as we made our way to our accommodation. <\/p>\n Things only got better from our gorgeous oceanfront room, which led out to a large balcony (lanai) that overlooked an expansive swimming pool, perched just above the ocean.<\/p>\n The resort\u2019s newly renovated guest rooms and suites blend harmoniously, uniting the property\u2019s heritage with modern aesthetics. <\/p>\n The stunning swimming pools \u2014 yes, plural \u2013 are truly the heart of the resort, with people from all walks of life coming to relax either in the serene adult-only section or the bustling family-friendly lagoon. <\/p>\n The resort boats the biggest water slide on the whole island and proves to be very popular with both kids and kids at heart. <\/p>\n I personally witnessed an entire group of friends aged in their eighties holidaying together from Colorado and they were delightfully taking turns going down the slide, one after the other. <\/p>\n We later also spotted them having a few celebratory birthday Mai Tais in the exclusive Voyager 47 Club, OUTRIGGER\u2019s own private lounge.<\/p>\n Available to guests staying in the club rooms and suites, it takes in sweeping ocean views at sunrise and sunset, with guests able to enjoy a rotating menu of locally-inspired dishes and carefully curated cocktails. <\/p>\n We later enjoyed dinner and wine at PIKO, the resort\u2019s main restaurant, as we were serenaded by a local musician on the guitar.<\/p>\n Afterwards, we took a stroll over to the Manta Ray viewing deck, a popular feature of the resort.<\/p>\n While not quite brave enough to go snorkelling with them, we enjoyed watching them gracefully glide in the water, illuminated by the moon.<\/p>\n The next morning, we visited the resort\u2019s cultural centre and went on an informative 90 minute walking tour lead by one of OUTRIGGER\u2019S local Cultural Advisors.<\/p>\n The complimentary experience invites guests to explore the historic villages of Kaukulaelae and Keauhou Bay, where ancient traditions, royal history and the spirit of place come together beside the sea.<\/p>\n The tour ended right next to the bustling local Kona Farmers Market, where patrons can enjoy some delicious grub, fresh local coffee and purchase some little trinkets and souvenirs to take back home. <\/p>\n Rooms at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa start at around AUD$390 a night. <\/p>\n What to do<\/p>\n If you can muster up enough energy to be pulled away from a poolside cocktail, a guided day tour around the Big Island is truly a magnificent way to see it in its entirety. <\/p>\n Wasabi Tours\u2019 Big Island Grand Circle Tou<\/a>r<\/a> truly had it all, letting us experience the incredible diversity of the island.<\/p>\n Led by our knowledgeable local guide, Derek, we first travelled along the Kona coast to a local coffee farm to sample world-renowned Kona coffee and learn about the island\u2019s agricultural heritage. <\/p>\n Kona Coffee is some of the best in the world and I can see why.<\/p>\n We continued along to Punalu\u02bbu Black Sand Beach, spotting green sea turtles resting peacefully on the shore.<\/p>\n We then explored the Volcanoes National Park, walking through the historic N\u0101huku Lava Tube, visiting steam vents, and looking out over the majestic active craters.<\/p>\n After a relaxing lunch break by the trees, we journeyed along the H\u0101m\u0101kua Coast to marvel at the sheer power of the soaring, 135m \u2018Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, while we ended the tour with a breathtaking sunset view at the Waipi\u02bbo Valley overlook.<\/p>\n We could not have asked for a better day and our guide truly made it an experience to remember. <\/p>\n Maui<\/p>\n Our final stop in our Hawai\u2019i trip was to the blissful island of Maui, home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the entire world.<\/p>\n The island is still recovering from the devastating wind-driven 2023 wildfires that prompted mass evacuations and caused widespread damage. <\/p>\n Tragically, 102 people lost their lives, while thousands more were displaced. <\/p>\n Tourism plummeted dramatically and is currently in a state of gradual stabilisation, with visitor numbers remaining about 15 to 20 per cent lower than pre-fire levels, according to Maui Now.<\/a><\/p>\n One of the best ways for visitors to support the island is simply by visiting and investing funds into the economy by buying and eating locally.<\/p>\n You can also donate to the Hawaii Strong Foundation<\/a>, which provides financial resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs for the people and places affected by the fires. <\/p>\n Where to stay<\/p>\n Called Maui\u2019s \u2018most Hawaiian resort\u2019, the OUTRIGGER K\u0101\u02bbanapali Beach Resort<\/a> is a true celebration of all things Hawai\u2019i, set in one of the dreamiest tropical spots in the world.<\/p>\n The resort\u2019s daily activities allow guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant tradition and customs of the land, all set in a true beachside paradise. <\/p>\n Our room was propped right on the stunning K\u0101\u02bbanapali Beach, an incredible 4.8 kilometre stretch of white sand in West Maui, with our balcony opening up right onto the heart of it all.<\/p>\n There is nothing more magical than the blissful sound of lapping waves lulling you to sleep at night, followed by the fresh morning ocean breeze gently waking you up in the morning.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n