Ever dreamed of witnessing one of the Earth’s most primal processes of creation and destruction? Awaken your inner homosapien with an awe-inspiring view of nature’s wonder at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea, one of the two volcanoes that call this island home, is the most active volcano on earth, producing 250,000-650,000 cubic yards of lava per day. To put that in perspective, that’s enough to resurface a 32 kilometre-long, two lane road each day. Crazy, huh? Sometimes referred to as “the world’s only drive-in volcano”, this pre-historic site is a great choice for a Hawaii day tour and a dreamscape for hikers, the emerald valleys, icy waterfall pools, flowing lava and rainforests producing some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes you’ll likely ever witness.

Dreaming of swimming in crystal waterfall pools or lazing on golden sand beaches? Life on a tour to Hawaii is lived outdoors. World renowned for its beaches, the islands have every type imaginable: white, black, green and red sand, private coves, hidden bays, popular shorelines, surfable reefs, and off-the beaten track, untouched gems. One that stands out for its ubiquitous Hawaiian vibe, is Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Located on the Southeastern Kau Coast, Punaluu’s sand is colored black from the constant volcanic activity. Coconut palms fringe the sand here, making this a gorgeous spot for some high-octane sun baking, followed by a sprint/shimmy/dance across the scorching hot sand to flop into the refreshingly clear water.

Floating all by itself in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii proudly maintains its own distinct identity apart from the US mainland. Rich in diversity across all spectrums, the Hawaiian people are proud of their cultural identity and happily share their customs, including the Hawaiian Hookipa, which literally means “the hospitality of complete giving”. No trip to the Hawaii is complete without experiencing a luau - a Hawaiian feast featuring music and vibrant performances, which will allow you to both absorb and understand the local culture and its practices. To take home a greater appreciation for the world around you and an insight into one of Hawaii’s most coveted cultural experiences, this is something that cannot be missed.

Calling all ocean gypsies, this one’s for you. Aside from its golden sand beaches, world-class surfing, incredible wildlife and countless scenic hiking and biking opportunities, Hawaii can also add under water playground to its never-ending list of amazing reasons to visit. Because of its warm tropical waters, the bays around the archipelago are renowned for their rich aquatic life and are literally teeming with tropical fish, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, manta rays and honu - green sea turtles. Not a fan of the snorkel look? Chill to the max and soak up that extra delicious Hawaiian Vitamin D on the decks of our sail boat as we cruise to Lana’i, then find your feet on the ground again and try your hand at some volleyball.

As per Hawaiian culture, superstition and storytelling accompany many of the archipelago’s miraculous natural sites. The Mt Halekala legend goes that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun from its journey across the sky as he stood on the volcano’s summit, slowing its descent to make the day last longer. Haleakala, translated as ‘house of the sun’, is a mountain that towers over the island of Maui. Part of a scenic National Park and visible from just about any point, Mt Haleakala Crater is a force of nature in every sense and at 10,023 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano is the stage for a breathtaking range of landscapes, and an experience well worth getting up before dawn for. As the sun peeks over the horizon, an ever-changing swirl of color and light dance across the vast sea of clouds- a sight described by Mark Twain as “the most sublime spectacle I have ever witnessed”. What better way to pay homage to Twain, than by conquering this crater by bike - insane downhill run and never-ending views guaranteed.

The epitome of lush, towering emerald peaks guard the valley floor of Iao National Park. Every shade of green imaginable encompasses your view with thick, heavy rainforest scenery as far as the eye can see. A tropical paradise and site of one of the most famous battles in Hawaiian history, Iao Valley is a now peaceful 4,000-acre park of mystical beauty. Home to one of Maui’s most recognisable landmarks, the Ioa Needle is known to locals as the stone of Kanaloa (God of the Ocean), and appropriately stands mounting guard over the Valley. Easy hiking and picturesque scenery are the main pulls of a visit to this tropical paradise. The Valley is a botanical wonder, home to many native and indigenous plants. Channel your inner botanist and breathe the fresh mountain air at the top of this eerily charming paradise, a must do on your tour of Hawaii.

Where would we be without coffee? With an abundant supply, it’s little wonder the Hawaiian people are so warm and welcoming; coffee plantations are just another amazing part of life as a Hawaiian. Kona, on the Big Island, stretches for almost 2/3rds of the entire West Side. Here, Kona Coffee is an exclusive commodity. A visit to North or South Kona, will bring you as close to the action as can be, as the 100% pure stuff is grown only in these regions. What makes coffee in Kona so special? The high elevation, constant cloud coverage and rich volcanic soil from Hualalai Volcano in the upland slopes of Kona, create an ideal environment for harvesting this unique Hawaiian coffee bean. There are hundreds of coffee farms in Kona, so a visit to the thriving orchards to learn about the meticulous harvesting process is a must.