USA - Hawaii
by David Sutcliffe
Ok, ok, I only visited Oahu, the most populous island and some travel snobs out there will say that you need to stay in Lanai or Kauai or the Big Island to see the real beauty of this string of volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Like the other islands, Oahu offers stunningly beautiful scenery, wonderful beaches and a lush interior. However, unlike the other islands, it also gives you shopping, history, culture and all the other benefits that a large American city can bring.
Honolulu is the gateway to Oahu and most people will take the short transfer to the most renowned area of the city, Waikiki. Here you find the famous Waikiki Beach with its views of Diamond Head. Within walking distance of the beach you have shops, markets and restaurants galore. I love Honolulu, but if you feel the need to get out and explore then the island is fairly small and easily navigated by car.
The first stop on any tour should be Pearl Harbour, just west of the city. A tour of this naval base cannot fail to move any visitor given the relatively recent history and the dramatic and poignant memorials are truly humbling. This was where World War II started for the USA and the unique positioning of the USS Arizona Memorial, floating above the sunken vessel which remains the final resting place of over 1000 crew members, leaves you dumbstruck.
Onwards through the pineapple fields (before I visited Hawaii I thought pineapples grew on trees!) to he infamous North Shore - hardcore surfer territory with huge waves and quiet sandy beaches.
Other places to visit on Oahu include the Honolulu Academy of Arts, China Town and the Byodo-In Japanese temple. Golfers are well catered for and nothing beats eating at a luau while watching a traditional hula.
Also, if anyone wants to get married abroad then it makes a perfect setting........I should know.