A showcase of evolution, the Hawaiian Islands boast some of the world's most dramatic scenery, including tropical rainforest, miles and miles of sandy beaches, gushing waterfalls and exotic flowers in abundance.
In a nutshell
All of this, combined with world-class amenities and a truly welcoming atmosphere, make them the perfect destination for couples, families and adventurers! Please note, Hawaii is a non-smoking state!
Oahu
The heart of Hawaii, Oahu is one of the most popular islands with something for everyone. Rich in culture and history, there are museums, temples, cultural centres and colourful festivals. Historical artefacts can be found at the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace, or stroll through Chinatown for turn-of-the-century architecture. The beaches are also fantastic with swimming, surfing, windsurfing, boogie boarding, snorkelling and fishing on the agenda. Alternatively, practice your putt at one of more than 40 public and private golf courses. As well as superb challenges, they offer spectacular vistas, including forested mountains, desert-like terrain and fields of sugar cane. Families are very much catered for on Oahu, with a variety of activities designed specifically with kids in mind. Take a submarine ride, enjoy the thrills and spills on offer at the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, head to the Sea Life Park, or spend the day at Honolulu Zoo. Explore Real Polynesia is highly recommended, consisting of 7 authentic Polynesian villages with interactive games and crafts. A perfect blend with lots of things to see and do, and the fabulous beach to relax on.
Kauai
Quiet and unspoiled, Kauai, known as the Garden Island, is treasured for its lush, tropical scenery and beautiful, sparkling beaches. At its centre is an easily accessible dense forest wetland, perfect for hiking. The Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and the Kokee Region have the most extensive network of trails with unparalleled views, tropical vegetation, streams and waterfalls to spur you on. You can also enjoy mountain biking down Waimea Canyon Road or a helicopter tour into the waterfall-lined crater of Mount Waialeale. 8 world-class golf courses will challenge the enthusiast, or indulge in more cultural pursuits with a visit to Kauai Museum and the Waioli Mission House. The charming, historical towns of Hanalei, Hanapepe and Lihue will also delight. A virtual playground for children, families will love the Kauai Children's Discovery Museum with its interactive exhibits, virtual reality games and hands-on science and art activities. Other activities sure to meet with approval include sand-sculpture contests, coconut-frond weaving and tide pool explorations.
Maui
The second largest in the Hawaiian chain, Maui is also the most diverse. An unforgettable honeymoon destination, it also caters very much for families and adventurers. Those interested in culture will appreciate its thriving arts scene with choral concerts, classical performances, jazz pianists, comedy shows and Polynesian drumming being just some of the shows to tempt you. The beaches are stunning, some with brilliant pearl white sands, others with black volcanic sands. Kaanapali or Wailea are the most famous, or hire a guide to take you to beaches off the beaten track. Water sports are available in abundance or head inland to Haleakala - a dormant crater and one of 2 volcanoes on the island, it boasts superb hiking and biking trails, not to mention spectacular panoramic views. History buffs will love the town of Lahaina, a National Historic District and home to several important historic sites. The Lahaina-Kaanapali and Pacific Railroads also provide a wonderful journey into the island's romantic plantation past. Other pursuits include glass-bottom boat rides to discover a whole new world under water and the Maui Ocean Centre with its walk-through acrylic tube.
Big Island
The Aloha State's largest island, it is also the least developed with scenery so spectacular and diverse, it will quite literally take your breath away! Volcanoes National Park is home to Hawaii's only active volcano and has terrain so moon-like that it is used as an astronaut training ground! Many activities are situated on or around spectacular beaches, with ocean kayaking, surfing, windsurfing and catamaran excursions widely available. Away from the shoreline, hikers can trail across glittering black lava fields or horse ride through eucalyptus forests. There's also great mountain biking and 20 world-class golf courses. Nature lovers should head to the east side of Big Island for brilliant flowers and breathtaking waterfalls. At historical Kealakekua Bay, Captain James Cook dramatically lost his life in 1779 and Puukohola Heiau is a sacred site built in 1790 by King Kamehameha, when he asked the gods for help in uniting the Hawaiian Islands. Whale watching, swimming with dolphins and simply listening to rare birdsong will also delight.
Additional info
Weddings and Honeymoons
Incomparably beautiful with world-class hotels, sports and attractions, it's easy to see why Hawaii is one of the world's most popular wedding and honeymoon destinations. With Virgin Holidays, you can get married in style, exchanging vows on the beach perhaps, or in a hotel gazebo. Honeymooners often get upgraded FREE of charge with a bottle of COMPLIMENTARY Champagne to celebrate!
Touring
We've included internal flight prices for 2008, making it even easier to island hop! As well as several air tours combining Hawaii with some of the US's most exciting cities, we've introduced a new air tour encompassing 3 of Hawaii's most popular islands. To visit the islands in true style and comfort, hop on board a luxury liner, the Pride of America, for the cruise of a lifetime!
Golf and Spa
All the islands offer a number of challenging golf courses, set against a backdrop of dramatic scenery. The Royal Lahaina Resort and the Maui Prince Hotel in Maui boast 2 championship courses, as does the Sheraton Kauai Beach Resort & Spa on Kauai. The Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oahu offers state-of-the-art spa facilities along with many other hotels on the Hawaiian Islands.
Island Hopping
With Virgin Holidays it's easy to experience more than just 1 Hawaiian Island. You can fly between any of the islands that we feature for just 60 per flight (per person, one way, including tax). These flights must be booked in conjunction with a Virgin Atlantic international flight. The price is valid for all departures between 01 Jan-30 Apr '09.
'Try Something Different'
Zip 'n' Dip! Based in Kauai, our new adventure is one of a choice of excursions available including thrilling zip lines through beautiful forests, kayaking to a waterfall and hiking up to a stunning viewpoint. Alternatively, take to the air for a helicopter ride, admiring stunning Jurassic Park-style scenery as you fly!