Neighbourhood Watch

​​​​Sometimes called 'The Gathering Place', the third largest (and most-visited) Hawaiian island of Oahu certainly lives up to its name. Home to the majority of Hawaii's diverse population – a fusion of east and west cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people – it's this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering Oahu so enjoyable.

While the sublime North Shore beaches are famous for epic winter surfing, they are calm come summer and much quieter than those nearer the city on the South Shore like Waikiki (the best beach for learning how to surf); while on the windward (east) side you'll find lush country landscapes and white- sand beaches of Lanikai – once rated world's number one by Condé Nast Traveller; Kailua (popular with families); and Waimanalo – a four-mile stretch of sand that's perfect for learning how to body-board or body-surf.

But most visitors come to Oahu for the big city activities of Honolulu: from the amazing shopping and nightlife, to its historic landmarks, flourishing arts and culture scene, the underground bars of the Chinatown arts district, waterparks, aquarium and of course the timeless memorials and museums of Pearl Harbor.​​​

Hawaii's second largest island, known as the "Valley Isle," Maui is ideal for those who want a nice balance between mind-blowing nature and civilisation. It's here you'll find what some believe are the world's best beaches as well as awesome opportunities for whale-watching. It's also dotted with quaint towns, artist communities and local haunts that have been around for generations.

And we love that while the island is big enough to never feel like you're marooned, it's small enough that one minute you could be chilling on the best beach in the world, and the next, climbing up a jungle waterfall.

Head to Wailuku for pastries from a family bakery, or head to historic Lahaina – once capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii and keeper of centuries of history – for a taste of Maui's famed farm-to-table cuisine, good nightlife and decent beaches.

From shimmering beaches; the sacred Iao Valley; migrating humpback whales jumping out of the water and playing; to sunset on the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakala Crater; or the heritage Road to Hana (a scenic drive across East Maui filled with one-lane bridges, waterfalls, and plantations that hark back to the days of old Hawaii), it's not surprising Maui was voted the "Best Island" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler for more than 20 years.

One of our favourite things to do is sit on the beach and peer out at the beautiful island that surround Maui: Molokai' (where you'll experience a Hawaii of days gone by, one of unspoiled countryside, untouched beaches and the chance see the traditional rural lifestyle of the people); Lana'i (home to exquisite resorts with world-class amenities, and rugged back roads with off-the-beaten-path treasures just ripe for exploring, like Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) and Polihua Beach; and the unpopulated Kaho'olawe.​​