At a time when island charm seems the only thing to help the winter blues, there are few places like Hawaii that fit the bill so perfectly. The archipelago is home to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts, with the islands Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, and Hawaii the most popular.

 
The verdant natural landscapes of the Hawaiian Islands

Positioned near the equator, Hawaii has a consistent tropical climate, and the landscape of these beautiful islands is always verdant, with colourful flowers blooming through the year, and their scent filling the air. With each island having unique features, choosing one for a visit is not always easy.

Kauai

Kauai is famous for its dramatic, natural beauty, the stunning beaches of the Coconut Coast, the Waimea Canyon – nicknamed The Grand Canyon of the Pacific – and the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast.

 
The stunning Napali coast on Kauai
 

Here you will find Hawaii’s only navigable river and one of America’s best beaches, Poipu Beach Park. Get to Kauai by flying directly to Lihue Airport on the East side of the Island.

Lanai

Lanai is the perfect getaway island, ideal for a romantic escape without the crowds. Without a single traffic light the pace on the island is calm and the landscape something to marvel at – from the Garden of the Gods, Keahiakawelo, or the native ohia lehua trees along the Munro Trail.

 
The course at Lanai’s Manele Bay Four Seasons - Image courtesy of Four Seasons
 

Lanai boasts 2 Four Seasons resorts, one at Manele Bay that features a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, and the Lodge at Koele boasting another fine course, this time designed by Greg Norman. You will also be able to sample horseback riding here, play tennis and stroll the beautiful grounds that marry an English aesthetic with some Asian twists. Fly to Lanai Airport for easy access to the island.

Maui

In Maui, a perennial holiday favourite, relax on yet more beautiful beaches, go diving or snorkelling, or go to the south of the island to see the Hawaiian green sea turtle in Turtle Town. If you plan a visit soon, be sure to go whale watching, as the whales migrate to the warmer waters from Alaska, with numbers highest and sightings most likely in February and March.

 
Go whale watching in Maui
 

In Maui, apart from its own excellent Four Seasons in Wailea, if you like somewhere that isn’t shy about extravagance try the Grand Wailea, owned by the Waldorf Astoria group. Here swim in any of its 9 sparkling pools, play tennis at the Wailea Tennis Club and take in its multi-million dollar art collection and spectacular water features – not to mention a 2,000-foot-long lazy river with waterslides and waterfalls. Get there by flying directly to Kahului Airport.

 
The impressive grounds of the Grand Wailea - Image courtesy of
 

If the quintessential romantic retreat isn’t quite your thing, explore the outdoors or make your way to Hawaii’s capital Honolulu on Oahu, where you can mix with locals and explore the museums, the performing and visual arts, and a vibrant surf scene delivering a cool city buzz that is the perfect counter to beachside seclusion.

Surfboards stacked on the Hawaiian Islands
 

With an abundance of truly luxurious places to stay and unrivalled beaches set amid beautiful backdrops Hawaii is a collection of islands that cannot help but refresh and restore even the most wearied traveller.