| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 12/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 40 |
| Copyright: Other |
Product update by Alan Moore
Splash out: go surfing or hike inland and see the spectacular waterfallsWhether you want surf or turf – hit the islands
Travel centre flags wide-ranging activities
IMAGES of breaking surf, sandy lagoons and high-rise hotel strips are perhaps foremost in many people’s minds when thinking of the Hawaiian islands.But there is a lot more to Hawaii as a holiday destination than Honolulu’s bustling Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu. Specialist operators are featuring an increasing number of add-ons in their brochures that take advantage of the contrasting landscapes of the six main islands. These include Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai and the Big Island of Hawaii.
London-based Hawaiian Travel Centre – which operates one of the most varied programmes to the destination – features all six islands with a wide choice of product. This includes island cruising, ranch stays, trail rides, water sports, hiking and biking. Those with a more adventurous inclination can go surfing, sky-diving, kayaking and deep-sea fishing.
Hawaiian Travel Centre sales and marketing director Tony Fabian said: “Hawaii is a hiker’s paradise – the landscape remains in its natural state – and tropical plants, streams and fern-lined waterfalls abound.
“Some hiking trails can take days to complete, which means that correct registration and preparation are essential.”
Cycling is also offered throughout the islands and enables visitors to get close to Hawaii’s vast natural beauty, such as a sunrise ride down the dormant volcano of Haleakula or mountain biking on Molokai.
With the Polynesian invention of the surfboard, the islands are ideal for water-based sports and can be a step up from the gentler experiences of the Caribbean. From gentle, rolling waters to walls of waves that can reach 40ft in the winter season, Hawaii caters for beginners and experts.
There are also opportunities for anglers interested in freshwater or ocean fishing where catches include yellowfin and marlin. For those who want to base themselves in the great outdoors, HTC features stays at the Molokai Ranch on Molokai. Fabian said: “It’s a working cattle ranch encompassing about a third of the island. Wilderness and historical hikes are conducted by guides who are knowledgeable in Hawaiian culture, while experts instruct guests in water and equestrian sports.”
HTC offers the tents at various base camps from which a package of activities are arranged, such as mountain biking, hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, and beach and ocean sports.
Another option is a 4 x 4 adventure package with a minimum four-night stay at either The Lodge at Koele or The Manele Bay Hotel, both on Lanai.
Guests have a choice of 10 activities including golf; shooting clays; a private tennis lesson; or a half-day of sea kayaking. As part of its Activities and Discovery programme, HTC also offers health spas and fitness centres add-ons, such as the Kea Lani and Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea hotel on Maui and the Ihilani on west Oahu.
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Hawaiian activities
Hawaiian Adventure Holiday on Oahu and Kauai: includes all planned activities, some equipment, guide, groundtransport and inter-island flights, camping and hotel accommodation. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, skydiving, surfing, snorkelling, sailing andfishing. Prices available on request from Hawaiian Travel Centre.
Molokai Ranch Expedition: camp stays on the ranch with activities included. There are two camps to choose from and a five-day stay costs from £745 per person including all meals and ranch activities. Offered from May-August. Minimum age 15 years.
4 x 4 Adventure Package: four-night stays at either The Lodge at Koele or The Manele Bay Hotel, both on the island of Lanai. Rates start at £681 per person, depending on accommodation chosen, with extra nights from £170. One activity daily can be selected from a choice of 10 options. These include a four-wheel-drive vehicle and picnic lunch, round of golf or clay shooting, water sports, horse riding, biking and kayaking.
American Hawaii Cruises: a seven-day islands cruise on the SS Independence departing Honolulu and calling at Kauai, Mau, the Big Island of Hawaii and back to Honolulu on Oahu, costs from £853 per person in an inside cabin.