Operator View: Hawaiian Islands

Operator view: Hawaiian islands

“The Big Island is my particular favourite because it combines tropical paradise with outstanding American service levels. I enjoy the splendour of the active volcanos, quiet beaches and superb hotels.

“There are also plenty of opportunities for water sports on the Kohala Coast, where even if you are not energetic, you can spot turtles swimming close to the shore. Some excellent hotels include The Royal Waikoloan and the Hilton Waikoloan, where you can even swim with dolphins.

“Hawaii is also great for hiring a car and exploring. Visit Kawaiihe in north Kohala, which was the setting for Kevin Costner’s film Waterworld. Further along the coast is a real gem – the small village of Hawi, a former sugar plantation town which has survived virtually unchanged.

“Many of the general stores are still floored with creaking planks and shopfronts from the 1800s. The Bamboo Restaurant is recommended but you can indulge yourself in the cafe opposite, where the chocolate brownie is the best.”

“I could spend a lifetime and never fully discover all there is to know about even one of the Hawaiian Islands. On Hawaii, I like to stay at the Four Seasons Resort on the Kona Coast, with its stunning mountain and ocean views.

The property has landscaped walks which lead to guestrooms and suites with their own private entrance in one and two-storey villas. Many bathrooms open on to a private, lush, lava-walled miniature garden with its own outdoor shower.

“The weather on this coastline is idyllic for walking along the miles of unspoilt beaches. Try snorkelling among the reef fish which swim in King’s Pond along the shoreline. I don’t play golf but the course at the resort’s Sports Club and Spa is worth walking as it gently winds around sloping lava flows overlooking the Pacific and leading to ancient archaeological Hawaiian grounds.

“To learn more about the island’s formation, go to Volcano National Park and visit the observatory at 14,000ft.”

“The spectacular view from my room at the Hanalei Bay Resort on Kauai really brought the film South Pacific to life – a beautiful crescent-shaped beach dominated by the peaks of Bali Hai.

“The north side of the island still has a laid-back hippie feel left over from the ’60s. There is just one main road around Kauai and, unlike most destinations, those away-from-it-all beaches are very close. It’s worth getting off the beaten track to find isolated bays. My favourites are Lumahai Beach and Secret Beach.

“In Hanalei, there is a good choice of restaurants – don’t miss the Hanalei Dolphin’s excellent fish chowder.

“Next time I’m on the island I am going to tackle some of the beautiful hiking trails through the hillsides and along the coast and even kayak up to the falls.”

“Maui is the ultimate holiday island – I first went there more than 25 years ago for a five-day stay and remained almost two weeks, vowing to return as soon as possible. Practically every possible entertainment and recreation you’d want is here in abundance.

“Where else could you ride a boogie board, a Harley Davidson, a helicopter or a bicycle, or ‘hang ten’ on a surfboard?

“There is the surreal, almost moon-like landscape of volcanic Mount Haleakala, now extinct but with a crater large enough to accommodate Manhattan.

“Another must is to take a voyage from the fascinating old whaling port of Lahaina and follow the migration of the humpback whale through the straits alongside the tiny coral atoll of Molokini, famous for its turtles. Here you can snorkel through an enormous variety of reef, tropical fish and plant life – it’s a great day out.

“There are also 42 miles of white-sand beaches around Maui’s coastline, some relatively populated like Kasnapali and Wailea, and others completely deserted and perfect if you have a little of the Robinson Crusoe spirit in your soul. And what better spot from which to enjoy a sunset to end all sunsets?”