Hawaii

The 'Aloha State' is more than just surfing, hula dancing and Hollywood's vision of paradise.

It's a near-flawless destination, from scuba diving in warm, tranquil waters to hiking sculpted cliffs, from the enchanting multicultural welcome to its gorgeous Pacific Rim cuisine.

It all centres on Oahu, home to Honolulu, North Shore and Waikiki Beach; the island's vibrant mix of natural and cultural wonders is almost as legendary.

The Big Island is a natural playground, with sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, spectacular waterfalls and sizzling volcanoes.

Lanai is a true island getaway with fabulous landscapes and opulent resorts - and then there's Maui, with a wealth of glorious beaches, fantastic whale-watching and spellbinding adventure drives. Like the rest of Hawaii, it's unforgettable.

Flying time: 17 hours 10 mins via Los Angeles.

Time difference: GMT - 10 hrs.

Getting there: Direct services operate from London with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to Los Angeles, then onward to the islands with American Airlines.

Currency: US Dollar.

Vaccinations: Please contact your doctor for up-to date  information.

Visas: British passport holders do not require a visa  under the visa wavier programme.

All other nationals please check visa requirements with the embassy.

If you are travelling under the Visa Wavier Programme, please see Essential Reading (Pages 476-477) with regards to obtaining Travel Authorisation.

Best time to visit: Hawaii's climate is typical for the tropics, although temperatures and humidity tend to be a bit less extreme due to near-constant trade winds from the east.

Summer highs are usually around 31°C during the day and around 24°C at night. Winter day temperatures are usually around 28°C and seldom dip below 18°C at night.

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