Insider tips Where to go in Hawaii

Hawaiian Airlines NZ country director Rusty Williss has visited Hawaii more than 70 times, for work and pleasure, over the past decade, but he still finds it difficult to choose which island to visit.

When it comes to recommending which island is best for a first-time visitor to Hawaii, Oahu is usually my quick response. For a firsttimer, there is loads to do on Oahu alone, but it really depends on how long you want to stay and which islands best match your interests.

Oahu is home to several beloved destinations, including Waikı¯kı¯ Beach, Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbour National Memorial and its North Shore just to name a few.

The island is also home to cascading waterfalls, adventurous hikes, awe-inspiring sunsets, premier surfing and snorkelling spots, award-winning cuisine, and endless opportunities for shopping via its malls and factory outlets.

I also encourage those visiting to try to help ma¯ lama (care for) Hawaii, and take time to experience the richness of Hawaiian culture by booking cultural or ecotour, or volunteering with a nonprofit.

It is easy to spend a week exploring, but it is just as easy to island-hop 40 minutes to a neighbouring island.

There are six main islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, all with different appeals and personalities. Asking me to choose, is like asking you which is your favourite child.

While I have holidayed on the Island of Hawaii (also called the Big Island) 15 times, I have also stayed on Maui and Kauai more than half a dozen times each, Molokai twice and I’m lining up to visit Lanai.

The Big Island would probably be my second recommendation for a first-time visitor, purely for its size and scale. It has spectacular diversity – from snowcapped peaks and active volcanoes to green valleys and wide white- and black sand beaches.

Those venturing the Hawaiian Islands should look to travel pono (responsibly) throughout their holiday.

Hawaiian Airlines flies three times weekly between Auckland and Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines operates a neighbouring island network of more than 130 flights a day. Visit hawaiianairlines.co.nz.