Travel board

QI’m jetting off to Hawaii but there are loads of islands to see – what shouldn’t I miss?

LIZZY SAYS: Go snorkelling with gentle manta rays on Hawaii Island’s Kona coast – it’s one of very few places in the world where you can. Taken out at night on a boat, you’re fitted with a wetsuit, mask and flippers, before jumping into the chilly sea to float next to bright lights that cut through the water, attracting the plankton that the mantas feed on. It’s a surreal experience floating next to these ghostly butterflies, which have ‘wings’ that can span up to 25 feet. You’ll learn so much from the crew, who know each one individually, and then it’s back on-board for hot cocoa (£ 98pp; fair-wind.com).

Also travel across the island’s strange black lunar landscape to the stunning Volcanoes National Park. Amazingly, its Kilauea volcano has been spewing lava for decades – in fact it creates enough of the hot stuff to resurface a 20-mile road every day – but don’t panic as the park is carefully monitored. There are 150 miles of hiking routes, mostly easy to moderate, which take you through dormant lava landscapes. You can also drive through the park, stopping at sulphur steaming from the ground or caves known as lava tubes. Pick up maps for both from the visitor centre just beyond the park’s entrance station; you can also find out about the latest volcanic activity too ( nps.gov). The park’s Hawaii Volcano House restaurant ( hawaiivolcanohouse.com) does a fabulous macadamia-nut pesto pasta – book first.

ASHLEE SAYS: Another walk worth the effort is the infamous 1,048 steps (made from old railway sleepers) that make up Koko Head Crater Trail on Oahu. Hike the 1.5 miles and be rewarded with stellar views. There’s a tricky bit that involves a 40ft drop so not great if you have a fear of heights.

get close to nature