MiNDFOOD (New Zealand)

SURF’S UP!

It’s the perfect time to make a splash in Hawaii.

- WORDS BY KRISTIE KELLAHAN

The late afternoon sun’s unhurried descent into the ocean is a daily reminder to pause in Hawaii, take a breath and admire the beauty of nature. Locals head to the shoreline to soak in the changing colours of the sky and sea, as the curtain comes down on another sundrenche­d day in paradise.

Sunset as a regular ‘To Do’ is just one of the many reasons to love this Polynesian island paradise, the southernmo­st state of the US. We also love fresh ahi tuna for lunch, icy pineapple gelato after a dip in the ocean and the scent of frangipani on the tradewinds. And of course, the sound of someone strumming a ukulele is never far away.

Spend a day or two in Hawaii and you’ll notice the warm, gracious greeting extended to family, friends and strangers alike. It’s the ‘aloha’ effect, a word you’ll hear often. It is often taken to mean ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’, as well as ‘welcome’, ‘love’ and ‘peace’.

The islands of Hawaii now are open and eagerly awaiting the return of visitors from around the world. While tourists mostly stayed away for the past two years, Hawaii had a chance to renew, restore and rethink the future. There’s a new gleam to Waikiki, where several leading hotels have undergone major renovation­s. The shoreline is more pristine than ever. A new state-wide campaign encourages visitors to give back – to the land, the ocean, the wildlife and the community.

Whether you plan to cruise the islands, relax at a luxury hotel, embrace wellness, go surfing, play golf, dine, or just shop up a storm, our complete guide to Hawaii is a must-read.

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