Aloha Hawaii

feBusiness Traveller gets into the secret of Hawaii’s exotic charms

In a tiny cemetery behind Kawaiahao Church in Honolulu stand some battered grave stones, one of which has a marker identified simply as ‘Baby Boy’. These are the graves of early missionaries to Hawaii and their families. While one may or may not agree with the missionary zeal that brought these faithfuls to the islands, one thing is clear: Hawaii was no paradise then. But it is one now…at least for tourists.

The eight major islands of the state of Hawaii have something of interest for everyone, no matter who you are or what your interests. There are a stunning variety of beaches that vary in shape, size, wave action and sand colour; found on almost every point on the compass on any given island, at any time of the year. And, nearly every water activity under the sun is on offer. Canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing, water skiing… you name it, Hawaii’s got it.

Waikiki Beach is probably one of the world’s most famous shoreline. With its newly renovated promenade and timeless vistas and gentle surf. Waikiki’s two-mile stretch of sand is the home to a plethora of ocean activities. But many sun worshippers opt to just stretch out and relax. Waikiki is also the birthplace of Hawaii tourism.

The special thing about Hawaii is that it is so welcoming to the family - even those visiting with small children or with ageing parents. In much of the world you’d be on your own, but in Hawaii, a reliable babysitter is always available. A qualified caregiver to push your parent’s wheelchair or take her shopping is easy to arrange. Maybe this has to do with the fact that family ties created the Hawaii you see today. A family can hike together. A family can get seasick and sunburned together. A family can walk on a battleship together and ride in a submarine together. Many of the hotels offer activities geared for families. Your family is guaranteed some exciting time given that adventure is never far behind in Hawaii.

Nowhere in the world does the lure of adventure find greater expression than in the Hawaiian Islands. Hang-gliding, soaring high above the beach making lazy circles for an afternoon, sailing down the Molokai Channel, a skiier’s rocket ride down the slope of sometimes snow-capped Mauna Loa, a less terrifying bicycle ride down Haleakala, a glider ride or a parasail - it’s all on offer. And if the adrenaline gets to you, there is always the rejuvenating side of Hawaii. Rejuvenation in the islands is a natural by-product of being there. In Hawaii, 80 year old men still play a respectable brand of softball and seniors can always be found practising tai chi in Kapiolani Park. Canoe clubs are very popular and the Honolulu Marathon draws upwards of 30,000 entrants every year. Health, or wellness if you like, is an important piece of the visitor puzzle.

For the romantic, the just married or the soon-to-be-married, romance is always in the air at Hawaii. Every hotel and resort devotes considerable time and expense in cultivating the wedding and honeymoon markets. Getting married in Hawaii has long been a favourite among young Japanese. Any hotel maitre ‘d can tell you stories of young men and their endearing desire to creatively give their young woman a ring.

Hawaii’s greatest blessing however is the dynamic mixture of people that live together. The state’s histories are commemorated in public rituals, private ceremonies and celebrations. When you watch the hula, you are seeing a real story told in a real language.