A land of beautiful beaches, looming volcanoes, lush rainforests and technicolour coral reefs, Hawaii is easily one of God’s greatest works. But having just 24 hours to enjoy it, well, that’s like attempting to run a sub-two-hour marathon. Impossible unless you’re a pro. Fortunately, we have a team of experts who know these islands like the back of their hands. Stay in Maui, and you’ll get to sample the very best of this 137-island-strong state, from sunrise hikes up Haleakalā and surfing lessons along the island’s sun-drenched coastline to sunset dinners on catamarans, complimented by curious dolphins and humpback whales. Read on to discover how you can spend 24 hours in Hawaii…
1
First light hike up Haleakalā
Make the most of your 24 hours in Hawaii with an early start. Sure, it will be hard to prise yourself from your Egyptian cotton sheets and ocean-facing room, but it’s worth it, promise. With a guide leading the way, head up Haleakalā volcano for sunrise. With a well-earnt breakfast in hand, watch as the sun slowly rises over the peak and bathes its basin in shades of crimson and gold. It won’t take long to realise why Mark Twain dubbed it ‘the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed’.
2
Surf's up
Continue the adventure up the coast for a spot of surfing. The sport is synonymous with this US state, so it’s only polite to give it a go. Beaches in Kāʻanapali, Lāhainā and Kīhei are the best for newbies, especially when you’ve got a local instructor on hand to help you catch your first wave. Of course, it’s not for everyone, so swapping your surfboard for a paddleboard and crashing waves for calmer seas is always an option.
3
Lunch is served
By now, we’re sure you’ve worked up quite the appetite. Stay in Kīhei or head down to Wailea (just a hop, skip and a jump down Maui’s west coast), and you’ll be spoilt for choice for poke options. This traditional dish is a local favourite, made from diced raw fish tossed in a sticky sauce and served with rice, crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado and spicy sriracha. Our particular favourite is Monkeypod Kitchen in Kīhei, where you can get both poke (pronounced poh-kay) bowls and tacos, which come served in crispy wonton shells. With views over the island and sea – and a happy hour that starts at 3pm – this is somewhere you won’t want to leave in a hurry.
4
Hawaii by helicopter
If you thought the adventurous part of your 24 hours in Hawaii was over, think again. There’s no better way to see the state’s tantalising topography (including the utterly awe-inspiring Na Pali coast) than by helicopter. Cruise over Big Island's active volcano, watching the lava flow and, if you're lucky enough, roll over the cliff face straight into the sea. Get a bird’s eye view of the remote Hana Rainforest, a land which very few people have ever stepped foot on, and enjoy a brief history of its lush vegetation, native flowers, bananas and papayas, all provided by your pilot. Helicopter rides aren’t for everyone, however. So, if you’d prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, hit up one of the island’s pristine golf courses.
5
Dinner and dolphin spotting
We believe dinner should always come with a view, which is why we’re suggesting, for the final hours of your 24-hour adventure in Hawaii, a sunset dinner cruise. Head out on a triple-decker catamaran, past alcoves and craters, with the Kahalawai Mountains in the distance, for an island-style meal complete with succulent Hawaiian prime rib, Mahi Mahi, teriyaki chicken, ribs, steamed vegetables, white rice with soy sauce and more. Look out for dolphins and humpback whales visiting the islands from Alaska and enjoy sundowners while watching the burnt orange haze of sun disappear over the cliffs.
