Upon boarding the airport shuttle that would take us to our rental car, the driver advised, “When Kīlauea erupts, you’ll want to head straight over to Crater Rim Drive.” To evacuate, we presumed. “No,” he said, “to see it!” Hence, our Hawaiian adventure began: 10 days, two islands, unparalleled fun. Here are the details.
The Big Island
STAY For travellers seeking sun-drenched beaches and laid-back luxury, Hawai‘i Island’s Kohala Coast delivers—and two standout resorts make the most of it. The Fairmont Orchid offers a lush 32-acre oceanfront escape where elegance meets authentic Hawaiian hospitality. With its pristine white-sand lagoon perfect for snorkelling and paddleboarding, unwind with fun and sun passes that include access to kayaks, boogie boards and more. Cultural activities, from hula lessons to canoe excursions to coconut-frond weaving, add meaningful immersion to every stay. Just down the coast, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort brings contemporary Hawaiian style to one of the island’s most beloved stretches of sand. Part of the Mauna Kea Resort complex, this expansive property offers access to the Arnold Palmer-designed Hapuna Golf Course, two pools (including an adults-only infinity pool) and a state-of-the-art Westin Workout Center with a CrossFit Studio. Between indulgent spa treatments and fresh island cuisine, it’s a serene blend of wellness, adventure and beachfront bliss.
SPA At the Fairmont Orchid’s award-winning Spa Without Walls, treatments unfold in open-air hales tucked among orchids, lily ponds and streams, or in private oceanfront cabanas where the sound of the waves sets the rhythm for your breath. We tried the Hiwa Hiwa, a 60-minute signature Rainforest Essence journey that blends a traditional lomi lomi massage with a Hawaiian māmaki mud wrap for the lower legs and feet. With light-to-medium pressure and the sweet scent of island botanicals, the experience felt like being wrapped in Hawai‘i’s mana—its life force energy—leaving both body and mind deeply soothed. Just down the Kohala Coast, The Hapuna Spa by Mandara at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort draws inspiration from both Balinese and Hawaiian traditions. Here, we indulged in the Tropical Hawaiian Body Scrub, a rejuvenating 60-minute ritual that uses Hawaii’s natural ingredients to exfoliate and revive the skin. The treatment ends with a lush application of tropical body lotion, sealing in moisture and leaving skin silky, radiant and island-fresh.
SAVOUR From fine dining to flip-flop casual, Hawai‘i’s Big Island serves up flavours as vibrant as its sunsets. It starts at the resorts; Fairmont’s Orchid Court serves a lavish breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets, fresh pastries and tropical fruit. For lunch, Hale Kai delivers island favourites like fish tacos, lobster fried rice and avocado toast, served poolside under grass umbrellas. At the Westin’s Binchōtan Bar & Grill, traditional robatayaki grilling infuses wagyu beef, fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables with irresistible smoky depth—best enjoyed family-style on the terrace or with a craft cocktail at the bar. For a cultural feast, it’s back to the Fairmont for the Hawai‘iloa Lū‘au, which pairs a buffet of Hawaiian classics—kalua pig, tropical fruits, island-inspired sides—with an enchanting hula performance set against the historic Kalāhuipua‘a backdrop. Beyond the resorts, Mauka Bar and Grill blends American classics with Filipino flair and golf course views. Lava Lava Beach Club serves up beachfront bites on Anaeho‘omalu Bay, while the Lagoon Grill at Hilton Waikoloa Village keeps it casual with burgers, sandwiches and tropical cocktails. And don’t miss Merriman’s, a pioneer of Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine, or a sweet stop at Punalu‘u Bake Shop for island-famous treats.
SEE Hawai‘i’s Big Island is a paradise for explorers, offering a blend of natural wonders, cultural treasures and unforgettable adventures. Water babies, be sure to pick up a Fun and Sun Pass from the Fairmont Orchid, which grants access to kayaks, paddle boards, snorkel gear and more for endless ocean play. For a dose of history, head to Hulihe‘e Palace in Kailua-Kona, once home to Hawaiian royalty, or journey inland to Waimea, where paniolo (cowboy) heritage is rife. Animal lovers can meet bottlenose dolphins up close at Dolphin Quest Hawaii, known for its education and conservation work, and nature takes centre stage at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, where Kīlauea and Maunaloa create a dramatic, ever-changing landscape of craters, lava tubes and steam vents. Plan for a full day and expect traffic if eruptions are active. End your trip with a bucket-list experience: a Night Manta Ray Snorkel with Anelakai Adventures. Paddling a traditional Hawaiian double-hull canoe under the stars to watch graceful manta rays glide beneath you is the perfect Big Island finale.
Oahu
STAY For half a century, Turtle Bay has been a cherished escape for generations of families and friends drawn to O‘ahu’s wild, windward North Shore. Originally opened in 1972, the resort is synonymous with the natural beauty, big-wave surf and relaxed spirit of the island’s coast. Now, as Turtle Bay enters a new chapter, The Ritz-Carlton has arrived to elevate the experience with its signature style, refinement and world-class hospitality. Perched on 1,300 acres of unspoiled coastline, resort guests can expect sweeping ocean views from nearly every room and suite, along with thoughtful design details that honour Hawaiian culture—from traditional woods and artwork to immersive experiences (horseback rides, turtle tours and fish painting) that connect you with the land and sea.
SPA Step into a deeper state of relaxation with the lomilomi massage at Nalu Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, a soulful healing experience rooted in traditional Hawaiian wellness practices. More than just a massage, lomilomi is an ancient Polynesian technique passed down through generations, blending rhythmic touch with intention to restore balance between body, mind, and spirit. The treatment starts with a personalized intention—whether it’s healing, emotional release or deep relaxation—creating a focused energy that guides the treatment. Using long, flowing strokes that mimic the ocean’s waves, the massage works to release tension, improve circulation, and reconnect you with your inner calm.
SAVOUR Start your North Shore morning in style with breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge at Turtle Bay. Reserved for Club-level guests, this elevated dining experience delivers five daily gourmet presentations, beginning with a serene breakfast spread featuring tropical fruits, island-inspired dishes and locally roasted coffee. With sweeping ocean views and a private concierge on hand, it’s a relaxed, refined way to ease into your island day. After breakfast, head to nearby Kuilima Farm, 468 acres of thriving agricultural land where visitors can pick up fresh exotic fruits from charming farm stands. The farm’s mission—rooted in the Hawaiian value of “kuilima,” or “holding hands with the land”—is all about reconnecting to nature, supporting local growers and nourishing both body and community. Before heading back to the beach, cool off with a refreshing treat from Kula Shave Ice North Shore, also located at the farm. Don’t miss the signature Kula Rainbow (blueberry, strawberry, mango over vanilla ice cream), the Tropical Vibes (mango and liliko‘i with coconut condensed milk) or Poi in Sai—a bold blend of soursop shave ice over fresh poi with haupia cream and liliko‘i butter.
SEE From sacred lands to surf towns, O‘ahu offers an endless blend of history, beauty and family-friendly fun. Start with a visit to Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000-acre private nature reserve rich in cultural significance and cinematic landscapes. Ride horses through valleys, zipline over lush canopies or tour filming locations of iconic movies like Jumanji—all while supporting sustainable tourism and Hawaiian stewardship. For a slower-paced day, head to Hale‘iwa, the North Shore’s artistic and culinary hub. Browse boutique shops, refuel with shrimp from a roadside food truck and cool down with shave ice as surfers head out to Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach. Every Wednesday, Waimea Valley welcomes families for Keiki Wednesday—complete with lei-making, cultural workshops, ukulele lessons and waterfall swims, while in Honolulu, Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Auana dazzles with a theatrical ode to the islands, blending hula, acrobatics and music inside the Outrigger Waikīkī. History buffs can visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the Bishop Museum or Queen Emma Summer Palace for an immersive look into Hawai‘i’s past. Whatever you do, end your day in Waikīkī with a walk through Kapiolani Park, home to the Honolulu Zoo and live concerts—all in the shadow of one of Hawaii’s most iconic geological features, Diamond Head.
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