It's not exactly a hop, skip and jump from the mainland, but getting to Earth's most remote island chain certainly has its rewards. Swept by skyscraper waves that adorn the covers of surf magazines the world over, Hawaii has stunning scenery, an irresistibly laid-back lifestyle, and no end of adventurous things to do in between basking on some of the most beautiful beaches gracing the planet.
There are over 100 islands in the Hawaiian chain, but only seven are inhabited, and six open to tourists. Each of these - Oahu, Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Linai and Molokai - offer a unique experience, with the only common denominator being the natural warmth of the locals: living out one's days in paradise obviously rubs off.
If it's fun you're after then your best bet is Waikiki on the surf island of Oahu. It's a hotpot of Hawaiian high jinks, blessed with a sublime 6km-long beach, thronging nightlife, and plenty of daytime diversions including Waikiki Aquarium, megalopolis shopping complexes, and sweeping city-sea views from the top of Diamond Head Crater.
Waikiki is only one district of Honolulu, Hawaii's capital and largest city, home to a remarkable hotchpotch of ethnic groups. Downtown Honolulu holds the best of the state's historic architecture, while at Pearl Harbor the World War II memorials - floating above the sunken Arizona - make compelling viewing.
For tranquillity, the other islands have more to offer. Kauai (nicknamed 'the Garden Island') has kayaking, and spectacular hiking trails among canyons and waterfalls, while the equally awesome Big Island - along with Maui and Lanai - boast the best scuba diving and snorkelling.
Molokai is the most traditional of the islands, offering a seductively slow pace and the chance to discover Polynesian culture little affected by tourism.
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