Nature-lover’s guide to Hawai‘i

From staggeringly beautiful rock formations to wildly tumbling waterfalls through to underwater caves, the jawdropping natural phenomenon of Hawai‘i has to be seen to be believed. Gaze on the breathtaking beauty of these lesser-travelled places in Hawai‘i, beyond hypnotic O‘ahu and into Maui, Kaua‘i and the Island of Hawai‘i. Here are the most Instagramm-able, most unbelievably beautiful spots to see.

Plunge into Forest Bathing at Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, Honolulu, Hawai‘i
3860 Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA

If you’re heading to Hawai‘i to get lost in a tropical paradise, the Lyon Arboretum is the bliss you want to sign up for. The 200-acre arboretum is abundant with fragrant herb and spice gardens, native Hawaiian species of plant, brightly coloured bromeliads, and towering palm trees that will win over anyone in the family, no matter what their age (or whether their humb is green or not!). At the upper end of Mānoa Valley in Hawai‘i, the climate is bang on to perfectly support over 5000 thriving species of plant, so no matter what time of year you book, you’re guaranteed a gorgeous green maze to explore when you arrive. That said, you’re going to want to book ASAP, because awaiting you are tinkling water features and wanders down shady green pathways framed by colourful blooms. Try the forest bathing walk, where you’re guided through the grounds with a forest therapy guide to help re-connect you with nature. Here’s where the Hawaiian Islands really shine, because they perfectly cater to every type of traveller – in this case, offering an adventure, a cultural experience and a leisure experience all rolled into one stunning stop on the itinerary.

Step back in time at Makauwahi Cave, Kaua‘i
Koloa, HI 96756, USA

A trip to Makauwahi Cave takes you to the site of a deep sinkhole bordered by steep cliffs, almost invisible amongst the vegetation. A narrow track takes you to the tiny chamber’s entrance, so small you have to crawl in on your hands and knees. But once inside (and upright) you are stunned by the cavernous interior of the largest limestone cave in Hawai‘i. Called a ‘poor man’s time machine’ the site is a graveyard of ancient bones (some from extinct animals like the flightless duck). Try the full experience of hiking the 8km round trip on the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail around Poipu Bay Golf course and over the Makawehi Lithified Cliffs to the Makauwahi Cave. An adventure like this one requires a bit of inside info, so make sure you’re speaking to an expert (we love Flight Centre’s smart staffers, who have usually been there, done that, and can help with loads of practical tips).

Dodge the Dragon’s Teeth, Maui
Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA

The landscape here recalls the powerful image of the hot-flowing lava that poured from the West Maui Volcano into the ocean, where it cooled and formed jagged ‘dragon teeth’ that reach far into the sky. Today, the unusual, fine grained greyscale lava flow still looks like a circle of teeth about to take a bite out of the water. It’s an astonishing sight that lets you glimpse what Hawai‘i’s natural landscape looked like thousands of years ago. On either side of Dragons Teeth you’ll find beautiful windswept beaches of Oneola Bay or D.T. Fleming Beach, where you can spot colonies of sea turtles riding the waves in their natural habitat. Make sure you don’t get in their space, because after all you’re a visitor in the turtle’s world, not the other way around. This natural landscape is a good one for a family holiday, because the unchanging stones are a dramatic sight no matter what time of year you visit. Try Flight Centre for good tips on when to travel, special deals and fantastic offers that could help tailor your getaway so everyone in the family make the most of their holiday to Hawai‘i.

If you’ve been thinking of going to Hawai‘i now is the time to book! Check out Flight Centre for all the latest deals.