Hawaii Travel Tips: Expert Advice for First-Timers

I would certainly head into Waimea Canyon and explore the whole national park area more – go hiking, visit the beautiful waterfalls such as Waipo'o Falls and even take a helicopter tour to view the incredible canyon and coastline from above.

Use reef-safe suncream if you plan to enter the ocean at all during your visit – Hawaii has strict rules in place to protect the marinelife from chemicals that are harmful to the ecosystem. 

Couples, friends, families – there's something for everyone! You can visit Hawaii for an epic adventure or just relax on the beach and take in the breathtaking views. 

The best time to visit Kauai and Maui is during off-peak seasons, either between mid-April and June or between September and mid-December.  

For me the must-sees are:

• In Kauai – Waimea Canyon National Park and exploring the Nā Pali coastline by boat or helicopter tour.
• In Maui – a Haleakalā volcano sunrise or sunset tour, driving the road to Hana, and visiting Ka’anapali Beach, which has recently been voted the 10th best beach in the world by TripAdvisor. 

As above, definitely Waimea Canyon National Park in Kauai and the Haleakala Crater sunrise/sunset tours – this is a really magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Book your trip in advance and avoid peak season; the busiest times are from mid-December to mid-April and around Christmas, New Year and the USA's Spring Break. 

Throughout Hawaii, Aloha is a word used to say hello and goodbye, but for the locals it goes much deeper than that and embodies a spirit of love, warmth, connection and respect for each other.  

French Polynesia, Madeira.