Getaway

O‘AHU Find your true north ▶ Escape the buzz of Waikiki and shift gears into a slower pace on the laid-back North Shore. Begin your daytrip around noon in the historic downtown district of Hale‘iwa, famous for its shave ice dessert. Then trace the shoreline along State Route 83 on your way to Waimea Falls (it requires a three-kilometre round-trip hike through the valley of the same name). It is then only a 30- minute drive to Kawela Bay to catch a spectacular sunset at the northern edge of the island. Love the vibe? There are a number of relaxed resorts here, too, where you can stay.

MOLOKA’I Hula at Hiro’s ▶ Hiro’s Ohana Grill is a familyrun beachside bar and restaurant in the charming Hotel Moloka‘i (hotelmolokai.com). Led by award-winning executive chef Sherwood “Woody” Hiro, the eatery specialises in perfect poke and seasonal seafood but it is the live entertainment, offered nightly, that really makes the experience. As the sun sets, tiki torches glow in the warm ocean breeze. Hula dancers take to the stage, matching the rhythm of the slack-key guitar and the waves lapping at the shore – pure magic.

THE ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I Take on a scenic trail ▶ The Pololū Valley Lookout, in North Kohala, offers views of the green cliffs and small island outcroppings off the coastline. However, the most stunning aspect is reserved for those who dare tackle the steep 25-minute hike down to the valley floor. The Pololū Trail (aka Āwini Trail) has a prime outlook over the jagged cliffs, magnificent valley and striking black sand beach rimmed with lava rock. Pack a picnic or relax at Kings View Café in nearby Kapa ‘ au.

O‘AHU Shop ‘til you drop ▶ Just steps away from Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach, the Ala Moana Center (alamoanacenter.com) is an open-air shopping precinct with close to 300 stores. There’s everything from unique souvenirs (think authentic Kona coffee and handcrafted ukuleles) to one of the world’s largest collections of luxury brands. Refuel with a feast of ItalianAmerican specialities at the intimate, whitetablecloth Assaggio Ala Moana restaurant.

MAUI Sip cocktails at sunset ▶ Waterside watering hole, Humuhumu, in the Grand Wailea Resort (grandwailea.com), is the ultimate spot for evening tipples. Cosy up beneath the thatched roof pavilion, order a mai tai (with two paper straws, of course) and watch as the sun dips into the Pacific horizon. Reserve Table 70 in advance and you will temporarily own a private lagoon with particularly enchanting ocean views.

LĀNA‘I Retreat to a spa ▶ Indulge in the “Suite Serenity” treatment at the Four Seasons Resort Lāna‘i (fourseasons. com/lanai), where the two of you can give in to four hours of hedonistic pleasure. The locally inspired ritual includes a massage using native ingredients and a luxurious facial. Want a deeper immersion into wellness? Private couples’ yoga sessions are also available.

Trip planner

How to have an action-packed yet relaxing couple’s holiday in Hawai‘i.

DAY 1 O‘AHU Check into a beachside bungalow in Honolulu, stroll the streets around Waikiki and head to the beach for sunset cocktails.

DAY 2 O‘AHU Go west on a road trip to the Wai’anae Mountain Range to tour a local farm, then go for a horseback ride.

DAY 3 KAUA‘I Soak up nature in “The Garden Island” amidst forests and waterfalls.

DAY 4 KAUA‘I Take a romantic cruise along the Nāpali Coast.

DAY 5 MAUI Check in to the resort village of Wailea, enjoy sunset cocktails and a lū’au.

DAY 6 MAUI Head out for a drive on the Road to Hāna.

DAY 7 MAUI Have a relaxing beach/ swim/snorkel day at Kapalua beach.

DAY 8 O‘AHU Try a rum tasting before heading home.