With its turquoise water lapping Instagrammably-perfect beaches, framed by mountains, volcanoes, and greenery so lush and beautiful, it’s hard to focus the eye on one place for too long, for fear of missing the next natural wonder. Its most iconic landmark, Diamond Head Volcano offers panoramic views of the world-famous beaches of Waikiki, surrounding mountains and volcanic craters. Just west is Pearl Harbour and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), which honours the veterans of four wars with striking views set in a majestic volcanic crater. In the island centre, stunning views abound at Manoa Falls, a spectacular 150-foot waterfall. The North Shore draws the best surfers in the world and those who simply sunbathe and stroll along the shore. With its natural beauty and fusion of cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawai’ian people, the island evokes “mahalo”, thankfulness for the richness that makes life so precious.