Hawaii's paradise islands

Hawaii is enjoying a surge of popularity, thanks to its status as Barack Obama's birthplace. But there are plenty of other reasons to visit.

America's 50th state has never been popular with British tourists. Perhaps "the British are just wary after what happened to Captain James Cook", says Chris Ayres in Cond Nast Traveller (he was killed on his second visit, then disembowelled and roasted according to the funerary rituals in practice at the time). More likely it's because there are no direct flights, pushing the total travel time to over 12 hours. But don't let that put you off Hawaii is well worth making the effort for.

What you will get from your holiday very much depends on where you stay. Surf lovers should head to the North Shore of Oahu, which plays host to the 'Triple Crown of Surfing'. Every December the world's best surfers gather to ride waves that "arrive unbroken from Alaska and tower up to 50 feet", says Ayres. If you would prefer a beach with gentler waves, then holiday on Kailua Beach. President Obama, Justin Timberlake and Harrison Ford have all rented houses here.

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Those who want to combine beautiful beaches with top-notch shopping will love Waikiki, on the other side of Oahu. Here you will find Prada, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, and the Ala Moana Center, the world's largest open-air mall. Waikiki is also home to one of Hawaii's best hotels the Halekulani. The hotel dates from 1883 and is well worth paying a bit extra for. "Full marks for the white-on-white dcor, the faultless service, the luxurious touches (such as a packed breakfast-to-go for early flights) and the widescreen ocean views," says Ayres.

If you prefer your holidays to have a slight air of danger to them, then a stay at Volcano House should fit the bill. This hotel is situated within the Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii island known locally as the Big Island. The park is also home to two of Hawaii's main active volcanoes Mauna Loa, which last erupted in 1984, and Kilauea, which has been spewing lava continuously since 1983. "This is nature made easy," says The Observer you can drive around the crater of Kilauea and see it from the comfort of your room at Volcano House.

If you want to see the stomping grounds of America's 44th president, then it's back to Oahu and the city of Honolulu where Obama spent his early years. Resident Obama expert Mitch Berger (www.hikingoahuhawaii.com) runs Obama tours (for $40 per person), showing you where his school basketball team ate, the Baskin Robbins where he had his first high-school job, and the hospital where he was born.

Whatever you've done with your Hawaiian holiday, though, end it on Maui. The paradise isle is perfect for a few days lounging around on the beach before you fly home. The Grand Wailea Resort on Maui has enough swimming pools and sun loungers to keep any lazy holiday-maker happy.

Where to stay in Hawaii

Halekulani Oahu

Rooms at the Halekulani Oahua cost from $425 per night. Visit www.halekulani.com, or call 00 1 808 923 2311 for more information.

Volcano House Hawaii

Rooms at the Volcano House cost from $55 per night or $205 for a crater view. See www.volcanohousehotel.com, or call 00 1 808 967 7321.

The Grand Wailea Resort Maui

Rooms at the Grand Wailea Resort start from $725 per night. Visit www.grandwailea.com, or call 00 1 808 888 6100.