A turtle enjoys the good life in Oahu

Hawaii's spectacular natural beauty and fateful place in history have made it one of the most famous vacation destinations in the United States.

Vastly different from any other part of the country, Hawaii is a mecca for travellers in search of sun and surf. It is actually a string of 19 islands and atoll, situated just north of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago lies 2400 miles southwest of California and is the most isolated landform on the planet. The Hawaiin islands became America's 50th state in 1959.

Visitors to Hawaii have a variety of choices for activities and sightseeing. Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu, is the main tourist hub. It is filled with shops, street markets, restaurants, nightclubs and the vibrant bustle of a thriving urban city. Elsewhere on Oahu, you can find mountains, waterfalls and tropical rainforest.

Pearl Harbor is also on Oahu and has become an extremely popular attraction. Many Japanese tourists also visit Pearl Harbor as a way to pay their respects and promote healing after the ravages of the 1941 Japanese attack on the US Navy.

Getting away from it all is easy in Hawaii; all it takes is a short commuter flight to one of the more remote and less-travelled islands. Kauai is known for its unspoiled mountains and relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Maui is home to Mount Haleakala, a massive volcanic crater, as well as the Hana Rainforest and the Ka'eleku Caverns. Lanai and Molokai are two additional islands known for their relaxed ambiance and tranquility.

Hawaii's opulent beach resorts, long sandy beaches and "awesome" waves are what really draw the visitors here. North Shore, on the north of Oahu, is a particularly good spot to surf and hosts international surfing tournaments. Meanwhile, Waikiki beach, in a suburb of Honolulu, is Hawaii's most famous stretch of sand.

Hawaii is an extraordinary place to go snorkelling, with hundreds of places to don your mask, snorkel and fins and observe colorful sea life in its natural environment. Some of the most spectacular snorkelling spots including Hanauma Bay on Oahu, Kaanapali Beach on Maui and Poipu Beach on Kaui.

Survival guide

Accommodation in Hawaii ranges from opulent five-star luxury hotels to more modest apartments and guesthouses. There are many reasonably-priced hotels, as well as condominiums, apartments and cottages available for rent.

Hawaii's main airport is Honolulu International and it is served by most major international and domestic carriers. From there it is easy to catch a smaller commuter plane to one of the other islands.

The weather in Hawaii is typically warm and comfortable, although many areas can be quite breezy. December through to February is the rainy season. Lightweight clothing is generally sufficient, but if you plan to explore any of the mountainous regions or volcanoes, bring along a jacket for warmth at those higher altitudes.