From its fiery volcanoes and snow-capped peaks to its lush valleys and jet-black sands, the island of Hawaii is an unrivalled expression of the power of nature.

Low-key Lanai moves to a slower pace. Once the world’s largest pineapple plantation, it is now home to a couple of luxury resorts. There are no traffic lights, no shopping malls, no fast-food outlets but lots of secluded beaches, great hiking trails, terrific horse riding, and red-dirt four-wheel-drive adventures.

The third largest Hawaiian island, Oahu is a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures rooted in the values of the Native Hawaiian people. It offers a fascinating contrast between the ancient and the modern with the bustling resort centre of Waikīkī in the south and the laidback coastal towns in the rest of the island.

Molokai is Hawaii’s fifth largest island with the world’s highest sea cliffs and Hawaii’s longest continuous fringing reef, home to honu (green sea turtles), monk seals and myriad reef fish. Malama is strong here since most of the locals are Native Hawaiians who are proud of maintaining traditions and preserving a rural lifestyle.

Japan’s delightfully quaint Kinosaki Onsen offers up a small-town adventure for the mind, body and soul.