If the ancient Hawaiian Islands, in their remoteness, isolation, beauty and splendour were the playgrounds of the gods, then present-day Oahu would be pure hedonism for the contemporary, slightly mischievous, young, hip deity. Honolulu, with its skyscrapers and busy streets lined with fast cars, shops, restaurants, roaring nightclubs, seems to jut out of the ocean almost in defiance and rebellion and perfectly both contrasts and compliments the craggy volcanic tips, the secluded white sand beaches, lush greenery and crashing surf. Waikiki, the beachside extension of Honolulu, is the most famous beach in the world. And there is no better place to people-watch.

Waikiki is a magnet for travellers and offers so much you may never leave. It's filled with every shop imaginable from souvenir to top designer, budget hostels mixed with five-star hotels, clubs and restaurants and a 2-mile long series of beaches offering surfing, swimming, body-boarding, catamaran and outrigger canoe rides, snorkelling, pole-fishing, sunbathing, sailing and diving.

It's only a short hike to reach Diamond Head, Waikiki's most prominent and famous landmark, an extinct volcano. A ½ hour walk to the peak unveils an awesome panorama of the whole coast. 10 miles east of Waikiki lies Hanauma Bay (truely once the playground of Hawaiian royalty). It's one of the best beaches on Oahu and is now a nature preserve with restricted access. Very popular for scuba diving and snorkelling, its coral reef makes the water calm and crystal clear teeming with colourful fish and marine life. Steep hills provide breathtaking views.

Or check out the Halona Blow Hole, a famous lava tube that sucks in the ocean and spits it out in plumes that reach up to 50 feet high. Stop off at Nuuanu Pali Lookout when you're on the Pali Highway- it's the highest point on the island with sheer green cliffs overlooking turquoise waters.