Escape the Winter with a Trip to Hawai'i's Best Beaches with Hawaiian Airlines

As the rain comes down over most parts of New Zealand with no break expected for the rest of the week, now is the perfect time to escape to Hawai‘i’s sandy beaches and amazing scenery with average temperatures of 28 degrees.

To celebrate the Hawaiian summer, Hawaiian Airlines asked its employees to identify the best beaches in Hawai‘i, with Kailua Beach on the island of O‘ahu voted the number one beach. The Hawaiian locals chose Kailua Beach for its soft sand, crystal clear waters and wide range of ocean activities including kayaking, surfing and swimming.

“As experts on all things Hawai‘i, we wanted to ask our staff what their favourite beaches were in our beautiful tropical islands,” says Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Mark Dunkerley. “Our beaches are famous the world over and this survey uncovers our favourite spots. We know New Zealand has great beaches, but we guarantee Kiwi travellers will enjoy what our beaches have to offer.”

The survey covered multiple categories including best beaches for stand-up paddle boarding, family picnics, stargazing, camping and surfing. Ala Moana Beach Park came out as the winner in most categories. The beach, which is located adjacent to the iconic Waikīkī neighbourhood, was voted best beach for the hugely popular local pastime of stand-up paddle boarding, picnics and as the most fun and safe for children.

Waikīkī Beach was voted the best surfing beach for its variety of breaks that are great for all levels of surfers and ideal for beginners. The beach is home to the legendary Waikīkī Beachboys Canoe Club that has been teaching surfing at the beach since the 1920s. Waikīkī Beach was also chosen as the perfect beach to take your loved one for a romantic stroll.

The North Shore beaches of O‘ahu were also popular for surfing among those surveyed for the big waves and year-round surfing. For intrepid Kiwi travellers wanting to explore further afield than O‘ahu, Hāpuna Beach on the Big Island of Hawai‘i was recognised as the best beach for stargazing. The lack of ambient light at this remote beach contributes to a perfect, clear night sky.

Hawaiian Airlines operates a three times a week direct service from Auckland to Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines then connects to a network of neighbour islands from Honolulu with each destination offering a unique experience. Travellers can transit to 11 mainland U.S. destinations, an unprecedented selection for New Zealand travellers.

To book your trip with Hawaiian Airlines, visit www.hawaiianairlines.co.nz or your favourite travel agent.