Arizona Memorial is testament to a 'Day of Infamy'.
Arizona Memorial is testament to a 'Day of Infamy'.
Behind the 'Miracle Mile' of Waikiki is a lush green hinterland, with spine-tingling adventures. It's a great place for experiencing the challenges and then later viewing their locations from the air, writes Paul Rush
Pilot Mooch shouts out 'Clear' and immediately the whine of the rotor blades builds to a crescendo, screaming like a jet engine under full power.
Intuitively I know this ex-F16 fighter pilot with a stiff military bearing and a ready smile is the right man to lead our Oahu Circle Island Helicopter Tour from Kalaeloa Airport. I feel so confident about Mooch I decline his ginger candies to counter clear air turbulence and the disposable bags he wryly describes as 'a treat for the dog'.
Biking through a make-believe Jurassic World
As we level out at 500 metres, I realise Oahu is a sequestered Eden of exquisite natural wonders. Razorback ridges of the Koolau Range looms large on the landscape. Near-vertical mountain slopes are strangely fluted and draped in lush green crushed-velvet curtains of vegetation.
Within minutes of lifting off we are skimming over the expansive lochs of Pearl Harbour Naval Base. Starkly symbolic and emotive, the pristine white USS Arizona Memorial dominates the scene.
The helicopter sits on a ridge-top landing pad.
My first soft adventure some days earlier was a nostalgic Coastguard cutter ride to the heart-rending Arizona shrine and the nearby battleship Missouri. The battleship's World War II technology may be outdated but 'Mighty Mo's' menacing armaments leave me awestruck.
The vessel took pride of place in Tokyo Bay in 1945, among 250 Allied warships, as top-hatted Japanese delegates and generals signed the instruments of surrender on the foredeck.
The famous Royal Hawaiian is dwarfed by high-rise hotels
Our guide, Jane, explained the Japanese had never before surrendered to an enemy in their long history. The delegates were astounded when General MacArthur spoke of peace, justice and rebuilding, rather than revenge and vindictiveness.
As our helicopter hovers over Diamond Head I'm surprised how the Waikiki skyline has blossomed into a kaleidoscope of colourful tower blocks. The powdery white sands are liberally sprinkled with sun worshippers, gentle waves carry board riders ashore and the historic flamingo-pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel reposes snugly in its corner.
Turning Makapuu Point into the Windward Coast, we trace Highway 83 to Kualoa Ranch, where Mooch delicately lands on a pocket of grass atop a precipitous ridge line. Far below we spy the bush tracks where we had enjoyed a quad bike safari.
Our intrepid guide, Austin, set a cracking pace up the Ka'a'awa Valley, stopping to show us relics of the 90 movie productions filmed here, including Jurassic World, King Kong and Godzilla.
I was staggered at how mundane the old movie scenes and dinosaur skulls appeared here in Hollywood's 'Hawaii Backlot', compared with the realism created with special effects on the big screen.
Next we fly over Keana Farms at Kahuku, where we had conquered the 'let go and have a blast', eight tower dual zip line course, linked by sky bridge platforms, two rappels and a rope climb.
Climbworks guides Elvin and Chan started our hearts racing on the so-called 'Baby Zip'. An ingenious brake cylinder on the cable ends concertinas to absorb the impact. The three-hour journey had me rocketing at 80km/h over an 80m cable like a true sky ninja, providing a great challenge and wonderful fun.
Following the Kamehameha Highway, Mooch gently turns the helicopter around Kahuku Point to the famous North Shore, home of the 12 metre waves of Banzai pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay.
Circling over the plush Turtle Bay Resort, we spot the scene of our earlier novice surfing lesson. Our instructor intrigued me with his superb dexterity in guiding us into position by hooking his foot over our three-metre boards. I managed a wobbly, crab-like stance on my third run. But, hey, I was really hanging-ten and surfin' USA.
Catching fun waves is an emotional roller-coaster that puts a perpetual smile on everyone's face. There's something about surfing that's utterly exhilarating, expressing the spirit of Aloha and leaving you feeling forever 21 years old.
Mooch hovers over Kaena Point on the Leeward Coast, where we hiked a 4WD track to watch a fiery orange/red sunset. The rich colours of Hawaii are very evident here. Golden grasses blanket the mountain slopes, broken by mini-escarpments of jet black lava. The lively sea is an incredibly rich shade of blue.
Returning to the Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina, we end a glorious Oahu day with a sumptuous Capri-meets-Oahu Italian dinner and the ubiquitous mai tais.
Hawaii is a dream-come-true holiday destination, where laid-back Polynesia meets USA big-city pizazz. The islands have long been close to the hearts and minds of Kiwi adventurers, foodies, shopaholics and sun-lovers.
Paul Rush travelled courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority. Air New Zealand has regular services from Auckland to Honolulu flying the 787 Dreamliner.
FACT FILE
The Hawaiian Islands have a gentle tropical climate with two seasons - summer from May to September and winter from October to April.
Hawaii offers a huge range of accommodation for all budgets and an abundance of choice for cuisine, shopping and activities. American tipping standards apply; around 15 per cent on meals and $1 per bag to porters.
The Laylow, Autograph Collection Hotel on Kuhio Ave in Honolulu is brand new and is just one block back from the ocean, directly opposite the International Market place.
The Four Seasons Resort Oahu is on a stunning sheltered lagoon ideal for swimming and paddle boarding and is a great option for travellers who desire something different to Waikiki on Oahu.
