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tahiti moorea intercontinental moorea resort and spa beach

Activities in Moorea

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There are countless land and water activities that guests of all ages can partake in together at Moorea. Families at Moorea tend to focus on the water and there is host of facilities to accommodate water-loving families. From snorkeling to boating, the discovery of underwater wildlife can be enjoyed by all wishing to reconnect with nature. Learn first hand of the beauty and serenity of the water world beneath our feet by diving straight into the lagoon. For those seeking a more structured invitation into the underworld magical world, the InterContinental Beachcomber Resort Moorea offers a kids-only-camp for their junior guests aged between 4 and 10 years and also includes games played on the beach, a visit to the island’s botanical gardens, food tasting and weaving of flower crowns. These experiences need coordination and logistics managements hence requiring advanced reservations by the resort or the travel agent.

Food and Restaurants in Moorea

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The warm South Sea hospitality extends towards all its guests, young and old. The island offers a host of beautiful, scenic eateries and restaurants crafted exquisitely into the natural green landscapes overlooking picturesque spots filled with sun-kissed beaches and crystal clear waters. A range of French, Italian, Chinese and Tahitian cuisines can be enjoyed in open air settings at the Le Matiehani found in Moorea’s Pearl Resort & Spa, Arii Vahine at the Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, Fare Nui at the InterContinental Resort and Spa, or La Perouse at Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort.

On Moorea’s west coast, the local run ‘Le Bateau which is Linaria’s Floating Restaurant serves up exotic and mouth watering seafood face aboard a rebuilt ferry. A truly enjoyable roadside grill at Painapo Beach can be the perfect setting for a break from an island-wide tour. Cook’s Bay has world class restaurants such as Mahogany serving Cantonese fare and Alfredo’s serving authentic tasting Italian cuisine.

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Things To Do in Moorea

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On a South Sea island as beautiful and picturesque as Moorea, there is plenty to do on land as there is underwater. Families can embrace excitement by traversing the warm lagoon waters through snorkeling, jet skiing or diving. Shopping can take place in the form of ‘made in Moorea’ handicraft products. The island’s various resorts are set in picturesque locales under canopies of green hills and white sandy beaches and provide a host of spas in which to relax in.

Take a tour of the island with a regularly chartered island-wide tour where your discoveries lead you to pineapple fields, unique shopping experiences, fruit tasting outlets and quiet beaches. Check out Moorea’s cotton, coffee, pineapple and sugarcane plantations or take a dive in the island’s various select snorkeling spots using the shallow waters. All would be enticed by the Swimming with the Dolphins Centre at the InterContinental where education of the great species meets side by side swimming with the dolphin in their natural habitat.

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Shops and Markets in Papeete

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There are shops all over the town that sell black pearls. However, there are some shops that sell fake pearls made of glass or fiberglass as authentic black pearls, so beware. The best way to avoid being cheated by such shops is to look for authentication certificates at the entrance of the shops or refer to travel blogs and books for popular recommendations.

Les 3 Brasseurs is a must visit while in the town, since it is the only microbrewery in all of French Polynesia. However, be prepared to shell out a lot of money if you are drinking here.
Marche de Papeete is a great place to experience the vibrant local culture. On Sunday mornings, the market opens as early as 4 in the morning. Locals flood the place with locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well fresh seafood later in the day. Other than that, you can come rest of the week to buy jewelry, local handicrafts and trinkets.

Food and Restaurants in Papeete

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The town can get really expensive when it comes to eating out at proper restaurants and fine dining establishments. There are places where you will have to shell out US$30 for just a hamburger and US$10 for a pint of beer. Microbreweries may charge close to US$35 for a small jug of their brew. Hinani beer pitchers will help you cut costs on drinks. Mid range restaurants charge between US$20-30 for a meal, with a lot of options in Chinese food.

For good inexpensive food, keep a look out for Roulottes. These are large food trucks which set up every evening in the main square at the waterfront. You can get local, French and Chinese cuisine choices at these shops at relatively low prices.

The waterfront has a number of small cafes and bars where you can find nice shaded places to rest while you are out on hot afternoons exploring the town and need a break.

tahiti papeete intercontinental tahiti resort and spa aerial view

Exploring Papeete

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When early explorers first landed on this island, it was close to Papeete and realised that the place has a bay that is a natural harbor and is perfect for big boats and ships. Today, Papeete is a major harbor and port in the region.

The waterfront has been renovated to make a long walkway and promenade. Evenings are quite pleasant here with the sea breeze blowing in, and is a great time to go for a walk and enjoy the waterfront views.

The Black Pearl Museum located town is very interesting and you can see some beautiful pearls on display. The region is known for its natural black pearls and the museum gives information to those who wish to know more or buy these beautiful pearls from the various shops in the town.

Near PK8 hill, there is an observation deck which acts as a viewpoint for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding waterfront.

The Perfect Day: Sunrise to Sunset in Boracay, Philippines

by Kelly Dunning /

Boracay is type of laid back, barefoot, chilled out island paradise where you can spend the entire day sleeping in a sunlounger and dipping your toes in the surf. There is no rush here, it’s made for relaxing and enjoying a slower pace of life. Lee and I found it to be the ideal break from the hectic pace of Manila and a great place to slow down and enjoy ourselves.

We had many perfect days on Boracay – it’s not that hard to do. Here’s what an idyllic day on this island might look like:

Sunrise: Bulabog Beach

Head over to the eastern side of the island to catch the sunrise at the famous kitesurfing spot, Bulabog Beach. This side of the island is much quieter and less developed. The sunrise will light up the sky with a fiery orange hue as the rays of the powerful sun flood across the peaceful blue sea.

Breakfast: Fruit Smoothies

I often prefered to have a liquid breakfast while on Boracay in the form of a refreshing fruit smoothie. There are several fruit smoothie shacks along the length of the beach serving up fresh blends of mango, pineapple, banana and other mouthwatering tropical fruits. A smoothie is healthy and refreshing in the heat and it is quite filling too.

Morning: Play (or watch) Some Beach Volleyball

As you walk down the beach on Boracay you will notice volleyball nets set up with people playing barefoot in the sand. The games are pretty casual, so someone is likely to invite you to join in. Also, many of the beach resorts will provide beach volleyball equipment such as nets and balls, so ask at the front desk of your resort. It’s a fun and laid back sport and great exercise too.

(If you are as clumsy and uncoordinated as I am, you might just want to sit on the side and watch the game while enjoying a fruit smoothie.)

Lunch: Fresh Seafood

It goes without saying that Boracay offers superb seafood. One of the best places to go for a freshly cooked seafood meal is Talipapa Market, which is located on the main road of Station 2. The way it works is that you choose your fish from the market then the restaurants will cook it and provide other side dishes and drinks. Check out this great guide to having a seafood feast at the market.

Afternoon: Watersports

Of course, you could spend the afternoon just lounging on the beach and no one would hold it against you. That’s how chilled out Boracay is. However, there is also a great selection of watersports activities to enjoy here.

The snorkeling is amazing, as the water is calm and clear and there are an abundance of colourful tropical creatures living beneath the surface. You can take a boat trip to some of the different beaces and reefs around the island. There are also kitesurfing and windsufing rentals available, as well as waterskiing, parasailing and glass bottom boat tours.

Sunset: White Beach

My favourite time to walk down the length of White Beach was at sunset. This beach faces the west, so it offers a perfect view of the spectacular sunset colours. As I walked along the edge of the water I watched the sun sinking slowly below the horizon and the sky turn shades of peach and lavender while listening to the music from the bars and the sound of people laughing and talking on the beach.

Dinner Time: Feast on All You Can Eat Barbeque Ribs

When we were in Boracay we dined at Nigi Nigi Nu Noos restaurant, which offered an all you can eat ribs and beer night. For three hours, we could feast on sticky, juicy barbequed ribs and cold beer – which was wonderfully hedonistic. We dined on a table outside, our feet in the sand and a fresh breeze coming in from the ocean. I don’t even want to know how many ribs we ended up scarfing by the end of the night – washed down with delicious chocolate banana rum milkshakes.

It’s hard not to have a perfect day on Boracay… what would your dream day on this island include?

Koh Samui Holiday

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Written by John Loffler

Koh Samui Holiday

There are a couple of ways to get to Koh Samui from Bangkok, but for a first-time traveller, just book your tickets in advance at a reputable travel agent in Australia. (I say that now, 7 years after I did this trip. After 7 years of travelling I do all my own trip planning.)

The Journey Begins

The flight takes about 1hr 15 mins flying Thai or Bangkok Airlines. This was a holiday I was really looking forward to, just relax and chill out. The stresses of the last few months in Western Australia and some personal issues back in Perth had left their mark. This was going to be a week of doing very little.”‹

Bandara

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The hotel I had booked was 5 star, had its own beach, a couple of swimming pools, bars, restaurant and close enough to the central area of Koh Samui to walk. I was picked up from the airport. Don’t you love that bit about arriving at an airport and there’s some dude holding up a sign with your name on it? Yeah, me too. The drive to the hotel was leisurely, air-conditioned, and for a new visitor to Samui, full of interest. We passed through the popular area which is called Chaweng Beach. My hotel was in the BhoPut Beach area.

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I was treated like royalty on arrival and if I were to describe this place, the Bandara Resort, I would use the term ‘breathtaking’! Look at the pictures and I am sure you will agree. After checking in, I wasted no time getting into my bathers, grabbing a towel and heading for the beach. To get there, you have to walk past the two swimming pools. OMG! (After looking at the more recent photos I see they have added an infinity pool!)

The Hotel Beach

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Then it’s a casual stroll through the hotel’s glorious gardens at the end of which is a bar and…the beach. Loungers supplied, clean sand, clear water, paradise was here! The room was fantastic, spacious, beautiful decor and very Thai. With Australian money the rate I paid in 2010, $100 a night which included breakfast, was very cheap when you look at the standard of the accommodation.

Correct Terminology

Slip! Slop! Slap! I was in the water in a flash. I don’t know at what temp the Gulf of Thailand water usually runs to, but somewhere in the mid-20’s might be an educated guess. While the beach was private, that didn’t stop the hawkers from parading through there selling everything from flip flops (thongs) and sunglasses to a massage. This was my introduction to an aspect of SE Asia that, at times, became annoying. By the way, during my years of travel I have had to use the term ‘flip flops’ due to some funny misunderstandings I had with my US and Canadian friends when I referred to that particular footwear as ‘thongs’.

Thai to German – Silly

My first evening in Samui saw me dine at a local German eatery where I had wiener schnitzel, a favourite of mine. That was my last western style meal as I later discovered Thai food. By the way, the food at the hotel, including the free breakfast, was just magnificent.

My Island Scooter Rides

The next day I went and hired a scooter. I really needed to get around to see as much as possible. It was incredibly cheap at $7 a day. Helmet? No. shorts, t-shirt and thongs were all that were needed. The trip started at the Big Buddha, a 12-metre high statue that stands next to the Wat Phra Yai Temple and from which building the views over the island are somewhat grand. Tourist shops were many but I did stop and check out the Predator and Alien statues that had been created. They were rather special.  Other places to visit were the Elephant Rock, the Vagina (Grandmother Rock) and Penis (Grandfather Rock) and a meal at a restaurant called ‘Orgasmic’! On Samui, there are a couple of things to remember. There is always a place to eat and with over 1100 hotels on 220 square kilometres of island, always a place to stay.

Elephants

I did the elephant ride in the mountain area near Na Mueang Falls, the biggest waterfall on the island and a stunning spot. I might add that elephant rides were okay to do then, maybe not anymore, and they have possibly been stopped. My friend, a local, went underneath the elephant three times. It is supposed to bring you good luck. I guess it’s good luck that the bugger didn’t tread on you!

Touring the Island

When you are riding around on your scooter, there’s a whole lot more to see and better places to stop. Some of the restaurants were not much more than shacks but built almost on the water. Eating there was a joint sensory effort of enjoying the gastronomic delights as well as the visual sights of ridiculously blue water and white sand beaches.

Traditional Thai Dancing

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Bandara Resort had a Thai dance night along with the dinner. How could I miss that? In a way, it was beautiful with the costumes and the tradition of the story being told by the dancers’ hands. I just couldn’t work out why the dancers had to be guys dressed like women. Were the guys better dancers? Not many of the hotel guests turned up so there seemed to be an inordinate amount of attention shown in my direction. (To Be Continued)

Upolu

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Upolu is Samoa’s main gateway, home to the international airport, the capital city Apia, and most of the nation’s population.

Upolu’s coast is surrounded by white sand beaches and blue lagoons. One of Samoa’s most pristine beaches, Lalomanu Beach on the southeastern tip of the island with its translucent lagoon, is a protected marine reserve, teeming with a magnitude of tropical fish species and marine life.

Just a little further north, head off to Namua Island and swim with the endangered green turtle in its natural ocean environment. South of Lalomanu there’s even more fauna to explore, including the seabird nesting grounds on Nuutele Island. From behind the hospital at Lalomanu you can take a short-guided walk to an extinct volcanic crater, which happens to be home to a whole army of flying foxes.

Upolu’s interior exudes a very special and mystic charm. There are numerous tracks that lead deep through lush rainforests to a number or rivers and dramatically beautiful waterfalls.

Le Pu-pū pu’ē National Park contains Upolu’s highest mountain, Mt. Fito at 1100 metres as well as Togitogiga Falls and some good hiking trails. Papapapai-Tai Falls, with a 100 metre drop makes these very spectacular falls. The Papase’ea Sliding Rocks are just six kilometres southwest of Apia. Soft vegetation under the water makes it possible to easily slide down the falls into the natural pool below. The idyllic To Sua Ocean Trench attracts those keen to enjoy a surreal swim in a giant swimming hole.

Samoa’s capital, Apia is home to 38,000 inhabitants. Situated on a natural harbour, just 30.3 kilometres from Faleolo International Airport, Apia is the perfect place to acclimatise to island life, pick up some souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage and proud history of Samoa.

The colourful Maketi Fou (food market) on Apia’s Fugalei Street, is a good place to stock up on fresh fruit like pawpaws or a bunch of sweet little (goldfinger) ladyfinger bananas. About a 10-minute walk from the food market is the flea market, currently under construction and soon to be opened but at the Fugalei market everything is available there. Roadside markets are also a thing now in most villages operated by families or women’s committee of villages to sell fruits, handicrafts.

The famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, famed for classic books such as Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, spent his final years in Samoa. He was known by the local people as Tusitala, Samoan for ‘teller of tales’. His beautiful mansion Vailima has been converted into a museum set within lush gardens and is open to the public.

Visitors can also visit his grave located at the top of Mt. Vaea, along a trail named by the locals as “The Road of the Loving Heart”.

The locals are famously hospitable, and the city is easily explored by foot. Apia has a great nightlife, everything from busy pubs, nightclubs to cultural shows (Fiafia nights) and excellent restaurants, where you can sing, dance and enjoy fresh Samoan cuisine.

In addition to hotels in Apia there are some good resorts, guest houses and fales on the island.

Aqua Aston Hospitality

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Distinctive properties in fabulous locations will inspire the perfect Hawaii holiday you seek.

From full-service resorts and stylish hotels to serviced apartment resorts and comfortable properties, Aqua-Aston Hospitality has a variety of lodging options and experiences to choose from. Aqua-Aston is also a leading destination expert throughout the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island with a 70 year legacy of creating memorable holidays.

ENERGISING OAHU

With its iconic beach culture and vibrant nightlife, the quintessential stay in Waikiki includes direct access to the ocean and easy reach to the best shopping, dining and activities that make up this multi-faceted destination. Aqua- Aston’s plethora of options throughout Oahu in fantastic locations are sure to jumpstart your dream holiday.

For a throwback to the past, stay at vintage-inspired The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club presenting stylish bungalows, chef Ed Kenny’s latest eatery Mahina & Suns and a Swim Club for cocktails by the pool.

Redefine your Waikiki holiday with a touch of elevated service. Aston Waikiki Beach Tower surrounds its guests in elegance and offers newly renovated two-bedroom apartment suites with breathtaking oceanfront views.

A premier enclave nestled on Waikiki’s Gold Coast, the stylish rooms of the Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head provide a unique mix of island leisure and sleek style with signature services such as a daily evening wine hour.

The iconic oceanfront Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites, best known for its cameo role in the opening scene of hit TV show Hawaii 5-0, features comtemporary apartment suites with lavish furnishings that exude style and comfort. Take in Honolulu’s skyline from the comfort of your own furnished private balcony or gaze out at the Pacific Ocean.

Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel delights guests with modern island decor and a prime location directly across Waikiki Beach and surrounding attractions.

Located a short walk to the beach, Aqua Bamboo Waikiki and Aqua Oasis offer ideal urban escapes in an intimate setting with modern amenities and zen-like spaces for tranquil moments after jam-packed days out and about.

Both the Aqua Pacific Monarch and Aqua Ohia Waikiki are situated in the heart of the city and pulse with the energy and excitement of Waikiki with locations near the International Market Place, an open-air three level shopping centre home to 75 stores and nine restaurants.

Nearby, Hawaii’s surfing heritage comes alive at Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki, a hip and vibrant boutique hotel honouring legendary surfer, Duke Kahanamoku and one of Hawaii’s greatest sports.

Thoughtful added-value amenities such as use of beach towels and sand chairs as well as access to a Waikiki shuttle service are just some of the highlights offered at Aqua Palms Waikiki located minutes to Ala Moana Center.

For those looking to stay near the action without being in the heart of the hustle and bustle, families can unwind and enjoy dramatic island views at Aston Waikiki Sunset and Aston at the Waikiki Banyan.

Centrally located a block to the beach in a quiet residential neighbourhood, both service apartment complexes boast residential style amenities that feature the comforts of home with fully-equipped kitchens, separate living and bedroom areas as well as on-site recreational decks.

A few blocks over, the Aqua Skyline at Island Colony offers apartment-style living in spacious studios and suites, soaring high above the commotion in Waikiki’s tallest hotel and facing the majestic Koolau mountains.

Set in a serene park setting, Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites is an elegant boutique hotel with subtle nods to historic Hawaiiana and a swimming pool with a sun deck that overlooks the expansive greenscape of Fort DeRussy Park.

On the Diamond Head end of Waikiki and adjacent to serene Kapiolani Park and Honolulu Zoo, Park Shore Waikiki features stunning, unobstructed views of Waikiki Beach, diverse on-site dining options and unique services such as oceanfront yoga classes.

For an urban Oahu experience, Aston at Executive Centre Hotel is downtown Honolulu’s only all-suite hotel in the heart of the financial district. With exceptional service and spacious accommodations this hotel provides the perfect stay for both business and leisure travellers.

For budget-minded travellers, Aqua- Aston’s Lite Hotelsâ„  offer dream vacations at the best value, delivering on service, location, cleanliness and convenience. A stay with Ewa Hotel Waikiki, Pagoda Hotel or White Sands Hotel ensures less is spent on your hotel and more time spent enjoying your holiday.

CAPTIVATING MAUI

With its leisurely pace, Maui offers endless opportunities for fun, relaxation and adventure. Spacious serviced apartment resorts offer home-away-from-home comforts with well-appointed suites featuring full kitchens, spacious living and bedroom areas, private balconies and more.

Beachfront on Kaanapali Beach, Aston Kaanapali Shores is a full-service resort with something for everyone.

Discover open-air dining at the Beach Club Restaurant & Bar, two heated freshwater swimming pools with shaded cabanas, poolside service from Ocean Pool Bar and playful water features, plus a year-round Camp Kaanapali activity program for the kids. With a ton of additional services including introductory scuba lessons and weekly hula lessons, there will be no shortage of fun to be had at the resort.

Adjacent to over 90 shops and restaurants of Whalers Village, Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach is a premium beachfront resort offering upscale apartments. The resort features direct access to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, private entry to the shopping and dining next door and two nearby championship golf courses for year-round recreation.

For an oceanfront escape just beyond the bustling Kaanapali resort area is the garden paradise of Aston at Papakea Resort and Maui Kaanapali Villas. Each resort is situated on their own epic hectares of expansive lawns with lush gardens, freshwater ponds and picturesque bridges to greet guests to a relaxing beachfront haven. Numerous picnic and barbecue areas offer the perfect places for family gatherings to enjoy the idyllic tropical weather.

Fronting a quiet stretch of beautiful Kaanapali Beach, enjoy the seclusion of Aston Mahana at Kaanapali. Each upscale oceanfront apartment suite features gourmet kitchens, custom furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows for spectacular views of the renowned West Maui sunsets. From snorkelling in the bays to lounging poolside or right on the beach, this resort lets guests choose how active they’d like to be.

Perhaps the best oceanfront value on the Kaanapali Coast, Aston Paki Maui offers spacious apartment suites with breathtaking views and an ideal location between the Kaanapali and the Kapalua resort areas.

In the south Maui region, Kihei has much to offer, from great ocean views in extra spacious one- to three-bedroom apartment suites at Aston Maui Hill, to the convenient accommodations at Aston at the Maui Banyan located directly across the beach. These resorts offer the best value and warm aloha service for a great island stay. For the budget traveller, Maui Beach Hotel near Kahului Airport is a perfect choice with its central location that is convenient to all major attractions on the island of Maui.

REJUVENATING KAUAI

Lush and naturally spectacular Kauai welcomes visitors who crave a holiday filled with peaceful moments to reflect and take it easy. Located on the eastern shore near charming Kapaa town, Aston Islander on the Beach is a beachfront escape offering comfortable accommodations with amenities such as cabanas and a swimming pool that look out to the rolling ocean waves.

For a grand getaway, the oceanfront Aqua Kauai Beach Resort provides a full-service, upscale experience with four refreshing lagoon pools, multiple dining options, and complimentary cultural activities in a central Lihue location. On the other side of the island on the sunny south shore of Kauai, Aston at Poipu Kai lies within easy reach to the lively shopping, dining and activities of Poipu town and features spacious apartments and private three and four-bedroom homes surrounded by tropical gardens.

INSIPIRING HAWAII ISLAND

On Hawaii Island discover active volcanoes, star-filled nights and four out of five of the world’s major climate zones from the sunny tropical shores of Kailua- Kona to the slopes of Mauna Kea.

Plan your next stay at Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas, where you’ll enjoy townhouse accommodations and resort amenities in a championship golf community. For a greener view, head to the Kohala Coast to enjoy Aston Shores at Waikoloa’s deluxe apartments situated right on the golf course. Located just south of historic Kailua-Kona, Aston Kona by the Sea is an intimate oceanfront resort fronting a magnificent rocky shoreline with spacious apartments that are near all the area’s attractions.

Perched on the rim of Kilauea caldera, the historic Volcano House hotel captures guests’ imaginations with its rich cultural legacy, warm Hawaii hospitality and iconic location as the only hotel within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.

No matter which island, or islands you choose to experience, discover the many spectacular Aqua-Aston locations, compare at a glance with interactive trip planner tools, map up a dream itinerary with destination inspiration and sign up for instant A-List Insider membership perks and benefits without the hassle of points at the new Aqua-Aston website. You’ll also have access to chat 24/7 with a Hawaii-based expert to get insider tips for planning that unforgettable holiday.