Day trips and activities in Hawaii

WE ARE A GROUP OF SIX OVER 70S, ALL REASONABLY FIT, AND WE'VE BOOKED A SEVEN-DAY CRUISE OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. WE ARE STAYING FOR ONE WEEK IN WAIKIKI. WHAT'S YOUR SELECTION OF DAY TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES?

B. CURTIS, FORSTER

It's some time since I last set foot in Hawaii but here are some great suggestions form Cynthia Rankin, regional director of corporate communications for Hilton Hotels in Hawaii. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor; this is an absolute must-do. Hike to the top of Diamond Head for gorgeous 360-degree views. Catch either the bus or a taxi to the parking area and then walk the path. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay marine sanctuary (hanaumabaystatepark.com). Rent a car or book a "circle-island" tour and drive around the island of Oahu. Stop on the north shore at cute little Haleiwa​ for shaved ice at Matsumoto's. If you're there during winter, check out the big waves and surfing competition. When you get to the northeast side of the island buy a plate of shrimps from one of the roadside lunch wagons – finger food supreme. If you're there between October and March, take a whale-watch tour. Shopping might feature on the wish list and if so, the Waikele Outlet Mall is the place, while some of your group might prefer a day out on one of the island's golf courses. In the home of surfing, getting onto a board is a natural thing to do. You can take a lesson right out the front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village from the renowned Errol Kane jnr who guarantees you'll be catching a wave and standing up on day one. If it's your first trip to Hawaii, you might want to take in a luau. There are several on Oahu, including Hilton Hawaiian Village's Waikiki Starlight Luau (hiltonhawaiianvillage.com), held Sunday to Thursday evenings.