WHY HAWAII NEEDS TO BE YOUR NEXT PADDLE BOARD DESTINATION.

A beautiful tropical island in the pacific ocean renowned for its surf culture and poké, Hawaii offers more than just a scenic getaway. The volcanic islands are encompassed in shoreline that boasts some of the world's most famous surf breaks. And if surfing big waves isn’t your thing, don’t despair, there are plenty of coastlines that will offer calm waters and an abundance of sea turtles to explore.

Modern paddle-boarding originated in Hawaii, Waikiki to be precise, around 1940. And since it began it has gained momentum and become one of the most participated water-sports around. Exploring Hawaii by paddleboard might just be the best way to see the islands. You can paddle up close to the rugged lava cliffs, paddle among the abundance of wildlife including sea turtles and dolphins, and even seek out some hidden waterfalls pouring off the tall mountains. The crystal clear waters offer some amazing snorkeling and allow you to marvel at the reefs and fish from the deck of your paddleboard.

When you have finished a day of paddleboarding on the ocean you can take in some of Hawaii's rich history and culture. You can get immersed in a hula dance, listen to some hapa-haole or learn about the Hawaiian legends, superstitions, and gods and goddesses. Hawaii produces some amazing coffee and macadamia nuts, there are plenty of plantations to visit dotted around the islands. You can choose between basing yourself among the hustle and bustle of busy towns such as Waikiki, where the streets are awash with high-end shops, local boutiques, and many bars and restaurants or you can head to the more rural areas of the islands such as the North Shore, where the towns are small and the nature plentiful.

Here are a few Hawaiian words to get to grips with before you visit:

Aloha – Hello

Pronounced a-lo-ha

Mahalo – Thank you

Pronounced mah-hah-loh

Pau Hana - Time after work

Pronounced pow HAH-nah

Honu – Green sea turtle

Pronounced hoe-new

Waina – Wine

Pronounced wy-nah