The fiftieth US state comprises more than 100 islands of which the six major ones are (from north to south) Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawaii with a total population of about 1.2 million.

Currency US dollars: £1 buys $1.58.

Visas Britons do not need them.

Climate Temperatures hover around 31C all year round while water temperatures range from 24 to 28 degrees. Rainfall is heaviest in the mountainous, rainforested interiors.On the North Shore the surf is high between November and March.

Getting there The Hawaiian Dream (020 8470 1181) has return fares to either Honolulu or Maui from £444 with United Airlines via Los Angeles or San Francisco. Air New Zealand (020 8741 2299) has four flights a week to Honolulu via Los Angeles from £497.

Getting around Oahu has a efficient transport system known as 'The Bus' - each ride costs $1;otherwise car hire is advisable.

Attractions Oahu: Hana'uma Bay National Fisheries and Wildlife Preserve; Polynesian Cultural Centre; Sea Life Park. Kauai: Waimea Canyon; Na Pali Cliffs. Hawaii: Volcanoes National Park; observatories on Mauna Kea.

Further information www. windsurfmaui.com (for Maui) and www.hhsurf.com (for Honolulu).More details from the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (020 8941 4009) or visit website: www.gohawaii.com