Moke Lake, despite its proximity to Queenstown, provides a peaceful sanctuary away from the city buzz, along with an abundance of outdoor activities. You can amble along the scenic track encircling the lake, take a tranquil horseback ride, cast your fishing line, enjoy a paddle in a kayak, or whizz around on your cycle. It truly is a place that offers a taste of tranquillity alongside a wealth of adventurous pursuits. The Moke Lake Loop Track is a popular short, undulating walk and cycle track. It's 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) long and most hikers need about two hours to complete it at a leisurely pace.

The Makauwahi Cave Reserve is a must-see for nature lovers and paleontology enthusiasts. This sinkhole is home to a sand-floored cave that holds a rich fossil record and evidence of the widespread extinction of native plants and animals. The reserve can be reached by hiking along the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail or by driving along a dirt road beyond the Grand Hyatt. Visitors can learn more about the site's history from the volunteers who are on hand daily in the cave and can take a walk along the rim of the sinkhole, which is being replanted with native species.

Only accessible by water, the Fern Grotto is located roughly two miles up the Wailua River. A tour of the Fern Grotto takes approximately 90 minutes, teaching you the history of the Wailua River Valley. Bring your camera and prepare to be awestruck.

One of only three royal palaces in the entire United States, this former residence dates back to 1838, and once served as King David Kalakaua's summer palace. The elegant gardens, the vintage koa furniture, the Hawaiian quilts, and the whole of the decor are a page out of Hawaiian history.