Kee Beach, Kauai

Kee beach is the last beach accessible by car on the Kuhio Highway, which winds its way west on the North shore of the island. The beach is protected by an offshore coral reef, so there's brilliant snorkeling in the crystal blue waters of the lagoon.

But be careful. Waves surge over the reef into the calmer waters near the beach. This extra water then escapes the reef through a gap at the western end, creating a strong current. So it can be dangerous if you're snorkelling or swimming.

At the western end of the beach stands Bali Hai, a 1,280-foot cliff, that marks the start of the challenging 11 mile Kalalau Trail. The path winds around the spectacular Na Pali Coast, finishing at Kalalua beach. If you haven't the legs for the full trip, which takes 2/3 days, you can hike the first 2 miles to Hanakapiai Beach - you'll need stout footwear, and to be fairly fit to tackle the climbs. Even walking just this first section is enough to give you a real feel for the magnificent coastline.