“Welcome to the Hawaii of Australia,” I was greeted within minutes of landing on Lord Howe Island. A local told me this tropical paradise off Australia’s east coast went viral on TikTok earlier this year, with travellers comparing its beautiful blue waters, volcanic peaks and lush greenery to the landscapes of the dreamy US island. But with only 400 visitors allowed at a time, Lord Howe offers a calm, crowd-free escape you won’t find in Hawaii – and it’s just a two-hour flight from NSW.
I’m lucky to have visited Hawaii twice, and it’s easily one of my favourite places on Earth. I love the warm waters year-round, the epic volcanic hikes and the overall vibe that instantly sends you into relaxation mode. Flying into Lord Howe Island – on what’s been deemed the world’s most beautiful flight – I could already feel similar holiday vibes kicking in. The croissant-shaped curve, blanketed in lush green mountains and fringed by turquoise waters, looked so similar to the Aloha State, just on a smaller scale.
Hawaii is known for its world-class beaches that draw sun-seekers, snorkellers and surfers from around the globe. But save yourself the long-haul flight – Lord Howe delivers the same tropical magic, minus the crowds or jetlag. I absolutely loved Lagoon Beach, the island’s central swimming spot that looks like it’s been lifted straight from a postcard. Even though it’s the most popular beach on Lord Howe, there were rarely more than 20 people on the sand. Plus, you can literally snorkel right from the shore. Another favourite was Ned’s Beach – named one of the world’s best by National Geographic in 2021 – where you can feed hundreds of tropical fish by hand. I can’t recall seeing an experience like that in Hawaii!
Lord Howe’s marine life doesn’t stop there. It’s the only place in Australia where you can snorkel alongside Galapagos whaler sharks (don’t worry, they’re harmless), and the waters are teeming with subtropical species – many found nowhere else on Earth. Most snorkelling tours on Lord Howe take a maximum of 15 visitors, so it often feels like you have the entire reef to yourself. Plus, swimming in a reef that hasn’t been stressed by overcrowding or bleaching is an incredibly refreshing experience.
Alongside the intimate nature of the tours, I love that many of the guides grew up on the island, giving them a deep connection to the land and waters. That local touch carries over to the food and drink scene too. Forget chain restaurants and supermarkets – everything is run by small, locally owned operators who will know your name after just a few days on the island.
Finally, as an avid hiker, I’ve ticked off many of Hawaii’s iconic volcano trails – but they can get super crowded. Lord Howe’s cliffs may be less extreme in size, but trekking up Mount Gower or Mount Lidgbird feels like a private adventure, with the trails often all to yourself. The panoramic views from the top are absolutely picture-perfect – and the best part? No photobombers in sight.
So, if you’re chasing a tropical escape without the crowds, paradise is closer than you think. See you on Lord Howe Island.