But there's a lot more to explore in LA than its star-studded heritage. Enjoy the 75 miles of coastline: wander the famous canals of Venice Beach or drive out to the more remote Malibu coast. Get your culture on at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, home to everything from ancient Islamic artefacts to contemporary American art. Or stretch your legs with a hike at Runyon Canyon Park – it offers great views of the surrounding hills and the iconic Hollywood sign.

If you're looking to relax by the seaside, head to Descanso Beach Club, which is considered the nicest beach on the island, or set sail on a catamaran to circle the island and take it all in.

Visit Pearl Harbour and tour Iolani Palace – the only former residence of a royal family in the US – to delve deeper into the Hawaiian capital's unique history. Snorkel Hanauma Bay or hike the iconic Diamond Head volcano to get up close and personal with the natural wonders that keep people coming back year after year. If time allows during your Honolulu cruise, head to nearby Waikiki for a surf; the calm waters are perfect for any experience level.

Along its eastern coastline is the ceremonial site of Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ancient Polynesians held rituals for their gods and sought safety for their seafarers. Today, Marae Taputapuatea is still used as a sacred departure point for voyagers crossing to other Pacific Islands in outrigger canoes. Emerald peaks rise in Raiatea's interior, cloaked in tropical flowers, fruit trees, taro plantations and wild foliage. It's where streams trickle and waterfalls roar. With few beaches on the main island, the lush shoreline of Raiatea cedes to a vibrant lagoon hosting every shade of blue and coral reefs rife with marine life. R

Formed by volcanic activity, this heart-shaped island hidden a few short miles off the Tahiti mainland holds beaches that look out to the brightest blue waters you can imagine, and the soaring green peaks of the mountains here are the stuff of legend. Head to Tiki Village to experience a traditional Polynesian dance. Hike up to Belvedere Lookout for views of famous Cook's Bay and volcanic Mount Tohivea. Go snorkelling in the lagoon at Opunohu Bay, or check out the Moorea Dolphin Center to get up-close-and-personal with nature's cutest, most intelligent sea creatures.

The International Date Line is an imaginary line extending from the North Pole to the South Pole through the Pacific Ocean. It serves as the 180th meridian of longitude and is used to designate the beginning of each calendar day.