Hawaii Island Holidays

Home to one of the most renowned astronomical sites on the planet, Hawaii Island has 13 telescopes where 11 countries are watching and making discoveries about the universe and the night sky. There are plenty of guided stargazing tours where you can learn about astronomy, or simply grab a blanket and cozy up whilst you watch the stars twinkling from above.

Home to the world's most active volcano, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must visit for everyone coming to Hawaii Island. Walk through an ancient lava tubes, hike rainforests, drive around the 10 mile Crater Rim Drive and watch the fiery glow of Halema'uma'u Crater.

Hawaii's waters are rich with marine life, from green sea turtles, dolphins, whales and the majestic Manta Rays. Snorkel straight from the beach of your hotel along the Kona coast, take a sunset cruise and watch the dolphins playing in the waters beside you or paddleboard along the shore and witness the turtles grazing on the sea grass beneath you. For an incredibly magical experience, snorkel or dive with Manta Rays at night where you will witness these beautiful creatures feeding on the plankton around you. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel offers an intimate encounter from their secluded beach with highly passionate Manta Ray advocates.

With some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes, Hawaii Island will show you first hand how volcanic activity has shaped the island. From golden and white sand beach resorts to slightly more rugged, black sand and molten rock coves; there are plenty of beaches for you to explore, relax , surf and snorkel.

Held each November in harvest season, this festival celebrates the culture behind the popular drink. Over 10 days, visitors get to see what goes on behind the scenes of growing coffee beans, enjoy music and dance performances and, of course, there’s also the chance to sample the Kona coffee.  

Aloha Festival is a month long celebration of Hawaiian culture. Over the month, there are plenty of ceremonies, parties and parades to showcase and preserve important Hawaiian traditions, so it’s a great way for visitors to learn about the culture. Aloha Festival isn’t exclusive to the Big Island: it’s actually held on each of the Hawaiian islands, so it’s a festival you shouldn’t miss wherever you are in the state. 

Usually held in April, this week long festival is held in Hilo to celebrate and preserve Hawaiian culture. It’s main draw is its Hula contest, bringing together professional Hula dancers from across the world, but there’s also an arts fair, music and a parade to enjoy. If you’re on Hawaii Island when the festival is on, it’s a great way to soak up some authentic Hawaiian culture. 

Loco Moco is a filling bowl of comfort food, consisting of a bowl of rice topped with a burger patty and a fried egg and covered in a gravy. This dish has gotten so popular in Hawaii, that you’ll be able to find it on many menus on each of the state’s islands, but there’s nowhere better to try it than in the town of Hilo, where it was first invented. 

Macadamia nuts are on os Hawaii Island’s super crops so it makes sense that they’re a firm favourite among visitors and locals. Head to a local farm to pick some up or find them across the island in various dishes and treats, including in chocolate and cookies.