Hawaii Island Holidays

Hawaii Island holidays are an invitation to witness the full force of nature. Watch as volcanic lava simultaneously destroys and creates, stand at the bottom of waterfalls as the water tumbles gloriously down straigh edged cliffs, and see majestic sea creatures glide on by as you snorkel. This is what Hawaii Island life is all about.

With its stunning beaches, beautiful resorts and abundant wildlife, Hawaii Island holidays are a chance to relax and enjoy paradise. Breathe in the lush rainforests and soak up the tropical sun on one of the Big Island’s coloured sand beaches, or chase its cascading waters, getting up close to Rainbow Falls before journeying on to the impressive Akaka Falls. Then, if you’re up for a hike, find your way to secluded and magical Narnia Falls, taking your time and luxuriating in the falls’ lush pools as you go.

Hawaii Island’s Breathtaking Volcanoes

The Big Island was formed by the joining of five separate volcanoes and the magic continues to unfold today. Three of these volcanoes are still active and the flowing lava makes for a surreal scene. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Take in the majesty of Kilauea on the Crater Rim Drive, or take to the water on a lava boat tour. Watch and feel the heat as Kilauea’s molten lava flows to the subtropical coastline, hardening as it collides with the Pacific Ocean, increasing the size of this growing island before your eyes.

Combine your Hawaii Island holiday with visits to other Hawaiian islands and enjoy Maui’s stunning beaches, learn to surf at Waikiki beach on Oahu and wander Lanai City. Hop on board a Hawaiian cruise or take the short flight between each island. For something different, why not head to the mainland and see the city lights in New York or Los Angeles?

Great sample itineraries

Browse our sample itineraries and get a feel for the kind of things you’d like to do and see on your Hawaii Island holiday, then give us a call and let us plan a trip that’s tailor made for you.

10 days

Hawaii Island Hop - Hawaii Island, Maui and Oahu Multi Centre

Guide Price £3,299 pp

The best way to experience Hawaii is to travel around the islands. On this multi centre adventure you can hike Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island to see the most active and largest volcanoes in the world; jump behind the...

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Wildlife holidays

10 days

Hawaii Island Hop - Oahu, Lanai and Hawaii Island Multi Centre

Guide Price £5,699 pp

Explore the islands of Hawaii with an exhilarating island hopping experience. Learn about the culture and history of Oahu then the shopping and nightlife of Honolulu. Next move on to Lanai, one of the smaller islands where you'll find both...

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Beach holidays

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Our favourite hotels

Our favourite places to stay are below. We know everyone is different, so if you can’t see something you like, we'd be more than happy to help.

Unique

Volcano House

Hawaii Island

H&J Rating

Average: 3 (1 vote)

Guide Price

£2,399 pp

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The Fairmont Orchid

Hawaii Island

H&J Rating

Average: 5 (1 vote)

Guide Price

£2,599 pp

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Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Hawaii Island

H&J Rating

Average: 5 (1 vote)

Guide Price

£4,799 pp

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Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Hawaii Island

H&J Rating

Average: 5 (1 vote)

Guide Price

£3,499 pp

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Time Zone

GMT -11 hours

Flight Time

Approx. 16 hours; flights are indirect via mainland USA

Currency

USD - US Dollar

Visa Information

Ensure you have a valid ESTA prior to travel

Language

Hawaii is the only American state to have two official languages, Hawaiian and English

Health Information

No vaccinations are required for travel to Los Angeles

Things to do in Hawaii Island

Snorkel with majestic manta rays, take a sunset cruise along the Kona-Kailua coast, roast your own coffee, watch steaming vents and molten lava, stargaze up into the night sky or relax on beautiful beaches with a mai tai in hand. The Island of Hawaii is waiting for you.

Star Gazing

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.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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.
Explore the underwater world

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.
Hawaii Islands Beaches

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.

Suzanne

General Manager

"A trip to Ueshima Coffee Corp’s Hawaii Kona Coffee Estate at the foot of Mount Hualalai is well worth it. Here you can grind and roast your own coffee beans to make coffee to your exact taste."
Charlotte

Destination Specialist

"Rent a kayak and take an early morning paddle around Kealakekua Bay. Heading out first thing in the morning gives you a higher chance of seeing the majestic spinner dolphins."

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival

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

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.
Merrie Monarch Festival

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

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

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.