Hawaii Island Vacation Packages

Best time to take a trip to Hawaii Island

The Big Island may be home to both fire and ice, but at sea level the island thrives in eternal summer and the water is warm (mid- to high-70s). On the Kona side, conditions are typically dry, sunny and hot. The Hilo side takes the edge off with frequent overcast days and tropical rains. Hurricane season spans from June to November.

Although Big Island travel is always in season, prices dip from September through November. The week after Easter, Hilo's Merrie Monarch Hula Festival packs the town for the largest hula event in the world. Japanese Golden Week attracts crowds as well, so plan ahead if you're travelling in late April and early May. July draws international competitors to Kona's annual Billfish Tournament. In October, the renowned Ironman Triathlon World Championship takes place in Kona.

Insider tips for Hawaii Island travel

Two Ladies Kitchen (Hilo)

Well-loved by Hilo residents, this busy little family shop is famous for its mochi –traditional Japanese rice cakes made in every flavor and color.

Palace Theater (Hilo)

Spice up the night at Hilo’s 1920s-era theater, complete with a live pipe-organ player. Watch everything from the latest Woody Allen movie to classical-music concerts.

Lava Tree State Monument (Puna)

Hit the trails of this trippy 17-acre parkland where lava-cooked trees leave a mold of their trunks behind.

Laupahoehoe Train Museum (Hamakua Coast)

This Hamakua Coast gem pays tribute to Hawaii's golden era of railroads, sugar cane trains, plantations and memorabilia.

Honomalino Beach (South Kona)

Escape to the secluded Honomalino Bay, and relax below coconut trees on the dark-sand beach.

Things to do in Hawaii Island

Akaka Falls

Hike through bamboo groves, orchids and draping ferns. Then follow the paved pathway (past 100-foot Kahuna Falls) to Akaka Falls -- a 442-foot waterfall that crashes into a steamy gorge.

Hamakua Coast-North Kohala

Cruise the Big Island's most scenic coastline, followed by a guided trek into exotic Waipio Valley. Visit the hamlet of Hawi or tour a working ranch in misty Waimea.

Hapuna Beach

Laze on the Big Island's most impressive stretch of white-sand beach, eternally sunny with good summer swimming.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Drive, hike or helicopter across a 330,000-acre parkland of smoking vents, native forests, streaming lava and monstrous snow-dusted volcanoes -- an experience native to the Big Island.

Kailua-Kona

Hit this quaint, historic fishing town with a splash of touristy sites. Shop and dine along Alii Drive or people watch on the pier.

Kapoho Tide Pools

Swim in a network of coastal tide pools – some volcanically heated and teeming with sea life. Bring snorkeling gear or sunbathe on a lava shelf.

Kealakekua Bay

Snorkel or kayak this pristine marine life conservation district along the Kona Coast, also the site of famed explorer Captain James Cook.

Mauna Kea

Explore the summit of a snow-capped volcano, home to world-famous observatories. The Visitor's Information Station (VIS) has a free nightly stargazing program.

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

Make a pilgrimage to this sacred Hawaiian refuge site filled with original village artifacts, rebuilt features, and a stunning bayside setting.