Heavenly  Hawaii holidays & tours

There’s no bad choice if you’re picking an island in Hawaii to visit, but each does have its own character and attractions. The ideal option is to mix several contrasting islands on one Hawaii tour, to get a taste of the destination’s different sides. Oahu is the busiest of the islands but it’s here that you’ll find historic landmarks such as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Iolani Palace, as well as Waikiki Beach. If you’re fascinated by Hawaii’s volcanoes, the Big Island is home to Volcanoes National Park and two active peaks, along with black sand beaches and coffee plantations. Nicknamed The Garden Isle, Kauai is lush and green, with botanical gardens, great hiking and the dramatic Na Pali coast. Or if you’re searching for beaches and a chance to relax, Maui fits the bill. Of the smaller islands, little Lanai is perfect for some laid-back luxury while Molokai is a taste of authentic Hawaii, although that also equals limited tourist infrastructure.

Yes, the Hawaiian islands are ideal for families with children of all ages. The beaches will appeal to the whole family, whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teens, plus there’s surfing and other water sports for older kids. Little ones will also love Honolulu Zoo, while there’s more excitement for older ages at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with its two active volcanoes. There’s also a chance for children to discover more about Hawaii’s history and culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center with performances and interactive displays, as well as more recent history at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Or for more active fun, there’s hiking, ziplining, riding and other outdoor adventures to enjoy on our Hawaii tours.

The weather in Hawaii is generally warm year-round, with temperatures hovering between 23C and 30C during the day times. There’s most sunshine between March and September, with more rain falling between October and February. Some islands, such as Kauai tend to be wetter, while the west coasts of all the islands are usually drier than the east. If you’re heading to higher altitude, the winter months are noticeably cooler and rainier.

If you’re hoping to see more than one island, plan to spend 10-14 days exploring – two weeks is around the right amount of time to explore three islands, or two islands in more depth. You’ll want to allow an absolute minimum of a week for your Hawaii holidays, in order to explore one of the islands. Given the long journey to reach Hawaii – plus any jetlag – it’s best to spend longer to make the most of your time there. Needless to say, it’s very easy to spend more than two weeks hopping between the islands if you have more time to spare.

The best time to plan your Hawaii holidays is between March and September, when there’s the least rain and the highest temperatures, perfect for hitting the beach and getting outdoors. But you can still explore the Hawaiian islands during the rest of the year, with great surfing during the winter months and fewer crowds across the islands. It can be noticeably cooler and wetter at altitude though.

Kalua pork is one of the best-known Hawaiian dishes, slow cooked in an underground oven and wrapped in banana leaves, while there’s also plenty of fantastic fish and seafood to be found. Poke is a classic, with raw fish (usually ahi tuna) mixed with soy sauce and green onions, and accompanied by rice and various other fresh ingredients. For Hawaiian comfort food, luau stew is made with taro leaves cooked until they’re meltingly soft, often using ginger, coconut milk, or seaweed for added taste, with one of the most popular versions including beef brisket. You shouldn’t leave without trying poi as well, a traditional dish made from taro which looks like a purple mushy pudding – an acquired taste but it’s a classic Hawaiian staple. For dessert, Dole whip, a frozen fruity concoction which tastes like pineapple ice cream, is one of the most popular options, or try haupia, a coconut pudding with a texture like jelly.

One of the most expensive US states to visit, Hawaii’s remote location helps drive prices up, combined with the added costs of US tipping culture. Prices in the more touristy areas are generally even higher, although you can find cheaper food options away from the beachfront restaurants. With many items needing to be imported and tourism as one of the key industries across the islands, this isn’t somewhere for a bargain break.

Hawaii is generally a very safe destination, with one of the lowest rates of violent crime in the US, although it pays to take the usual precautions when it comes to valuables. Like mainland America, you won’t need any additional vaccinations beyond those recommended for life in the UK, although you’ll need mosquito repellent, especially during the summer months. Hawaii’s natural treasures are where some of the islands’ dangers lie; always check where it’s safe to swim, and be aware of any jellyfish advisories, especially shortly after a full moon. Follow advice when hiking as well, particularly if the weather has been wet or if you’re heading out late in the day to avoid walking after dark. Always stick to marked paths if you’re hiking near lava flows too. Joining a Hawaii guided tour with knowledgeable leaders is a good way to ensure you stay safe.

There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Hawaii, although you can travel via LA or San Francisco as well as other major US hubs. Flights usually take around 17 hours or longer, depending on your stopover time.

No, there are currently no direct flights to Hawaii from the UK.