Hawaii (known as the “big island”) is the largest of the island group being twice the size of all the other islands put together, tourism and residential areas on the island tend to be located in the coastal areas leaving much of the islands interior untouched. The economy of the island is largely driven by cattle farming and agriculture, the major exports from the island include; coffee, papaya and flowers.
The island is also has five volcanoes (three are active and two are dormant). Mauna generally erupts once every five years, Hualalai last erupted in 1801 and Kilauea erupts almost continuously. Kohala is the oldest volcano, and Mauna Kea is highest mountain.

Hawaii has two seasons, summer which runs from May to September and winter from October to April.  Generally temperatures are consistent all year round with winter being a few degrees cooler and slightly more rain than summer.  On average temperatures are 27°C (80°F), peaking at 29°C (85°F) and dropping to 21°C (70°F) during the winter. Generally the driest months are June and July, although rain on the island is intermittent and you should get plenty of time in the sun no matter when you go.
The rain forests are on the eastern portion of the island, while the western side receives very little rain, with average annual rainfalls from 25cm (10 inches) at Kawaihae to 325cm (128 inches) at Hilo Airport.

June to October

Generally the water is warmest at this time of year, probably best at the end of summer.

Diving on the “Big Island” is known for its good water visibility which can be in excess of 33m (100ft). With plenty of marine life including; green sea turtles, white tip reef sharks, manta and eagle rays, varieties of dolphins, whales and more, there is plenty for everyone here.  Advanced divers may want to consider the lava tube diving which is also available here.

Flights from Europe tend not to be direct with an approx. flight time of 10hr flight time to the U.S. west coast or Canada and then a further 5hr connection to Honolulu. Direct flights from many U.S. hubs are possible, with 5hr – 10hr flights depending on the location. Direct flights from Australia (Sydney) and New Zealand (Auckland) are available.

If you are arriving from the U.S. mainland, it is not necessary to show a passport on entry (as this is 1 of the 50 U.S. states). Whether you are a U.S. citizen or foreign national, as U.S. entry formalities are done at the port of entry. Foreign visitors entering Hawaii directly from another country are subject to the same entry requirements as the United States mainland.

• Volcano Tour
• Helicopter Tour

No direct flights from mainland Europe and the cost of air travel can make this destination less attractive.