Luxury Vacation Adventure on the Big Island of Hawaii

The aptly nicknamed Big Island is the youngest—and largest—of the Hawaiian Islands, nearly twice the size of all of the others combined. Divided into six diverse regions, it’s home to lush tropical valleys, massive volcanoes, big cities, small towns, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world—from white-sand, family-friendly spots to stunning black-sand beaches and rugged, remote coastline that’s perfect for adventuring. There’s even a unique green sand beach on the southernmost point of the island—one of only four beaches like it in the world. 

In addition to the incredible coastline, Big Island is also known for its impressive lava fields, chocolate and coffee farms, historic landmarks, and amazing waterfalls. Small seaside towns offer opportunities to slow down and get a taste of the island’s past, while the larger communities of Hilo and Kailua-Kona offer great shopping, dining, and entertainment options. There’s a lot to see and do here and many ways to enjoy the history, culture, and natural beauty of the island. 

For this trip, you’ll have deluxe accommodations at a luxury beach resort on the northwest coast, with a spacious guest room, premium in-room and resort amenities, family-friendly services and activities, onsite dining, and warm Hawaiian aloha hospitality—all steps away from the sand and surf and convenient to some of Big Island’s best golf courses, restaurants, hiking paths, and other top attractions.

You’ll also enjoy three planned excursions that we’ve arranged to make your vacation extra special.

The first is an unforgettable 90-minute night swim and snorkel with manta rays just off of a quiet beach in Kona. This small-group adventure will get you in the water and up close to the rays in an eco-friendly way. Instead of using a boat, your experienced guides will lead you from shore for a short swim to one of the island’s most popular manta ray viewing areas where you’ll float alongside them in their natural habitat, watching as they feed on plankton and glide gracefully through the water. Snorkeling gear and safety lights are included, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about these incredible animals both before and after your swim.

Your second included excursion is a customized, full-day tour of Volcanoes National Park with your own private guide. After meeting at the visitor center, you’ll explore the spectacular landscape of the park, complete with cooled lava paths, rain forest, craters, steam vents, and more. At just over 500 square miles, and home to an incredible variety of native Hawaiian flora and fauna, sacred petroglyph fields, historic sites, and two active volcanoes, the park is like no other place on earth. Your tour includes transportation through the park in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, opportunities to get out and explore on foot, and knowledgeable insights about the history and geology of the area from your expert guide.

Finally, you'll visit Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm for a special luxury picnic (complete with games, music, and beautiful outdoor decor, personalized to your tastes) followed by a tour of the farm's coffee fields and roasting stations. During this two-hour experience, you'll relax in a lush, Instagram-worthy setting, enjoy a leisurely charcuterie board breakfast and hot and cold-brew coffee, see more of the farm and learn about the coffee-growing process, and leave with a few fabulous take-home gifts—as well as plenty of amazing memories.

In between the planned activities, you’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy more of Big Island on your own. Explore downtown Kona and the bustling Kona Farmers Market. Take a tour of one of the nearby chocolate or coffee farms. Stroll or have a picnic on the black sand beach at Punalu’u (pick up some delicious Hawaiian sweet bread or malasadas from the Punalu’u Bake Shop on your way there). Tee off on one of Big Island’s championship golf courses. Or hike to any of the island’s famed petroglyphs or waterfalls.

When you need to rest and recharge, you can lounge by the hotel pool or on the beach, book a spa treatment, grab an island cocktail or Hawaiian shave ice, or try your hand at traditional lei making or coconut frond weaving in a local workshop.

After your stay on Big Island, you can choose to fly home or combine this trip with one of our other Hawaiian island getaways for an extended—and truly unforgettable—vacation experience.