Aquamarine coastlines and emerald forests await: Our Big Island travel guide
22 December 2022
Vacation rentals Hawaii
The perfect stay
in Hawaii
Few places embody paradise better than Hawaii. Sweeping beaches, kaleidoscopic reefs, mesmerising hula performances, punchy Mai Tai cocktails and countless heavenly Hawaiian vacation rentals make it a destination that you’ll never want to leave. It’s also a world-famous surfing hub and a brilliant location to immerse yourself in vibrant Pacific Island culture.
Hawaii isn’t simply an oasis for relaxation. This spectacular collection of volcanic islands is a brilliant destination for thrilling outdoor adventures — whether that’s snorkelling off its pristine beaches or trekking through verdant valleys. There’s plenty of history to soak up too, from ancient monuments to fascinating wartime relics.
Hawaii isn’t simply an oasis for relaxation. This spectacular collection of volcanic islands is a brilliant destination for thrilling outdoor adventures — whether that’s snorkelling off its pristine beaches or trekking through verdant valleys. There’s plenty of history to soak up too, from ancient monuments to fascinating wartime relics.
Mesmerising Maui is a magnet for beach lovers and those keen to immerse themselves in untouched nature. Whale-watching tours, hikes through sacred Iao Valley, and helicopter rides to view the tumbling Honokohau Falls can all be on your agenda. Or, why not base yourself in a Hawaii villa rental on the Big Island to stroll down black-sand beaches and zip-line through lush rainforest? No matter which island you choose, you can expect a warm Pacific aloha when you book a beach escape in Hawaii. The region is renowned for its rich culture, with a lively luau — a celebration that mixes delicious food with music and dancing — an essential experience for first-timers.
Things
you can’t miss in Hawaii
- Try the delicious local food, such as poke - a seafood dish commonly featuring salmon or tuna marinated with spices and sauces and served with rice and vegetables.
- Snorkel with manta rays, a must-do experience for any sea lovers. The experience is easily accessible with boat tours leaving every afternoon from Kailua-Kona on the Big Island.
- One of Hawaii's most beloved pastimes, sports lovers should try their hand at surfing during their visit. From introductory classes to professional coaching, your dedicated concierge can arrange private lessons and equipment hire.
Our insider tips for Hawaii
A Hawaiian island with a fiery spirit: Our Maui travel guide
22 December 2022
6 of our most special extra services
24 January 2023
Popular destinations in Hawaii
Big Island, the region’s most diverse island
Big Island isn’t just the largest in the archipelago but also the most diverse. You can experience multiple different climates in the space of a day, from humid tropical rainforests to chilly snowcapped peaks. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park sprawls across half of the island and features two mighty volcanoes and breathtaking black-sand coastlines. Big Island additionally hosts valleys resplendent with tropical flora and fauna, plus countless authentic towns and villages. Sample rich coffee at one of the island’s plantations or browse handmade crafts at the Volcano Art Center.
Maui, Hawaii’s heavenly ‘Valley Isle’
Hawaii’s second largest island gets its nickname from the huge valley that cuts through its centre. Two towering volcanoes sit on either side, and both are playgrounds for those after a few adventures. Hike to the summit of Haleakala for fabulous 360-degree views or tick off some of the emerald-hued trails in idyllic Iao Valley. Prefer a more laid-back Hawaii villa escape? Maui’s 80+ powdery beaches won’t disappoint. There are also plenty of water-based activities to add to your itinerary, including leisurely sailing trips around the island’s shores and snorkelling at the Molokini Crater.
Hawaiian villas you will love
Our Hawaii vacation rentals
Hualalai Resort Haliipua Villa 104
6 PEOPLE -
3 Bedrooms -
4 Bathrooms
Blue Sky Villa
11 PEOPLE -
5 Bedrooms -
6 Bathrooms
Hualalai 72-105 Pakui
6 PEOPLE -
3 Bedrooms -
4 Bathrooms
The Blue Lagoon
18 PEOPLE -
7 Bedrooms -
6 Bathrooms
Hualalai Resort Ocean Front Golf Villa 4202
6 PEOPLE -
3 Bedrooms -
4 Bathrooms
Hualalai Resort Fairway Villa 110C
4 PEOPLE -
2 Bedrooms -
2 Bathrooms
“I'll never forget my first trip to the magical island of Hawaii. A world-class surf destination with its own unique, rich culture that differs completely from mainland USA, this is a truly astonishing destination.”
Mason Kramer
Why stay with us?
Curated and inspected homes, villas & chalets
Luxury linen and toiletries
Round the clock support
Complimentary weekly clean
Dedicated concierge
Earn & redeem Accor ALL loyalty Reward points
Personal Meet & Greet
Complimentary medical support in partnership with AXA
Enhance your Hawaiian stay
Book additional services to make the most out of your trip. Add services at the time of booking or with your concierge before the stay.
Essential Hawaii information
When to visit Hawaii
JAN
73F
FEB
73F
MAR
75F
APR
75F
MAY
77F
JUN
78F
JUL
78F
AUG
80F
SEP
80F
OCT
80F
NOV
77F
DEC
75F
Please note: these are the average temperatures reported but can vary greatly due to weather conditions, such as heat waves etc. We kindly invite you to contact us for more information, including confirmation that your chosen villa has air conditioning, to ensure a comfortable stay.
Best time to go
During spring: March can be busy with Spring Break; however, it’s also when the unmissable Honolulu Festival kicks off. From April onwards, the islands begin to really warm up and bloom with colourful spring flowers. You won’t need to worry too much about rain during this period, and Hawaii’s beautiful beaches tend to be a little quieter.
During summer: mostly dry days and balmy temperatures of 26+℃ (79+℉) make the summer months brilliant for a Hawaii vacation rental. Snorkelling trips are possible off the islands’ northerly beaches, while inland you can set off on hikes to beautiful waterfalls and cool off in the fresh natural pools.
During autumn: thanks to excellent water visibility, September is the best month for snorkelling and diving expeditions. It also hosts the Aloha Festival, Hawaii’s most prominent cultural festival - perfect for getting to grips with the country’s rich traditions. October can also be a brilliant time for a Hawaiian escape, thanks to reliably warm weather and sleepier beaches. By November, the rainy season has started, although Hawaii’s wide range of micro-climates means it’s usually sunny somewhere.
During winter: winter in Hawaii may be sprinkled with rain showers, but it’s also a prime time for whale-watching, especially in Maui. Despite the wet weather, temperatures still sit comfortably in the mid 20s℃ (mid 70s℉). Pacific Ocean swells create enormous waves on some coastlines, including Oahu’s North Shore — a mecca for professional surfers.
How to get there
Make the journey as memorable as the arrival. Your dedicated concierge can arrange transportation from the closest airport or train station to your Hawaiian villa.
By plane
Hawaii’s far-flung Pacific Ocean location makes arriving by plane the easiest option. Big Island, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai all host airports which offer both charter flights and private jet amenities. Honolulu Airport is the only international airport, so you’ll need to hop on a connecting flight if you’re staying in a Hawaii rental home on another island.
By boat
Several major harbours are scattered around Hawaii, which makes arriving by boat a possibility. A handful of cruise operators venture to Hawaii, plus there are ferry services connecting some islands. Hawaii is also a world-class sailing destination, with high-end marinas offering both yacht charters and private berths.
By car
Exploring your chosen Hawaii island is simple by car. Most locations have good networks of well-maintained roads, especially the Big Island. Why not ask your concierge about arranging car rental for all or part of your vacation?
Local tips
- Be sure to stay up-to-date with the weather and location of floodplains, especially when planning any hikes on the islands.
- Make sure to buy reef-safe sunscreen before your trip as any sunscreen that is not labelled as reef-safe is banned from the Hawaiian islands.
- It is advised to hire a rental car as Uber and even normal taxis are not readily available on all of the islands.
Join
the Onefinestay community
Be the first to hear about our latest destinations, discover our newest homes and win in our exclusive competitions.
Our awards