The weather is starting to cool down. Winter is on the way. There is no better time to book a ticket to the active Big Island of Hawaii to explore the wonders it holds.
Fabulous weather
Located near the Tropic of Cancer, Hawaii, The Big Island enjoys year-round warm weather and sun. OK, well the west side of the island does! This is a tropical island through and through. While the west side of the island (Kona) will generally see a whole lot of sun, the east side of the island (Hilo) gets a fair amount of rain. Year-round the weather is generally in the 80s. The sun beats down creating the perfect beach weather, while the nights cool off ever so slightly — making it a fabulous time to take an evening stroll or dine al fresco.
Cheap flights
With fabulous weather usually comes the crowds, right? Wrong. In November you will see airfare drop and the crowds thin out. Kids are in school and it isn’t quite Thanksgiving in the U.S. Once the holidays hit you will see plane ticket prices spike again — but those first few magical weeks of November, and sometimes early December, hold discounted airfares you won’t see any other time of the year. Keep an eye especially on Hawaiian Air, Alaska Air and recently Delta Air, for specials and autumn promotional rates.
Low season accommodations
Airlines aren’t the only ones discounting their prices. You may see a drop in hotel room and vacation rental rates as well. Hotels and owners want to fill up their empty spaces. Now is the time to dive in, do a little negotiating and get the room you always wanted. However, book early whenever possible. The secret is getting out. Parents with young kids and those willing to pull their children out of school for a week are catching onto this price break and booking up some of the best spots. You don’t want to be left out!
Great eats
The Big Island is no stranger to great food. From sushi to poke and French toast to burgers you won’t go hungry here. The farmer’s markets are a must to load up on some of the cheapest produce you will see in the islands and on the mainland. Try a fruit you have never had before, push your kids to dive into that local catch and don’t forget to indulge in the island’s favorite dessert — Tropical Dreams ice cream and shave ice.
Gorgeous beaches
You will be hard-pressed to find beaches as fine anywhere else in the United States than you will in the Hawaiian islands. Discover baby beaches, a surfer’s paradise, tide pools, boogie board spots for beginners and experts, and calm snorkeling waters to get your little marine biologist out exploring.
Volcanic discovery
No trip to the Big Island is complete without a trip to Volcanoes National Park on the east side of the island. Be forewarned, it is cold on the volcano. Wear pants and pack at least a sweatshirt, if not a coat and hat. The altitude is higher, rain is a usual occurrence and the wind can really kick up around the park. Escape the rain in the Thurston Lava Tubes, a favorite for little explorers even without a flashlight. Don’t miss the caldera after dark when you can really see the glow of the volcano below.
With snow just around the corner what are you waiting for? Book your ticket, pack up the kids and get some much-needed vitamin D before the holidays take off. You all deserve a little rest and relaxation. With fabulous process there is really no excuse!
