Forget Honolulu, Hawaii’s Big Island is where it’s at

You can visit active volcanoes
There are a whopping five volcanoes on the Big Island, four that you can visit and one that is steadily growing under the water (watch this space!). We suggest you stay near the beautiful Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and explore them on foot. Or if prefer, you can take a boat to see where the hot lava sizzles as it meets the sea, or you could even fly over them in a helicopter. They‘ll be pretty spectacular, whichever way you decide to see them.

The snorkelling is pristine
Because of the rich minerals in the volcanic rocks and soil; the shores around the Big Island are filled with incredibly healthy coral, tropical fish and even (friendly) wild turtles. One of the best places to snorkel is Kealakekua Bay, where the water is so immaculate that Disney actually filmed research shots for Finding Nemo here. Keep an eye out for the sleek-as Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, as well.

You can swim with manta rays
While the snorkelling is amazing, nothing compares to swimming with wild manta rays in the shallows around the Big Island. As the sun sets, you’ll head just off shore to float with lighted foam boards. The light attracts the tiny creatures that the mantra rays love to feast on, but don’t worry; they are graceful, gentle beasts that don’t want to eat you at all. And while they swim around you, all you have to do is not swallow your snorkel in amazement – which is easier said than done.

There’s snow you can play in
When you’re finished in the water, hop on a tour up to the 4,200-metre summit of Maunakea. This mountain, the highest in the Pacific, houses one of the world’s largest observatories because there is little-to-no light pollution on the island. In fact, the whole island uses yellow streetlights that don’t affect sky gazing at all. When you’re not looking through your tour guide’s telescope, you can get down and dirty in the snow (yes, actual snow) that forms on the summit. It’s Pacific snow and it’s surreal.

You can quad bike overlooking Waipiʻo Valley
While there’s loads of activities on the Big Island, one of our favourites is the fast-paced quad-biking tour on the slopes above the incredibly beautiful Waipiʻo Valley. As you weave in and out of the trees, you catch glimpses of tropical waterfalls, lush jungles, dinosaurs (just kidding) and the magnificent black beach below. When you’ve finished zipping around, you can hike down into the valley to stay the night; the access is too steep for most cars, making it secluded and well protected.