Huge sale on Hawaii flights, packages and hotels plus 5 best things to do in Hawaii
Feeling the chill and ready to make your escape? Make a run for Hawaii with these amazing deals on flights, stays and packages.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
Hawaii has more than 130 islands for Aussies to explore and offers endless experiences ranging from the luxurious to the extreme.
With balmy weather all year round, the US island state has long been a favourite for Aussies keen to lounge at one of the archipelago’s luxury resorts and cruise its winding, tree-lined highways.
And now airfares are currently starting at $428 return and luxe accommodation from $520 per night you can treat yourself for a steal.
If you want to skip all the DIY, Flight Centre also has heavily discounted fly + stay packages that will set you back less than $2000 for a 7-night holiday.
But Hawaii isn't just for tourists looking to relax. The island is also the perfect spot for thrillseekers with surfers embracing some of the best waves in the world and ocean-lovers diving deep to swim with giant sharks and ancient turtles.
All booked and ready to fill your itinerary? Here are some of the best things you can do while in Hawaii.
BEST THRILLING EXPERIENCE IN HAWAII
Oahu Shark Dive, Viator, $144.95
If you’re coming to Hawaii to get your heart racing and blood pumping, there’s no better way to do it than getting up close and personal with one of the world’s apex predators.
The experience will take you into open waters off the coast of Oahu where dozens of Galapagos and Sandbar sharks can be seen in their natural habitat.
The dive crew has fitted out its floating cage with perspex windows so you can truly feel like you’re in the middle of the shark swarm – while also knowing you’re completely safe.
You’ll be eye-to-eye with the sharks as their own curiosity brings them close to the glass and the dive crew promises you’ll walk away with a new appreciation and respect for the animal.
And don’t worry if you aren’t a scuba pro - no experience is necessary because you’ll enter the cage from above and stay on the surface using a mask and snorkel.
BEST CRUISE IN HAWAII
Hawaii: 7-Night Inter Island Price of America Cruise, Luxury Escapes, from $3314 per person
No visit to Hawaii would be complete with an island-hopping adventure. And while you can pick and choose your islands in a DIY holiday another fantastic way to see it all is on a luxury cruise.
Departing and returning to Honolulu, this 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise sails across four of Hawaii's best-known islands - Maui, Hilo, Kona and Kauai giving you ample time to immerse yourself in their unique landscapes.
On Maui you'll dock a Kahului where you can spend your day exploring the dramatic scenes of the Valley of the Kings or the lounge about its beaches. Then, you'll pay a visit to Hilo for the day, where flower farms bloom and the world's largest volcano looms above.
On Kona, pay a visit to one of its famous coffee or macadamia plantations or take in a history lesson at Kealakekua Bay, Captain Cook's landing spot.
Lastly, you'll take to Nawiliwili on the island of Kauai where lush rainforest meets curvy canyons and sharpened cliff faces that look like they're from another time and place. Talk about a grand finale.
BEST SNORKELLING TOUR IN HAWAII
Oahu Submarine Scooter Adventure, Viator, $289.89
A holiday to Hawaii wouldn't be complete without at least a little bit of snorkelling but you don't just have to do it old-school with a mask and snorkel anymore.
The Oahu submarine scooter adventure puts you on a self-propelled, electric scooter that comes with an attached diving helmet so you can breathe underwater.
Gone are the days of needing to grapple with an ill-fitting mask; instead you’ll be given a safety briefing and instructions on the scooter before diving underwater where a guide will accompany you.
Underwater, your guide will lead you past thriving coral reefs, tropical fish and turtles.
After your turn on the scooter, you can use the provided snorkel gear to keep exploring or simply relax on the boat and enjoy Hawaii’s breathtaking scenery.
On the two-hour tour, you’ll make your way out to the reef on a power catamaran that cruises past Honolulu’s landmarks like Koko Crater and Diamond Head before heading back to the city.
"The crew was amazing. This was a once and a lifetime experience. There were a few non swimmers that participated and the crew went out of the way to make them feel comfortable," glowed one traveller.
BEST SUNSET CRUISE TOUR IN HAWAII
Sunset Glass Bottom Boat Cruise, Viator, $93.82
It's a well-known fact that Hawaii has some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the world with its dramatic volcanic landscape and endless ocean offering some of the best views in the world.
And while watching the sunset from the beach is lovely, there’s no better way to take in a Hawaii sunset than aboard a glass-bottom boat.
The Halewai Queen and its crew take tourists out every afternoon to watch the sunset with the boat’s glass bottom letting passengers see the fish and sealife underneath.
For an hour-and-a-half, you’ll cruise along the southern Oahu coast, taking in the reef and wrecks, seeing the iconic Diamond Head volcanic outcrop and watching the city lights of Honolulu and Waikiki.
And if you’re in Hawaii during winter – between November and May – you might even see some whales during the humpback migration.
The boat also has on-board Eskys so you’re free to bring whatever snacks and drinks, including alcohol, that you want.
BEST DRIVING TOUR IN HAWAII
Road to Hana Adventure Tour, Escape Deals, $301 per person
This 10-hour jeep tour takes you on one of the most iconic driving routes in Hawaii – the Hana Highway loop.
Hana, on the east coast of Maui, is considered one of the last towns untouched by tourists, but it’s the drive to the town that has become popular.
Full of tight turns and narrow streets, through Hawaii’s incredible jungles and jagged coastlines, past gushing waterfalls and dozens of single-lane bridges, the jeep tour is one of the island’s most scenic drives.
You’ll visit a number of places on the tour including Ho’okipa Beach, Kipahulu, Three Bears waterfalls, Waianapanapa, Oheo Gulch and Hana Town.
You'll also have your chance to dine on local produce, take a dip beside cascading waterfalls and marvel at the colourful barks of the rainbow eucalyptus trees. No, really.
To save even more on holiday, check out news.com.au Coupons for the best discounts and deals at stores like Luxury Escapes, Expedia and Wotif.
‘Outback trip of a lifetime’ plummets to low price
This bestselling outback experience, described as an "absolute must see in your lifetime" is now available for massively reduced price.
From $641 return: Airline’s insane Asia sale
Click Frenzy Travel is here again offering some huge deals on flights, accommodation, tours and more — but only for a limited time.
‘Dark’ Singapore activity that will have you stunned
From food to luxury, shopping to natural wonders – Singapore really does have it all. But the best activity happens at night.
25% off ‘breathtaking’ Fiji island escape
Endless islands, thriving coral reefs and crystal-clear water, there's never been a better time - or price - to get away to Fiji.