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Hawai'i

Your paradise awaits... say aloha to unforgettable moments

Hawaii Waikiki Beach Sunrise

Explore the islands of aloha

As your plane gently dips towards Hawai‘i, you find yourself drawn towards the window, excitement rising as turquoise waters, lush mountains, and golden sands come into view. It’s the moment your holiday dreams become real.

Stepping onto the islands, you're immediately greeted with a warm "aloha" - a word you'll soon embrace wholeheartedly as you slip into the relaxed rhythm of island life.

Hawai‘i inspires adventure, discovery, and joyful new experiences. Ever dreamed of catching your first wave? Friendly instructors are ready to get you surfing like a local in no time. Want to embrace your adventurous side or simply unwind? Hawai‘i's islands cater effortlessly to both.

Whether you're exploring breathtaking volcanic landscapes, discovering secret beaches, or tasting fresh island flavours, Hawai‘i invites you to create pinch-me moments every day.

Hawai'i is calling! Come and talk to our Hawai'i travel specialists today.

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Flight time.

Hawai'i is approximately an 8-9 hour flight from Auckland. It’s a long journey, but paradise awaits upon landing.

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Best time to go.

The best time to visit Hawai'i is between April and October, when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures.

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Time difference.

Hawai'i is 22 hours behind New Zealand, so you’ll essentially be traveling back in time. The time difference is substantial, so plan accordingly.

Our favourite things to do in Hawai'i

Diamond Head

Diamond head calling!

It’s must-do on Oahu!

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Beyond the Waikiki beaches

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure you won't regret.

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Aloha spirit with sips

Looking for a brew with a side of local flavor? Head to Honolulu’s trendiest neighborhood, Kaka’ako!

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Person flicking through clothes on rack while shopping

Shop ‘til you drop at Ala Moana Centre

Ready for a shopping spree?

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Green sand beach

Big Island’s hidden gems

Looking for a little adventure?

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Battleship Missouri Memorial

Pearl Harbour & WWII history.

Five historic sites honoring the events occurring at this National Historic Landmark in Central Oahu, about 30 minutes from Waikiki.

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Giovanni Shrimp Truck

Hit the road & explore Ohau's North Shore

Hire a car and get ready for an epic North Shore adventure!

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Mountain and shoreline

Fly over Jurassic wonders

A Helicopter ride worthy of pinch-me moment!

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Lanikai Pillbox Trail

Get active– from yoga to surfing

Ready for some fun in the sun? Hawaii Island’s got it all!

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Bowl of Pho

A taste of Vietnam in Honolulu

Pho-Real - the best breakfast Pho in Honolulu at The Pig and the Lady!

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"very informative and knowledgeable. Easy to communicate with"

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"Prompt efficient service. I had made a mistake and she told me what I needed to do to correct my error."

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"Kelly is lovely. Friendly and welcoming. We appreciate her approach to our fussy requests."

Robert

Meet our Hawai'i specialists

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Charlotte Coles

Charlotte Coles

House of Travel Riccarton

I absolutely love organising travel and turning every trip into a seamless adventure that’s perfectly tailored to you. My passion for travel is all about the details—whether it’s finding the best local spots, securing that perfect beachfront hotel or ensuring you have unforgettable experiences at every turn.

I’m all about creating stress-free, personalised journeys that suit your style, making sure every part of your trip is smooth, fun, and unforgettable. With me on your team, you’re in for a trip that’s as unique as you are!


Charlotte

Melissa Topp

Melissa Topp

House of Travel Christchurch City

Travel really is my passion and I perhaps love organising it just as much as the actual travelling. Being able to open up options for people they had no idea they could accomplish is truly exciting. I love the scope of what we can accomplish as a travel agent; our systems, knowledge and relationships with the right people all add up to being able to organise a truly memorable trip. I’ve done it all from tours, safaris, ocean and river cruises, adventure travel, self-drives, rail journeys, family travel specialising in all things Disney and I love to share my knowledge to help you achieve the trip of your lifetime.

Outside of the office I like to spend my time skiing, horse riding, tramping, scuba diving, getting outside on our lifestyle block with my two little girls or enjoying a glass of pinot with a side order of chocolate mousse.


Years in the Industry: over 20

No. of countries visited: 50+

Favourite place to visit: Niue, no wait Cuba, hmm no maybe it’s Egypt….. Or Italy….

Next place on the list to visit: Disneyworld

·       “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Augustine of Hippo


Why I love travel?

Travel gives us our greatest stories, our most cherished memories and countless irreplaceable learnings that we can choose to pay forward to others. It teaches us about ourselves and each other, it broadens our horizons and, just like a reset button, it forces us to refocus on what really matters.


My travel tips:

  • Pack your patient pants; Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Your trip is much too short to stress. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will be another one.. ATM out of money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to the next town and explore. I know it can be hard sometimes, but just take a deep breath and remind yourself that it could be worse.
  • Focus on value over deals. It’s so easy to not look past the initial $ signs when organising your trip but how much extra will there be in added costs once you are at your destination, lost time or enjoyment is that initial saving really going to cost you once you are there.
  • Wake Up Early To Avoid Crowds. Rise before sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding large tourist crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to the softer light and often providing great opportunities to interact with locals getting ready for their day. Sketchy areas are less dangerous in the morning too. Honest hardworking people wake up early; scammers and criminals sleep in…


My top 5 favourite destinations:

  • Rio De Janeiro – Such an incredibly vibrant city. Imagine, having dinner in a local favela, no other tourists in sight and locals from ages 1-99 all together, laughing, dancing to the live music, everyone talking to everyone. A local group of young people came down the street performing the traditional capoeira martial art/dance and everyone heads outside to watch and cheer them on. It is always the people that make the place and Brazil’s people are very bit as colourful as this amazing city.
  • Europe River cruise – A true holiday. Pull up each day in a different location, right in the heart of things, wander off the boat and go for it. Return when you feel like it to every luxury you could want, top class food and drink and every room has a front row view. No crowds, most ships have under 200 passengers and a great option for both first time travellers and more experienced as you tend to visit many of the smaller and often less visited towns.
  • Rocky Mountaineer train journey – Starting in Banff, which really feels like the Queenstown of Canada and ending in Vancouver, a stunning city just a few minutes’ drive and from the beautiful redwood forests this train journey is must do travel experience. Seeing the spectacular scenery of the Rockies from the comfort of your warmed up spacious leather seat, the mountains are not just to either side but also above you through the glass roof of the train.
  • Borneo – Here you can combine stunningly beautiful beach resorts with a visit to the jungle; see the Proboscis monkeys, baby turtles being released into the ocean and one of the only places in the world to see Orangutans in their native habitat. One of the least explored areas on the planet with many adventures to be had but you don’t need to skimp on luxury.
  • East Africa Safari – It is a strangely exciting experience to be told not to wander too far from your tent at night because wild animals are really all around you. From elephants wandering through our camp one evening, to hearing bison grazing in the grass around us while sleeping, Africa really is as wild as you hope it will be. So many travel experiences these days are replicas – shows put together for your enjoyment. Africa definitely is not; it could not get much more real. Seeing orphaned baby elephants playing football with each other, wandering over to you reaching out their trunk so smell you as you stand behind only a rope fence watching their antics is just one of the incredible experiences on offer in this amazing location.

What’s in my suitcase?

  • A dog bed. I kid you not. These days I’m travelling with two little ones in tow and as strange as this sounds it’s a life saver on long haul flights-pair it with one of those big inflatable pillows that go where your legs usually do and you have a comfortable bed for the little ones to curl up in.
  • A dirty laundry bag. One easy spot to place all the worn things and easy to take to the laundry with you while travelling or dump in the machine when home.
  • Earplugs. I need a good nights sleep be ready to do everything I have planned for the next day on my holiday and you just never know what noises you might want to shut out while travelling.


Melissa 

Megan McCall

Megan McCall

House of Travel Christchurch City

Megan brings to the team a fantastic sense of humour and positive attitude along with a wealth of international knowledge from her own travels throughout the world. 

Whether it be a business meeting in Singapore, or coordinating a sports team travelling to international competitions; Megan's extensive expertise with airlines and airfares is first class. 

"I understand what is important to you and your organisation for all your business travel needs."

Megan's wealth of travel knowledge with 30 years travel industry experience is an asset to our team. See for yourself how Megan's easy, welcoming, and professional approach provides confidence for any travel requirement. 

Favourite place to visit: Thailand 
Next place on the list to visit: USA

Megan

Robyn Oretsky

Robyn Oretsky

House of Travel Wellington City

For me, travel has been more than just a series of destinations,  it has been a transformative journey that has sculpted my character and contributed to my personal evolution.  My travel experiences are not merely about ticking off destinations from a bucket list, but about immersing myself in the heart and soul of each place I’ve visited visit.  

My early travels began with frequent road trips around my home country of Canada and the USA, and I am fortunate enough to have now been to six of the seven continents.  Exploring the world through various modes of transportation has been a thrilling adventure for me, from cruise ships, to trains, to rickshaws, and I have an appreciation for the experiences that local transport offers.  I am comfortable with sleeping in a hammock in the rainforest, an overwater bungalow in the South Pacific, and everything in between.  

My experiences have taught me to adapt to different situations and understand diverse perspectives, and my background in customer service and sales has equipped me with valuable skills that I believe make me well-suited for various client needs. I believe this makes me well-suited to meet your needs as a client. Whether it's finding solutions to problems or anticipating your preferences, I strive to provide an exceptional service tailored to you. My aim is to not just meet but exceed your expectations by drawing on my varied background.

My enthusiasm for travel is infectious, and it is my goal to inspire others to embark on their own adventures and discover the beauty of our planet.


Robyn

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year to visit Hawaii?
It's always a good time to visit, but we can help you select the best time. Generally, the best months to visit Hawaii is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer. These months offer good conditions for outdoor activities and beach time.

Where to go on holiday in Hawaii?
Stay on O‘ahu for glorious beaches and a Waikiki buzz, then escape to a heavenly neighbour island. All yours within a 35-to-45-minute flight, to add some extra dazzle to your island dream. Can't bring yourself to pick – talk to your friendly travel consultant.  If you're planning a holiday in Hawaii, explore our Hawaii travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time on your beach holiday.

How to find the best holiday package to Hawaii?
We've got that covered for you! Visit our Hawaii deals section on our website or sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest holiday package deals directly to your email.

What is there to do in Hawaii?
Hawaii offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. You can soak up the sun on stunning beaches like Waikiki in Oahu, or Hapuna on the Big Island. Dive into vibrant underwater worlds at Hanauma Bay. Explore lush landscapes with hikes to waterfalls and volcanoes, such as those in Haleakalā National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Don’t miss out on experiencing a traditional luau, surfing the famous North Shore waves, or simply enjoying the local cuisine and hospitality. Fancy a touch of retail therapy head to Ala Moana shopping centre – or the Waikele Premium Outlets for a big brand bargain.  There’s truly something for everyone in this tropical paradise! 

Where to stay in Hawaii?
Choosing where to stay in Hawaii is a breeze with so many awesome options!

Oahu: Want the buzz of the city with a beachside vibe? Waikiki is your spot! Tons of hotels, endless shopping, and great nightlife right on the famous Waikiki Beach and get around easily on the Waikiki Trolley bus.

Maui: If luxury is your thing, head to Wailea for stunning resorts and beautiful beaches. For a more laid-back vibe, try Lahaina or Kaanapali.

Big Island: Get close to nature at Kohala Coast’s fancy resorts or enjoy the chill atmosphere of Kona’s cozy beachside hotels.

Kauai: Looking for peace and quiet? The Garden Isle has charming boutique hotels and resorts in Princeville and Poipu with breathtaking views.

What should I pack for my trip to Hawaii?
Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Include comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket for cooler evenings or higher elevations, such as Haleakalā National Park in Maui.

Do I need travel insurance for Hawaii?
Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance for your trip to Hawaii. We offer a range of travel insurance options suitable for travel to Hawaii. Find more information on our website.

How to get around in Hawaii?
Hiring a car is recommended for exploring the islands, especially in Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai where public transportation is limited. 

Where to shop in Hawaii?
Hawaii offers fantastic shopping options from high-end malls to expansive open-air shopping precincts, outlets and flea markets! In Oahu, explore the luxury boutiques along Waikiki’s Kalakaua Avenue and the Ala Moana Center for a massive open-air shopping experience. Don’t miss Waikele Premium Outlets for great deals on designer brands. 

What are some family-friendly activities in Hawaii?
Hawaii is a fantastic family holiday destination. Visit the Waikiki Aquarium in Oahu, explore Maui Ocean Centre, or take a submarine tour in Kona. Enjoy beach days, hiking trails, and cultural experiences like luau shows across the islands.  Or feeling adventurous, swim with the Manta rays on the Big Island.   Another great activity for families is to visit Pearl Harbor, the historic site of the US naval base, see the USS Arizona Memorial, and explore the museums and exhibits. A half day tour is enough to cover the main attractions, but you can also spend a full day if you want to see more.

 

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