{"id":152641,"date":"2025-10-14T10:01:48","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T09:01:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/?post_type=trip&#038;p=152641"},"modified":"2026-04-27T16:59:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T15:59:59","slug":"hawaii-big-island","status":"publish","type":"trip","link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/hawaii-big-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Hawai\u02bbi: Big Island"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We designed this trip for travelers who want a tropical adventure at its most elemental and raw. On the Big Island, fire, ocean and sky collide in the most dramatic of ways: volcanic craters at Hawai\u02bbi Volcanoes National Park, the star-filled summit of Mauna Kea, jet-black sands at Punalu\u02bbu and the postcard-perfect coast of Kona. This isn\u2019t about resorts or umbrella drinks; it\u2019s about wild beauty and island culture in its purest form.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":152662,"menu_order":232,"template":"","class_list":["post-152641","trip","type-trip","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","location-americas","location-usa","month-august-us","month-july-us","month-may-us","month-september-us","style-for-first-time-flashpackers-us","style-short-stays-us","duration-short-breaks","trip-type-insider"],"thumbnail_video":[{"file":false,"codec":"mp4","video_url":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2-Thumbnail.mp4"}],"checkout_hero_banner":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AdobeStock_607357901-1152x648.jpeg","acf":[],"template_id":"US2","duration":6,"trip_limit":8,"img_header":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/US2_Itinerary_Day5.1-1080x620.jpg","continent":"The Americas","country":"USA","countries":["USA"],"prices_between":{"gbp":{"min":"\u00a33140","max":"\u00a33850"},"eur":{"min":"\u20ac3670","max":"\u20ac4500"},"usd":{"min":"$4075","max":"$4995"},"cad":{"min":"$5355","max":"$6565"},"aud":{"min":"$5995","max":"$7350"},"nzd":{"min":"$6925","max":"$8490"},"hkd":{"min":"$30470","max":"$37345"},"aed":{"min":"DH14250","max":"DH17470"}},"about":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We designed this trip for travelers who want a tropical adventure at its most elemental and raw. On the Big Island, fire, ocean and sky collide in the most dramatic of ways: volcanic craters at Hawai\u02bbi Volcanoes National Park, the star-filled summit of Mauna Kea, jet-black sands at Punalu\u02bbu and the postcard-perfect coast of Kona. This isn\u2019t about resorts or umbrella drinks; it\u2019s about wild beauty and island culture in its purest form. <\/span><\/p>\n","highlights":[],"lang":"us","trip_type":[{"term_id":11837,"name":"For First-Timers","slug":"for-first-time-flashpackers-us","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":11837,"taxonomy":"style","description":"<span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\">First time trying solo travel? These are the Flash Pack adventures best suited to first-timers, from immersive mini-breaks to affordable longer adventures. Where will your first solo trip take you?<\/span><\/span>","parent":0,"count":32,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":11993,"name":"Short Stays","slug":"short-stays-us","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":11993,"taxonomy":"style","description":"Looking to dip your toe into group travel? Our mini-adventures offer the full Flash Pack experience in just three to five days.","parent":0,"count":10,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"}],"hidden":false,"seasons":["summer"],"scenery":["beach","mountain"],"activities":["hiking","local_culture","tasting","water_sports"],"activity_level":["moderate"],"key_locations":"Hawaii, Big Island, Mauna Kea, volcanoes national park, akaka falls","itinerary":[{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrive at Hilo International Airport (ITO)","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Arrival in Hawaii & welcome dinner","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Arrive on the Big Island and check into your boutique hotel in Hilo<\/strong>, perfectly placed for the days ahead<\/li>\n<li><strong>Meet your fellow Flashpackers and get ready for the adventure ahead with a special island twist<\/strong> to mark the moment<\/li>\n<li><strong>Share a relaxed dinner with your group,<\/strong> where Hawaiian flavors and local rum will give you a true taste of the Big Island<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Arrival in Hawaii & welcome dinner","text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Arrive on the Big Island and check into your boutique hotel in Hilo<\/strong>, perfectly placed for the days ahead<\/li>\n<li><strong>Meet your fellow Flashpackers and get ready for the adventure ahead with a special island twist<\/strong> to mark the moment<\/li>\n<li><strong>Share a relaxed dinner with your group,<\/strong> where Hawaiian flavors and local rum will give you a true taste of the Big Island<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","snapshot":"Arrive at Hilo International Airport (ITO)","images":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/US2_Day1.jpg"],"day":1},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Akaka Falls, Lava Tubes & Mauna Kea","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Begin the morning at \u02bbAkaka Falls State Park, where a rainforest trail will take you through lush, Jurassic-style vegetation to the twin falls:<\/strong> 100-foot Kahuna Falls and the dramatic 442-foot drop of \u02bbAkaka itself<\/li>\n<li><strong>Explore the caverns, skylights and passageways of Kaumana Caves,<\/strong> a hidden network of lava tubes created by historic flows from Mauna Loa<\/li>\n<li><strong>Take an epic journey up Mauna Kea, Hawaii\u2019s highest peak at 13,800 feet.<\/strong> Ascend by van, swapping tropical temperatures for near freezing, pausing to acclimatize and enjoy dinner before summiting to witness sunset above the clouds and stargazing at the clearest skies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"17267","trip_highlight":true,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Akaka Falls, Lava Tubes & Mauna Kea","text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Begin the morning at \u02bbAkaka Falls State Park, where a rainforest trail will take you through lush, Jurassic-style vegetation to the twin falls:<\/strong> 100-foot Kahuna Falls and the dramatic 442-foot drop of \u02bbAkaka itself<\/li>\n<li><strong>Explore the caverns, skylights and passageways of Kaumana Caves,<\/strong> a hidden network of lava tubes created by historic flows from Mauna Loa<\/li>\n<li><strong>Take an epic journey up Mauna Kea, Hawaii\u2019s highest peak at 13,800 feet.<\/strong> Ascend by van, swapping tropical temperatures for near freezing, pausing to acclimatize and enjoy dinner before summiting to witness sunset above the clouds and stargazing at the clearest skies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","snapshot":"","images":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Itinerary_Day2.1.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Highlight_AkakaFalls.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Itinerary_Day2.2.jpg"],"day":2},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Volcanoes National Park & Punalu\u02bbu Beach","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Traverse the epic landscapes of Hawai\u02bbi Volcanoes National Park,<\/strong> home to two of the world\u2019s most active volcanoes \u2013 K\u012blauea and Mauna Loa<\/li>\n<li><strong>Follow trails across the park\u2019s otherworldly terrain,<\/strong> where twisted lava fields and lunar-like landscapes tell stories of past eruptions<\/li>\n<li><strong>Round off the day at Punalu\u02bbu Beach, one of the world\u2019s most famous black-sand beaches.<\/strong> Stretch out on the jet-black shoreline and (season permitting) keep an eye out for rare green sea turtles basking in the sun<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"17268","trip_highlight":true,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Volcanoes National Park & Punalu\u02bbu Beach","text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Traverse the epic landscapes of Hawai\u02bbi Volcanoes National Park,<\/strong> home to two of the world\u2019s most active volcanoes \u2013 K\u012blauea and Mauna Loa<\/li>\n<li><strong>Follow trails across the park\u2019s otherworldly terrain,<\/strong> where twisted lava fields and lunar-like landscapes tell stories of past eruptions<\/li>\n<li><strong>Round off the day at Punalu\u02bbu Beach, one of the world\u2019s most famous black-sand beaches.<\/strong> Stretch out on the jet-black shoreline and (season permitting) keep an eye out for rare green sea turtles basking in the sun<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","snapshot":"","images":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Highlight_VolcanoNP.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Itinerary_Day3.2.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Itinerary_Day4.0.jpg"],"day":3},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Island\u2019s best beach & salt farm foot soak","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Stretch out on Hapuna, the island\u2019s best-loved white-sand beach, with turquoise water perfect for a swim.<\/strong> This is your chance to live the Hawaiian postcard dream, basking on the sand and watching surfers in the distance<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tour a traditional Hawaiian sea salt farm,<\/strong> where you&#8217;ll indulge in a mineral-rich, deep ocean foot soak in water heated to a soothing 48\u00b0C<\/li>\n<li><strong>Optional, but unforgettable: after dark, slip into the ocean for a moonlit snorkel with giant manta rays.<\/strong> Watching these gentle giants glide and twirl through the water is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter you\u2019ll never forget. <strong>See our FAQs for more information<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"17307","trip_highlight":true,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Island\u2019s best beach & salt farm foot soak","text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Stretch out on Hapuna, the island\u2019s best-loved white-sand beach, with turquoise water perfect for a swim.<\/strong> This is your chance to live the Hawaiian postcard dream, basking on the sand and watching surfers in the distance<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tour a traditional Hawaiian sea salt farm,<\/strong> where you&#8217;ll indulge in a mineral-rich, deep ocean foot soak in water heated to a soothing 48\u00b0C<\/li>\n<li><strong>Optional, but unforgettable: after dark, slip into the ocean for a moonlit snorkel with giant manta rays.<\/strong> Watching these gentle giants glide and twirl through the water is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter you\u2019ll never forget. <strong>See our FAQs for more information<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","snapshot":"","images":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/US2_Itinerary_Day4.21.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Itinerary_Day4.2.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Gallery009.jpg"],"day":4},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Outrigger canoeing, free time & luau experience","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Glide across the crystalline waters of Kona in a traditional outrigger canoe,<\/strong> learning an ancient Hawaiian practice that\u2019s been passed down for generations. Keep watch for spinner dolphins leaping nearby<\/li>\n<li><strong>Savor your last hours of island downtime<\/strong> \u2013 swim, sunbathe, or simply soak up those postcard-perfect Pacific views before your final night together<\/li>\n<li><strong>Close your adventure with a vibrant island luau, complete with fire dancing, Polynesian drumming, and a feast of island flavors<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Outrigger canoeing, free time & luau experience","text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Glide across the crystalline waters of Kona in a traditional outrigger canoe,<\/strong> learning an ancient Hawaiian practice that\u2019s been passed down for generations. Keep watch for spinner dolphins leaping nearby<\/li>\n<li><strong>Savor your last hours of island downtime<\/strong> \u2013 swim, sunbathe, or simply soak up those postcard-perfect Pacific views before your final night together<\/li>\n<li><strong>Close your adventure with a vibrant island luau, complete with fire dancing, Polynesian drumming, and a feast of island flavors<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","snapshot":"","images":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/US2_Itinerary_Day5.12.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/US2_Itinerary_Day5.11.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/US2_Gallery10.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Highlight_Luaua.jpg"],"day":5},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Depart from Kona International Airport (KOA)","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Farewell, Hawai\u02bbi","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>All too soon, your time on the \u2018OG\u2019 island paradise has come to an end. <\/strong>Your Pack Leader will be able to help you organise your own transfer to Kona Airport for your onward journey<\/li>\n<li><strong>You\u2019ll leave feeling invigorated by a world unmarred and protected \u2013 images of untouched rainforest waterfalls, volcanic craters and skies full of stars replaying in your mind.<\/strong> Hawai\u02bbi is a land where fire, ocean, and sky collide, and it will stay with you long after you\u2019ve got home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":""},"header":"Farewell, Hawai\u02bbi","text":"<ul>\n<li><strong>All too soon, your time on the \u2018OG\u2019 island paradise has come to an end. <\/strong>Your Pack Leader will be able to help you organise your own transfer to Kona Airport for your onward journey<\/li>\n<li><strong>You\u2019ll leave feeling invigorated by a world unmarred and protected \u2013 images of untouched rainforest waterfalls, volcanic craters and skies full of stars replaying in your mind.<\/strong> Hawai\u02bbi is a land where fire, ocean, and sky collide, and it will stay with you long after you\u2019ve got home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","snapshot":"Depart from Kona International Airport (KOA)","images":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/US2_Itinerary_Day6.jpg"],"day":6}],"alternative_itinerary":null,"theme":"Sky","gallery_uris":["https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Gallery_000.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/US2_Itinerary_Day5.14.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Gallery003-1136x1136.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/US2_Itinerary_Day2.1-1.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Itinerary_Day5.2.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Gallery004-1136x1136.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Gallery008.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Gallery.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Gallery012-1.jpg","https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Gallery009-1.jpg"],"trip_highlights":[{"title":"Akaka Falls, Lava Tubes & Mauna Kea","picture":{"desktop":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Itinerary_Day2.1-1080x620.jpg","mobile":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Itinerary_Day2.1-576x320.jpg"},"image":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Itinerary_Day2.1.jpg","day":2},{"title":"Volcanoes National Park & Punalu\u02bbu Beach","picture":{"desktop":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Highlight_VolcanoNP-1080x620.jpg","mobile":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Highlight_VolcanoNP-576x320.jpg"},"image":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2_Highlight_VolcanoNP.jpg","day":3},{"title":"Island\u2019s best beach & salt farm foot soak","picture":{"desktop":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/US2_Itinerary_Day4.21-1080x620.jpg","mobile":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/US2_Itinerary_Day4.21-576x320.jpg"},"image":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/US2_Itinerary_Day4.21.jpg","day":4}],"included_highlights":[{"day":"2","description":"Watch the sunset from Mauna Kea, Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s highest peak, before stargazing under some of Earth's clearest skies","tag":"iconic-moment","image":{"link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/hawaii-big-island\/attachment\/us2_highlight_maunakea2-2\/"},"link_to_accommodation":false},{"day":"2","description":"Hike through lush rainforest trails to the twin cascades of Kahuna Falls and the dramatic 442-foot drop of \u02bbAkaka Falls.\r\n","tag":"iconic-moment","image":{"link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/hawaii-big-island\/attachment\/us2_highlight_akakafalls\/"},"link_to_accommodation":false},{"day":"5","description":"Paddle a traditional outrigger canoe across crystalline Kona waters, keeping watch for spinner dolphins leaping nearby","tag":"local-experience","image":{"link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/hawaii-big-island\/attachment\/us2_itinerary_day5-1\/"},"link_to_accommodation":false},{"day":"3","description":"Explore Hawai\u02bbi Volcanoes National Park, home to two of the world\u2019s most active volcanoes and vast, lunar-like lava fields","tag":"iconic-moment","image":{"link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/hawaii-big-island\/attachment\/us2_highlight_volcanonp1\/"},"link_to_accommodation":false},{"day":"4","description":"Unwind on Hapuna\u2019s powder-white sands and swim in turquoise waters at the island\u2019s most beloved beach","tag":"iconic-moment","image":{"link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/hawaii-big-island\/attachment\/th2_itinerary_26\/"},"link_to_accommodation":true},{"day":"5","description":"Experience a luau, where Polynesian rhythms, fire dancing and a feast of Hawaiian flavors bring the adventure to a close","tag":"foodie-focus","image":{"link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/hawaii-big-island\/attachment\/us2_itinerary_day5-4\/"},"link_to_accommodation":false}],"included":["All activities shown in itinerary including Volcanoes National Park, outrigger canoeing & stargazing from Mauna Kea","Stay in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels","Shared twin room (Single rooms available)","5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners including a traditional l\u016b\u02bbau","Private minibus & boat","Arrival airport transfer","Experienced, local Pack Leader throughout","Max. 12 people per trip","Everyone at a similar life stage","90% travel solo, 80% stay in touch"],"videos":[{"source":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/US2-Trip-Header.mp4","codec":"mp4"}],"faqs":[{"question":"Are flights included?","answer":"Flights to and from your destination aren\u2019t included in the trip price \u2013 you\u2019ll need to book these independently. You\u2019ll find recommended arrival and departure airports, along with suggested timings, in the FAQs below.\n"},{"question":"Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code","answer":"Fly into Hilo International Airport (ITO) and out of Kona International Airport (KOA).\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight arrive (time for the welcome meeting)?","answer":"Ideally before 4pm. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 6pm onwards starting at the hotel.\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight depart on the last day?","answer":"If you\u2019ve booked to fly home from Kona International Airport (KOA) , you can depart at any time. Hilo International Airport is further away so you\u2019ll need to plan transportation with plenty of time to get there.\n"},{"question":"Are airport transfers included?","answer":"If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you\u2019ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.\nHowever, if you\u2019ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you\u2019ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.\u00a0\nPlease also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you\u2019ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure\u2019s departure date. You\u2019ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won\u2019t be chasing you. That\u2019s why it\u2019s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you\u2019ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.\nDeparture transfers are typically not included due to travellers leaving at varying times.\n"},{"question":"Are tips included? ","answer":"Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:\n\nPack Leader\/Driver: 20 USD per person, per day\nLocal tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc.\n\nHowever, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.\n"},{"question":"Do I need a visa? ","answer":"Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.\nYou can also find essential travel advice \u2013 including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information \u2013 on the government website of your home country:\n\nUK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.\nUS residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information. US citizens are required to have either a valid passport or Real ID in order to fly within the US.\nAustralian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.\nResidents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.\n\nPlease be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it\u2019s important to stay updated with the latest information.\n"},{"question":"What vaccinations and medication will I need? ","answer":"While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.\n1. Consult with a healthcare professional\nWe recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.\n2. Up-to-date medical advice\n\nUK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.\nUS residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.\nAustralian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.\n\n3. Government travel advice\n\nUK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.\nUS residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.\nAustralian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.\n\n4. Medication tips\nIf you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays.\u00a0Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.\nWe hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.\n"},{"question":"How much should I budget per day for extras?","answer":"We recommend budgeting around 50-60 USD per day.\n"},{"question":"What fitness levels do I need for this trip?","answer":"We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness. Overall, the trip is relatively relaxed so no real level of fitness is needed. That said, the elevation gain on the Mauna Kea experience can be challenging for some. For more information, please reach out to our team.\n"},{"question":"What\u2019s the elevation gain on Mauna Kea, and how is it managed?","answer":"Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii, and the altitude can feel challenging. To join this excursion, you\u2019ll need to be able to walk briskly for 100 yards and climb into the van unaided. It isn\u2019t suitable for anyone with heart or respiratory issues, high blood pressure, back pain, motion sickness, or for pregnant women. If you have any health concerns, please check with your doctor first. For everyone else, our Pack Leader sets a gentle pace and allows time to adjust, so you can simply enjoy the breathtaking views from above the clouds.\n"},{"question":"Are there any weight or seating limits on Mauna Kea?","answer":"Yes. For this activity, step stools are rated up to 250 lbs (115 kg), and guests must be able to fit comfortably into a single seat. These requirements ensure a safe and comfortable experience at high altitude.\n"},{"question":"Is Hawai\u2018i Volcanoes National Park safe to visit?","answer":"Absolutely. The park is carefully monitored by rangers and scientists, with public areas only open when conditions are safe. You\u2019ll explore alongside your Pack Leader, so you can focus on the awe-inspiring lava landscapes with peace of mind.\n"},{"question":"Why isn't the manta-ray snorkel included \u2013 and how can I book it?","answer":"The manta-ray night snorkel is one of the Big Island\u2019s most magical experiences \u2013 after sunset, you\u2019ll float under the stars as these gentle giants glide through illuminated waters. We\u2019ve chosen to keep it as an optional add-on rather than a fixed inclusion.\nThat\u2019s because it\u2019s a specialist activity suited only to confident swimmers with prior snorkelling experience, who can safely get on and off the boat in limited light. By keeping it optional, we make sure every traveller feels comfortable and included, without limiting the rest of the group.\nIf you\u2019d like to join, simply book the later session (usually 8:30pm or 9pm, depending on the time of year) on Day 4 with Sea Quest Hawaii. We recommend reserving your spot around 30 days before departure as they fill up quickly. Unfortunately, if you book late and there\u2019s no availability, we\u2019re unable to help. For those who take part, it\u2019s truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment.\n"},{"question":"Will the itinerary change?","answer":"Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control \u2013 but we\u2019ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.\n"},{"question":"Why is this trip more expensive than other US destinations?","answer":"Hawaii is one of the most expensive US destinations, driven by island logistics, limited hotel availability and premium excursion costs. Everything has to be shipped in, and that naturally pushes prices higher \u2013 often 50\u2013100% more than mainland adventures.\nThat said, our trip offers excellent value for the level of inclusions. Travelling with a group tour also helps make Hawaii more accessible and cost-effective, giving you all the highlights without the high solo costs of organising it independently.\n"}],"hotels":[{"name":"Pestana Pousada Flores, Porto ","short_description":"Historical building on Porto's most beautiful street","description":"Located on one of Porto\u2019s most beautiful streets; Pestana Pousada is housed in a beautifully restored building. It boasts elegant rooms, an indoor pool and lots of cosy corners surrounded by rock walls to relax with a drink.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/PT1_HotelPorto.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Quinta de Casaldronho, Douro Valley","short_description":"A dedicated wine hotel surrounded by the vineyards of Douro ","description":"Set at the heart of the Douro region and boasting views over the river, Quinta de Casaldronho is a contemporary, minimalist wine hotel. Think floor to ceiling windows, an outdoor pool surrounded by vineyards and, of course, a selection of local wines.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/PT1-QuintaCasaldronho.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Immerso Hotel Ericeira","short_description":"","description":"\n\n\n\n\nNestled outside of Lisbon in a lush landscape near world-class surf spots, Immerso offers sleek rooms, a spa, infinity pool, and farm-to-table dining. Perfect for unwinding or chasing waves, here is where coastal beauty meets sophisticated relaxation.\n\n\n\n\n\n","image_url":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/PT1_HotelImmerso.jpg","is_alternative":false}],"wellness_rooms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip\/152641","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/trip"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/152662"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=152641"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}