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Hawai'i: A Tailor-Made Journey to Four Islands

12 days from $8,995

A Self Drive Journey

Hawai’i is more than a tropical paradise; the islands are a geological wonder shaped by powerful volcanic forces. On a journey designed just for you, experience Hawai’i from the bubbling lava fields and sacred peaks of the Big Island to the gorgeous rainforests of Kauai. Snorkel in a volcanic crater, cruise past Na Pali’s emerald cliffs at sunset, and step into history on a guided tour of Pearl Harbor.

Tailor-Made Journeys
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Highlights

  • Take a guided tour of Pearl Harbor, including a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. 
  • Attend a Hawaiian luau, with traditional cooking, a hula dance, and a fire show, and finish the night with a delicious feast and mai tais.
  • Go snorkeling in the volcanic caldera of Molokini off Maui’s coast, and enjoy a chance to swim with manta rays on a nighttime snorkeling excursion off the Kohala Coast.
  • Experience the beauty of Kauai’s dramatic Na Pali coastline on a sunset dinner cruise.
  • Watch the sunset from the summit of sacred Mauna Kea and stargaze using the visitor center’s powerful telescopes.

Can't say enough +++ things about Smithsonian Journeys with Audley Travel. Will book again! -Kristin, K. 

— Kristin, K.

Sample Itinerary

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.

The following itinerary is a sampling of the experiences that we offer on a Tailor-Made Journey. Working with our country specialists, you can customize your itinerary to fit your timing, your budget, and your interests, including accommodations, activities, and the places you visit.

Day 1 — Arrive in Honolulu, Hawai'i

Fly to Honolulu on the island of Oahu, and make your way to your hotel in Waikiki. Enjoy time to relax or take a walk on beach, or head to Diamond Head for an invigorating hike and amazing views of the coast.

Park Shore Waikiki

Day 2 — Pearl Harbor

Set out today for Pearl Harbor, where a surprise Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, became the worst naval disaster in American history and drew the United States into World War II. Take a guided tour of the site, including a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, built over the destroyed battleship. Enjoy free time to explore the site and learn the details of that infamous day and its place in history. 

Park Shore Waikiki

Day 3 — Oahu

Most of today is at leisure, but we highly recommend renting a car for the day and heading to Oahu's beautiful North Shore. You can get there via the coastal roads that lead from Waikiki past gorgeous state parks along the shore. Be sure to include a stop at the Polynesian Cultural Centre in Laie and a swim in the waterfalls of Waimea Valley. Late this afternoon, you'll be picked up by your guide for a traditional luau. Experience Polynesian culture with traditional cooking, hula dances, and fire shows, and cap off the night with a delicious meal and mai tais. (D)

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

Day 4 — Kauai

Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Kauai, known as Hawai'i’s “Garden Isle.” In the late afternoon, embark on a sunset cruise, enjoying dinner and drinks as you glide past the magnificent green slopes of the Na Pali coast. (D)

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

Day 5 — Kauai

Today you'll head out on a scenic hike of Kauai with a local guide. From canyons and hidden beaches to rugged mountains and jungle waterfalls, there is much to discover on the island. Meet in the morning to discuss which trail is right for you before setting out. Your hike is likely to last 4 to 5 hours. Return to your hotel to relax in the afternoon.

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

Day 6 — Kauai / Big Island, Hawai’i

Enjoy one last day to explore Kauai before your evening flight to the Big Island of Hawai’i.

Hawai’i’s youngest and largest island is dominated by huge volcanic peaks, endless lava fields, and lush rainforests—a geography so diverse that most of the planet’s climate zones exist here. Transfer to your beachfront resort upon arrival. 

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Day 7 — Big Island, Hawai’i

During a free morning, relax at the hotel or discover black-sand beaches and other nearby sites. Later, join a small group tour to the summit of Mauna Kea, considered by many Hawaiians to be the most sacred place in all the islands. As your guide explains the geology and spiritual significance of the volcano, ascend to an astounding 13,796 feet above sea level. Take in breathtaking sunset views from the summit before descending to the Visitor’s Information Station at 9,000 feet. Here, use a state-of-the-art telescope to look at the stars and learn about the local night sky. After dinner, enjoy hot chocolate and brownies while stargazing. (D)

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Day 8 — Big Island, Hawai’i

During your day at leisure, we recommend a visit to Volcanoes National Park—specifically the Chain of Craters Road. This beautiful route runs through the volcanic landscape of the park and ends abruptly by the coast, where the road has been swallowed by an old lava flow. There are several hikes and short walks to enjoy along the way. This evening, don snorkel gear for an unforgettable guided night swim in an area where manta rays come to feed. 

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Day 9 — Maui

Fly to Maui today, where you’ll pick up a rental car and head to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to stretch out on the beach or by the pool, or drive to a nearby town to explore. 

Royal Lahaina Hotel

Day 10 — Maui

Board a catamaran today and speed across the water to the partially sunken volcanic caldera of Molokini for a snorkeling excursion. You’re bound to see sea turtles, myriad species of tropical fish, and perhaps a black tip reef shark during two lengthy snorkeling outings. (L)

Royal Lahaina Hotel

Day 11 — Maui

On your free day, consider taking a road trip along the Hana Highway, which runs along Maui’s northeastern coast, winding past emerald cliffs, rainforest waterfalls, and red- and black-sand beaches. You’ll want to leave early to allow time for hikes or beachhopping, and for a stop at one of the many juice stands and coconut stalls along the way. 

Royal Lahaina Hotel

Day 12 — Return Home

Enjoy a final day to relax and explore Maui. This evening, make your way to the airport for your flight home. 

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

The Na Pali Coast, Kauai

Slideshow

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Special Offer

Travel on one of our 2026 U.S. land journeys and receive a commemorative 250th Smithsonian book! See Tour Details section for details.

Occupancy Double
Estimated Price $8,995
Request a Quote

Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy, and do not include international air. Reduced pricing may be available for triple or quad accommodations, or for parties of six or more travelers.

Starting price reflects the itinerary shown here, and are intended as a broad indication of how much you should budget for your trip. We can tailor your trip to match your budget by adjusting the trip duration or departure date, and choosing accommodations and activities that suit your needs and interests.

Prices are based on rates of exchange, airfare & fuel (where applicable), tariffs, taxes, and other costs as of the tour publication date. We reserve the right to correct errors and to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, and taxes received after prices are published and to reflect currency fluctuations.

Tour Details

Accommodations

Park Shore Waikiki
Honolulu, Waikiki, Hawaii,, United States

This well-appointed hotel has a great location at the eastern end of Waikiki, opposite Kapiolani Park.  All rooms come with a private lanai (balcony) and good amenities including free WiFi, a mini-refrigerator, and LCD TV with movie library access.  The Ocean View rooms offer spectacular views of the Pacific and majestic Diamond Head.

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Honolulu, Waikiki, Hawaii, United States

An oasis of tranquility just steps from the beach in the heart of Waikiki, the Alohilani Resort offers spacious rooms with balconies, an award-winning design, and two restaurants conceived by acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Features include an open-air lobby, a 280,000 gallon Oceanarium, a saltwater infinity pool, and a destination pool deck with private cabanas. Situated on land once occupied by Queen Lili’uokalani the hotel is named after one of her beachside cottages, meaning “heavenly brightness” or “royal light,” and is committed to reforestation and returning indigenous trees to the Hawaiian Islands.

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Kuai, Hawaii, United States

On the eastern coast of Kauai, this relaxed 10-acre beachfront resort features private balconies in all rooms, open-air dining, a spa, an infinity pool and whirlpool surrounded by an oceanfront bar, lounge chairs and fire pits, and direct access to Coconut Beach. The property is set amid a century-old coconut grove and enjoys unparalleled views of the mountains and coastline, as well as easy access to Kapaa attractions like the Wailua Falls.

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii, United States

The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is a beachfront haven set on Anaeho'omalu Bay on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. With two championship golf courses, three sparkling pools, a waterslide, and white-sand beaches, the resort provides plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors. Other amenities include two restaurants, luau-style evenings twice a week, and a fitness center and spa. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed and offer balconies with seating areas and lovely views.

Royal Lahaina Hotel
Maui, Hawaii, United States

Set amid palm trees on the golden sands of Ka'anapali Beach, the Royal Lahaina Resort has a distinctly Hawaiian feel. Whether you stay in the beachfront Lahaina Kai Tower or opt for a beach cottage, suites are appointed with teak furniture and locally inspired art and textiles, as well as modern amenities. The main restaurant offers nightly entertainment and gourmet cuisine, a beach bar serves up tropical drinks and light fare at poolside, and an al fresco ice cream shop provides tasty snacks all day.  The resort features three swimming pools and a spa offering an array of treatments.

Special Gift: Commemorative 250th Smithsonian book “The Promise of a Nation”

Travel on a U.S. Tailor-Made land journey in 2026 and receive this commemorative 250th Smithsonian book.* – “The Promise of a Nation”.

The Promise of a Nation

Commemorating 250 Years of Patriotism, Resilience, and Aspirations from the National Collection
Featuring 700 Objects from the National Collection - Smithsonian Institution

Available to ship – March 2026

SMITHSONIAN BOOKS Retail price - $40.00

Celebrate 250 years of American history—and witness the nation’s decade-by-decade evolution—in this illustrated volume featuring 750 Smithsonian objects.

The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence marks a major milestone, representing two-and-a-half centuries of upholding democracy, building communities, defining freedom, and working to become a more perfect union. In “The Promise of Our Nation”, Smithsonian curators share aspirational stories that have shaped the nation in chapters representing each decade from the 1770’s to the 2020’s. Smithsonian objects help bring each decade to life, from George Washington's sword (1770’s) to an African American volunteer fire company badge (1860’s) to Marian Anderson's attire worn at her Lincoln Memorial concert (1930’s) to the Space Shuttle Discovery (1990’s). Each chapter begins with a timeline of major events and census data, followed by an essay that considers American history through a meaningful and often unexpected lens. Full spreads feature spotlight objects that tell decade-specific stories and offer important insight into each decade and the American story.

*One book fulfilled per reservation.

Gift Membership – Friends of Smithsonian

When you travel on a Tailor-Made Journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:

  • An annual Smithsonian calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
  • Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history. 
  • Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
  • Access to special members‑only hours at select Smithsonian venues.
  • 10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
  • Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
  • Free admission to the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
  • A complimentary copy of the Smithsonian annual pocket guide profiling exhibitions and work across the Institution.
  • Invitation to a special welcome members-only tour at a Smithsonian Museum (offered one time to Archivists upon joining at this level).

*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members. 

Reading List

*As an Amazon Associate, Smithsonian Journeys earns from qualifying purchases.

Highly Recommended

Captive Paradise: A History of Hawaii
By: Haley, James L.
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Hawaii
By: Michener, James A.
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Fodor's Essential Hawaii (Full-color Travel Guide)
By: Fodor's Travel Guides
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Pearl Harbor: From Infamy to Greatness
By: Nelson, Craig
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Also Recommended

Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen
By: Liliuokalani
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Red Sky Over Hawaii: A Novel
By: Ackerman, Sara
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In the Land of Pele, In the Land of the Extraordinary!
By: Frutos, Kahu Robert Kalama
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100 Things to See in the Night Sky, Expanded Edition: Your Illustrated Guide to the Planets, Satellites, Constellations, and More
By: Regas, Dean
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Aloha Kitchen: Recipes from Hawai'i [A Cookbook]
By: Kysar, Alana
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American Birding Association Field Guide to Birds of Hawaii (American Birding Association State Field)
By: Raine, Andre F., Raine, Helen
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Hawaii Trees & Wildflowers: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Plants (Wildlife and Nature Identification)
By: Kavanagh Waterford Press, James, Waterford Press Waterford Press
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Smithsonian Handbooks: Stars and Planets (Smithsonian Handbooks)
By: Ridpath, Ian
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The Hikers Guide to the Hawaiian Islands: Updated and Expanded
By: Ball Jr., Stuart M.
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History of the World Map by Map (DK History Map by Map)
By: DK
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Testimonials

What our travelers are saying...

Can't say enough +++ things about Smithsonian Journeys with Audley Travel. Will book again! -Kristin, K. 

— Kristin, K.

Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.