A string of far-flung islands in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii conjures up images of tropical paradises with soft, golden beaches, swaying palms, and lei-wearing hula dancers. It’s all true, but at the same time, there’s much more to this archipelago. On a tailor-made journey of Hawaii, experts help craft an authentic tour of the islands of Hawaii for an unforgettable experience.
Tailor-Made Journey to Hawaii
12 days from $5,400
A string of far-flung islands in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii conjures up images of tropical paradises with soft, golden beaches, swaying palms, and lei-wearing hula dancers. It’s all true, but at the same time, there’s much more to this archipelago. On a tailor-made journey of Hawaii, experts help craft an authentic tour of the islands of Hawaii for an unforgettable experience.
Tour Details
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
Overview
The powerful volcanic forces that created Hawaii’s islands are still felt today, from the bubbling lava fields of Volcanoes National Park to the black volcanic beaches, partially submerged craters and dormant volcanoes scattered across the six main islands: Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. The coastline in some places is so distinctive that it has captured the imagination of Hollywood film-makers, and precipitous cliffs rise from the ocean like natural cathedrals. Tangled rainforest streaming with waterfalls covers much of the islands’ interiors, while offshore you can swim among coral reefs and look for humpback whales.
Highlights Include
- 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a particularly poignant time to take a guided tour, including a boat ride to the Arizona Memorial.
- Experience traditional cooking, hula dancers, and fire show before finishing the night with a delicious meal and mai tais at a traditional luau.
- Enjoy a snorkeling excursion to the partially sunken volcanic caldera of Molokini.
- Experience the beauty of the Na Pali coastline on a sunset cruise.
- Hike to the summit of sacred Mauna Kea just in time for sunset and stargazing and continue on to Volcanoes National Park.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Depart Gateway City to Hawaii
Today you will start your journey to Hawaii! When you arrive, you'll make your own way to your hotel in Waikiki to relax, or head to Diamond Head for a hike and amazing views of the beach.
Day 2 – Pearl Harbor
Today you’ll take a guided tour to Pearl Harbor including a boat ride to the Arizona Memorial, with free time to explore, pay your respects, and plenty of details about the events that drew the US into World War II.
Day 3– Oahu
You have the morning at leisure, but we highly recommend renting a car for the day to head to Oahu's gorgeous North Shore. You can get there via the coastal roads which lead from Waikiki past gorgeous coastal state parks. Be sure to include stops at the Polynesian Cultural Centre in Laie, the North Shore and Wailea Valley. Late this afternoon, you'll be picked up by your guide for a luau. Experience traditional cooking, hula dancers and fire shows, before finishing the night with a delicious meal and mai tais. (D)
Day 4 – Kauai
Today you'll make your way to the airport for your short flight over to Kauai. This evening you will experience the beauty of the Na Pali coastline on a sunset cruise including food and drinks. (D)
Day 5 – Kauai
Today you'll head out on a scenic hike of Kauai with a local guide. Meet in the morning to discuss which hike is right for you, and off you go. Your tour is likely to last 4 to 5 hours, before returning to your hotel to relax.
Day 6 – Kauai / Big Island, Hawaii
Enjoy one last day in Kauai before heading to the airport for your evening flight to the Big Island. The island is divided into many different micro climates ranging from the desolate west dominated by laval fields to the lush rainforests of the east with waterfalls and mountains to explore.
Day 7 – Big Island, Hawaii
Enjoy the morning at your hotel before heading out on a small group tour to the summit of Mauna Kea for sunset and stargazing. It’s hard to believe you’re in Hawaii as you climb to 13,796 feet above sea level while your guide explains the new environs. Mauna Kea is considered by many Hawaiians to be the most sacred place in all the islands, and after seeing a gorgeous sunset from the summit, you'll descend to the Visitor’s Information Station at 9,000 feet elevation where you will stargaze through a state-of-the-art telescope to learn about the local night sky. After dinner, enjoy hot chocolate and brownies while stargazing. (D)
Day 8 – Big Island, Hawaii
Today is at leisure, but we recommend a visit to Volcanoes National Park, specifically the Chain of Craters Road, a beautiful route through the volcanic landscape of the park which 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.
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 can be spent relaxing on the beach or by the pool, or head to nearby Lahaina town, a former whaling port with nice shops and restaurants.
Day 10 – Maui
Enjoy a snorkeling excursion to the partially sunken volcanic caldera of Molokini. You’ll speed across the water on a catamaran before enjoying two lengthy snorkeling stops - keep your eyes peeled for turtles, tropical fish and maybe even a black tip shark in the Molokini Crater. (B,L)
Day 11 – Maui
Today we recommend a road trip along the Highway to Hana. You’ll want to leave early to spend time discovering the waterfalls and hundreds of colorful birds in the rainforest. Take advantage of some local flavo and stop at one of the many juice stands and coconut stalls along the way.
Day 12 — Return Home
Tonight you'll make your way to the airport for your flight home.
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)