Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Hawai’i as you explore four islands, venturing to emerald jungles and volcanic peaks and experiencing the islands’ history and cultural heritage firsthand.
Discovering Hawai'i: A Tailor-Made Journey to Four Islands
A Self Drive Journey
12 days from $8,995
Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Hawai’i as you explore four islands, venturing to emerald jungles and volcanic peaks and experiencing the islands’ history and cultural heritage firsthand.
Tour Details
TOUR BROCHURE
brochureWHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Kristin, K.Can't say enough +++ things about Smithsonian Journeys with Audley Travel. Will book again! -Kristin, K.
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
Overview
The following itinerary is a sampling of the experiences that we offer on a tailor-made journey to Hawai'i. 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.
A string of far-flung tropical islands in the middle of the Pacific, Hawai’i is much more than an idyllic paradise of palm-lined beaches. The islands are a wonderland of nature and geology, created by powerful volcanic forces that are still in evidence today. Experience Hawai’i from the bubbling lava fields and sacred peaks of the Big Island to the gorgeous rainforests of Kauai. Snorkel in a partially submerged volcanic crater, take a sunset cruise past the towering emerald cliffs of Na Pali, and step into history on a guided tour of Pearl Harbor.
Highlights Include
- 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.
- Kristin, K.Can't say enough +++ things about Smithsonian Journeys with Audley Travel. Will book again! -Kristin, K.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Sample Itinerary
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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)