Starts | Honolulu, United States |
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Ends | Lahaina, United States |
Region | United States Of America |
Duration | 11 days |
Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Honolulu, Oahu & Finishing: Honolulu, Oahu
Aloha. Welcome to Hawaii and the USA. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 3pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. Following the meeting, join the group and sail out to sea to watch the sunset. If you arrive early into Honolulu, perhaps take some surf lessons, go snorkelling at Hanauma Bay or visit the Polynesian Cultural Centre or Dole Plantation. Another option is the Pearl Harbor Museum and Memorial. There's also plenty to do in the neighbourhood of Waikiki, from soaking up the sun on its famous beach to checking out the bountiful restaurants and outlet malls along the esplanade. As there's a great deal to do in Honolulu and on the island of Oahu, it's recommended you stay a few extra days at the start or end of the trip to see the sights. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Day 2 - Starting: Hanalei, Kauai & Finishing: Hanalei, Kauai
Today take the short flight from Honolulu to the 'garden isle' of Kauai, keeping an eye out for Kilohana Crater and Haupu Ridge below. On arrival, transfer to the other side of the island to Hanalei (approximately one hour). Once you've checked in to your hotel, the rest of the day is free to do as you please. Depending on the time, perhaps rent a kayak and paddle down Wailua River to a picturesque waterfall, or relax on the scenic beach in Hanalei.
Day 3 - Starting: Hanalei, Kauai & Finishing: Hanalei, Kauai
Use your free day on Kauai getting to know the island. Walk along nature trails through Na Pali Coast State Park or visit the remote beach in Polihale State Park. In the evening, meet up with the rest of the group for a traditional Hawaiian party full of food and dancing - better known to the world as a luau.
Day 4 - Starting: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii & Finishing: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
At some point today, fly to Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii. Your day is free to explore. Kona, as it's known to the locals, is the main town on the west coast of Hawaii. With water sports and snorkelling on offer, as well as historic sites such as Hulihe'e Palace, there's plenty to keep you busy during the day. When the sun goes down, there's the option to swim with manta rays. If you'd prefer to keep dry, perhaps head out and see some of the nightlife of Kona.
Day 5 - Starting: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii & Finishing: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Today is a free day in Kona. Rent some snorkel gear and head to a nearby beach. If you've had enough of the island's array of beaches, why not check out the oldest Christian church in the archipelago - Mokuaikaua Church. You might also like to visit Hulihe'e Palace, which was the vacation home of Hawaiian royalty in the 19th century. In the evening, perhaps grab some food at TJ'S BBQ by the Beach, which is known for its lip-smacking ribs.
Day 6 - Starting: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii & Finishing: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Enjoy a scenic two-hour drive past coffee farms and beautiful bays as we make our way to Volcanoes National Park. On the way, visit Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Site, where you can learn about the traditional Hawaiian belief system and the kapu (religious laws) that were the basis of that system. The location is idyllic, boasting palm-lined beaches, wooden carvings, a massive lava rock wall and reconstructed villages. The group will then head to the town of Volcano, where you'll spend the next two nights.
Day 7 - Starting: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii & Finishing: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Today explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Your leader will take you on a driving tour with plenty of hiking opportunities from brief hikes through lava tunnels to longer hikes across an actual crater. Alternatively visit the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum to learn more about the history of volcanology and in the evening watch the sunset and the reflection of the lava on the fog over the Kilauea Caldera.
Day 8 - Starting: Lahaina, Maui & Finishing: Lahaina, Maui
Leave Hawaii today and take a one-hour flight to Kahului Airport in Maui. Once you've landed, drive to Lahaina where you'll have the rest of the afternoon free to explore and relax. Maui is an extremely popular tourist destination and can be quite busy at times. Considered one of the world's best islands by many publications over the years, Maui's beaches, surf and swimming spots are what you might imagine paradise to look like.
Day 9 - Starting: Lahaina, Maui & Finishing: Lahaina, Maui
Today is a free day to explore. There's the option to take a sunrise tour to Haleakala National Park. Depart very early and travel by bus to the summit of the dormant volcano of Haleakala. From a vantage point of 10,000 feet above sea level, watch the sunrise over the ocean before heading back to Lahaina for the afternoon. If the group is interested, your leader may also organise a driving tour of the Road to Hana. This is a full day activity but there is a lot to see and do along the way. Think waterfalls, bamboo forests, lava tubes, and dense tropical rainforest coming down to meet the ocean at red, white and black sand beaches. Alternatively, you may wish to take a whale watching tour (seasonal) or go snorkelling to see an abundance of fish, moray eels and even turtles.
Day 10 - Starting: Lahaina, Maui & Finishing: Lahaina, Maui
After breakfast, your Hawaii Discovery adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned for the final day and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time.
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