Trips

Honolulu, Oahu

Aloha! Welcome to the USA’s island state of Hawaii. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. 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 before your tour begins, and we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you do arrive early in Honolulu, perhaps take some surf lessons on the world-renowned Waikiki beach, go snorkelling at picturesque Hanauma Bay or visit Pearl Harbor’s historic sites. There's also plenty to do in the neighbourhood of Waikiki, from soaking up the sun on its famous beach to checking out the restaurants and outlet malls along the esplanade. Following the meeting, join the group on evening walk to catch the sunset from Waikiki Beach. Yes, this is real.

Kapa'a, Kauai

Today take the short flight from Honolulu to the 'Garden Isle' of Kauai, keeping an eye out for the striking Kilohana Crater and Haupu Ridge below. On arrival, transfer to your hotel before enjoying a visit to Kauai’s crown jewel – Waimea Canyon. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, admire tremendous views and hike beautiful nature trails, overlooking the lush green foliage, contrasted with plummeting cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

Kapa'a, Kauai

Use a free day on Kauai to get to know more of the island. Walk along nature trails through Na Pali Coast State Park or visit the remote sands of Polihale Beach. Relax in the historic beachside community of Kapa’a or, for something more active, perhaps rent a kayak and paddle down Wailua River past beautiful waterfalls. Better yet, treat yourself to a scenic helicopter flight above the Waimea Canyon, where you’ll experience the scale of its plunging gorges from a bird’s eye view – a truly unforgettable experience. In the evening, relax and enjoy some treats from one of the local restaurants or food trucks on offer.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

At some point today, fly to Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii. Your group leader will have all flight details and be sure to communicate them with you as soon as possible so you can maximise your day of exploring. 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. Tonight, meet up with the rest of the group for a luau – a traditional Hawaiian party full of food, fire and dancing.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Today is a free day in Kona to continue to explore the Big Island of Hawaii. Quiz your group leader about their favourite hidden beach or secret lagoon on the island, so that you can rent some snorkel gear, pack a picnic lunch and experience it for yourself. If you’ve had your fill of beaches, why not check out the oldest Christian church in the archipelago – Mokuaikaua Church, or Hulihe'e Palace – the vacation home of Hawaiian royalty in the 19th century. Once all of this relaxing is done, a seriously incredible optional activity is an evening swimming with manta rays. Take a boat out to sea and explore the underwater world of spectacular marine life under lights – you won’t forget it.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive past coffee farms and beautiful bays as we make our way to Hawaii 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 huge lava rock wall and reconstructed villages. Arrive in the town of Volcano, which is directly on the edge of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You will be met at the Kilauea Visitor Centre by a park ranger to orientate you to the park. Your leader will then take you on a driving tour deep into the park, with plenty of hiking opportunities from brief strolls through lava tunnels to longer hikes across an actual crater. Seeing glowing lava was once the main attraction, but since Kilauea’s eruption in May 2018 a visit to the Kilauea Caldera and Halema’uma’u Crater will give you an insight into how the landscape is constantly being shaped by natural forces.

Kaanapali, Maui

Leave the Big Island, Hawaii, today and take a one-hour flight to Kahului on Maui. Once arrived, head to your oceanfront accommodation in Kaanapali where the rest of the afternoon is free to explore and relax, Maui-style. Considered one of the world's best islands with over 80 beaches, Maui's sand, surf and swimming spots are what you may imagine paradise to look like.

Kaanapali, Maui

Today is a free day to explore. If you are an early riser, take a sunrise tour to Haleakala National Park and travel to the summit of the dormant volcano of Haleakala. From a vantage point of over 3000 metres (10,000 feet) above sea level, watch an idyllic sunrise over the ocean from on high before heading back to Kaanapali 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 with a lot to see and do along the way, and even though it is a relatively short distance, the narrow one-lane bridges and hairpin turns along the coast lend themselves to cruisy driving and appreciating the stunning views. Think waterfalls, bamboo forests, lava tubes, and dense tropical rainforest coming down to meet the ocean at sandy beaches of myriad colours. Alternatively, you may wish to take a whale watching tour (seasonal) or go snorkelling to see an abundance of fish, moray eels and turtles.

Kaanapali, Maui

There are no activities and no accommodation planned for this day. If you feel that there is more to do and see on Maui, you shouldn’t leave just yet! Perhaps book yourself on an activity you missed out on yesterday, or pull up a towel on the beach and watch the waves roll in – the day is yours.