Day 1: The Big Island
Arrive into Honolulu this morning and take an inter-island transfer flight to the Island of Hawai’i, also known as The Big Island. On arrival in Kona Airport transfer and check into your hotel. Take a few hours to relax or head out to one of the local beaches. This evening prepare yourself for a once in a lifetime experience, night swimming with manta rays. Along the Kona Coast are over 200 manta rays that call this part of the world home. Float on the water’s surface as you take in these huge magnificent creatures’ swim around you.
Day 2: The Big Island
Get up nice and early and head south down the beautiful west coast. Start with visiting Papakolea, the green sand beach. It’s best to get here early before the weather heats up and the crowds start to arrive. Be prepared to walk a little to get down to the beach and don’t forget to bring sun protection as there isn’t much shade.
South Kona is best known for its world-class coffee and macadamia nuts. As you make your way back to Kona, stop at the Royal Kona Coffee Centre to learn more and try some free tastings. You will also find many options for lunch in this area. Then continue to the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, one of the most important sights in Hawaiian culture. Enjoy a free audio tour to learn more about the ancient culture. Spend the afternoon enjoying some of the best snorkelling on the island at Two Step, famous for its huge variety of tropical fish.
Day 3: The Big Island
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before preparing to head north. Spend the rest of the morning at Hapuna Beach, a white sand beach with a beautiful backdrop and calm waves which is great for swimming. If you are wanting something a little more active, you can follow part of the Ala Kahakai coastal trail which follows ancient trails and roads along the pristine shoreline. If time permits, prepare a picnic lunch in Kona before heading out to enjoy on the beach or try the local café.
Spend the rest of the day driving up the Mauna Kea summit, a place where Hawaiian people go in search of ancient spiritual connections, or for visitors, the clearest place on the planet for stargazing and viewing the night sky. You can also catch a beautiful sunset here.
Day 4: The Big Island
Today you will spend a whole day exploring the eastern side of the island. Start with a flight from Kona flying over the coffee district, all five Big Island volcanoes, hidden white and black sand beaches, lush waterfalls cascading down 2000-foot valley walls and the rugged, wild coastlines. Once in Hilo you can make use of the complementary transportation between the airport and downtown to explore the farmers market, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Lyman Museum, quirky shops, and other points of interest. Or you can opt to rent a car to discover some of the scenic sights outside of Hilo such as Rainbow Falls.
After your half day in Hilo you will fly back to Kona by helicopter over the lush Hamakua coast, the dramatic cliffs of the Kohala volcano, and see beautiful north Kona white sand beaches such as Kua bay and Hapuna.
Day 5: Kauai
This morning you will take a flight from Kona Airport via Honolulu to Lihue Airport on the island of Kauai, otherwise known as the ‘Green Isle’ for its lush landscape. Collect your rental car and head south along the coast to Poipu where you will spend your first two nights.
Head straight out to enjoy one of the several beaches nearby or for something a little more active, head out on a scenic coastline hike along the Mahaulepu Heritage Coastal Trail. You will get some beautiful panoramic views and if you’re lucky, may spot a sea turtle or two cruising the coast. If heading towards Glass Beach, be sure to stop at the Hanapepe Valley Lookout for a preview of what’s to come tomorrow. In the evening enjoy dinner at one of the local eateries or shopping for some authentic keepsakes.
Day 6: Kauai
An early start this morning to explore the western side of the island. Begin your drive north to Waimea Canyon, a miniature version of the Grand Canyon right in the middle of the island. On the way, make a stop at the charming town of Waimea to pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy later under the Hawaiian redwoods in Kōkeʻe State Park. There are several maintained trails for hiking, ranging from easy to difficult. A popular choice is the Cliff Trail where you can sit atop Waipo‘o Falls for some out-of-this-world vistas. You will want to dedicate the whole day to this place, the views only get better as the sun fully rises over the valley, revealing the beautiful colours and the unique contours of the eroded Na Pali cliffs.
Day 7: Kauai
Today you will head in the opposite direction, discovering the north-eastern side of the island. Check out of your hotel and begin the leisurely drive up to Princeville where you will spend the next two nights. The day mostly involves short stops in scenic lookouts, beach stops, and food! Places of interest along the way include Wailua Falls, Opaeka’a Falls Lookout, Kealia Beach, Larsen’s Beach and the Kilauea Lighthouse. Plan your day to stop at the Kilauea Fish Market for lunch, one of the best places to eat on the island. This evening find somewhere to enjoy the spectacular Hanalei sunset.
Day 8: Kauai
Take the time to enjoy the village of Hanalei, situation between the signature peaks of the Na Pali coast and the majestic Hanalei Bay, the village itself is a tiny collection of shacks turned into million-dollar mansions. Make sure to visit the Hanalei Valley Lookout for some stunning panorama views and a reminder of how this beautiful lush island gets its name. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the nearby beaches, take a scenic cruise or hike one of the nearby trails before soaking in another magical sunset.
Day 9: Maui
This morning you will drive back to Lihue to take a flight over to the island of Maui. It’s finally time to relax a little in the luxurious Wailea coastline. Dotted with a large variety of resorts, this is the perfect place for some down time. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure enjoying your resort facilities before heading out to one of the many delicious restaurants in the area.
Day 10: Maui
An early start today to visit one of Maui’s most famous snorkelling sites. Cruise out the Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, a sunken volcano with thousands of fish and colourful corals all easily seen through the crystal-clear water. The unique and fascinating underwater lava formations and bountiful marine life in this area make it an ideal snorkelling spot for everyone from first-timers to long-time snorkelling enthusiasts.
Day 11: Maui
Maui is known for having one of the most beautiful drives in all of America. The Road to Hana takes you on a breathtaking rollercoaster through vibrant rainforest and jungles, past waterfalls, and to stretches of highway where the tree line opens and offers incredible views of the ocean. Make a stop at Wainapanapa, Maui’s famous Black Sand Beach and explore the legendary volcanic caves and learn about the story of Princess Popoalaea. Return back to Wailea for dinner after a fulfilling day spent amongst the natural beauty of Maui.
Day 12: Oahu
Take your last inter-island flight back to the island of Oahu. Transfer to Waikiki for your last few days in paradise. This afternoon take a walk along the Waikiki Beach promenade, stop in at Duke’s Bar for happy hour or head to Ala Moana shopping centre for some retail therapy.
Day 13: Oahu
Pickup your rental car and drive over to Diamond Head for a beautiful early morning hike before the heat of the day-time sun kicks in. After capturing your postcard photograph, continue north towards Turtle Bay on the other side of the island. On the way you will pass several beaches, road side food trucks and small local markets. The northern part of Oahu is much quieter and offers a lovely scenic loop from Waikiki. As you return back, make a stop at the Dole Plantation to learn all about pineapples, and pick up a tasty treat as well. For dinner this evening ask your hotel concierge to make you a reservation at one of the fine dining establishments.
Day 14: Oahu
Today is your final full day in Hawaii. Relax by the pool with your favourite book, look out for celebrities on Waikiki Beach or head to the outlet shops and pick out a brand-new wardrobe for a bargain price. Choose to end your experience with an authentic Hawaiian luau experience.
Day 15: Departure Day
Check out of your hotel and transfer back to Honolulu Airport for your flight home.
