top of page
Hawaii - Trails of the South Pacific
SERIES: FHHI
From $5740 for 2024
- Day 1. Arrival in Kona
Arrive in Kona, and transfer on your own to the hotel.
Note: During the Kona Marathon, the group will be staying outside of Kona.
Hotel: Royal Kona Hotel or similar
Day 2. Polulu Valley, ancient temples and beach walks along the Kohala coast.
At 8 AM, your guide will welcome you at the hotel to embark on an exploration of Hawaii, also known as The Big Island, renowned for its authentic atmosphere and preservation of Hawaiian culture. As the largest and most diverse Hawaiian Island, it offers plenty of natural wonders, including active volcanoes, diverse coastlines with white, black, and green beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, lava deserts, and ocean hot springs. With our local knowledge, we will uncover hidden gems, hike to remote beaches in hopes of encountering sea turtles, and traverse the lava fields of an active volcano. On this day, we will venture into one of Hawaii's most remote valleys, the wild and untouched Polulu Valley. We will hike to the bottom and explore its beach. In the afternoon, our journey continues along the dry Kohala Coast, where we will visit Puukohola and Lapakahi, both remarkable sites of ancient Hawaiian temples.
Hotel: Royal Kona Hotel or similar
Day 3. City of Refuge and Captain Cook
Today's adventure takes us to the fabulous "City of Refuge" or "Pu'uhonua O Honaunau" National Historical Park, home to a picturesque Polynesian village nestled on lava cliffs. We will have the opportunity to have a village tour, and swimming or snorkeling in one of the island's best reefs. Following this, we will visit the Captain Cook Monument and the bay where he met his fate. In the afternoon, depending on availability, we can choose from one of the optional tours.
Hotel: Royal Kona Hotel or similar
Day 4. Kaloko-Honokohau and lava desert
In the morning, we embark on a hike in the stunning Kaloko Honokohau National Historic Park. As we traverse the coral beaches, we will encounter ancient fishponds and impressive structures crafted by the island's early inhabitants. In the afternoon, our journey takes us over the Saddle Road, one of the most spectacular roads in the world. Along this route, we ascend from sea level to 2000 meters, winding between the majestic volcanoes of Mauna Kea (4207m) and Mauna Loa (4169m). This journey offers a transition from tropical forests to arid desert landscapes. At Puu Huluhulu, trails guide us through captivating formations and vegetation that have been spared by volcanic eruptions. Later transfer to your hotel.
Hotel: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 and 6 Adventuring in Volcano National Park
After a leisurely morning, we will explore Volcano National Park, part of Mauna Loa, the world’s largest shield volcano. Trails led through massive, cooled craters, steep banks venting sulfurous gasses, and fern-covered lava tubes. This is truly a primordial landscape, raw and still in the making. Our daytime walks will take us along Kilauea Crater’s Rim, edged with cloud forests of tree ferns and native Ohia.
If lava flows are above ground, we may arrange a walk to witness erupting lava or another optional tours.
Hotel: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (or similar)
Day 7. Green and Black Sand Beaches
Heading back to Kona, we soon arrive at Punaluu Beach, a well-known black sand beach where turtles often rest. Continuing our journey, we reach the wind-swept southernmost point in the US. Here, we walk on dirt tracks towards the famous Green Sand Beach, created by olivine crystals from ancient volcanic eruptions. Finally, we return to Kona for our last night.
Hotel: Royal Kona Hotel or similar
Day 8. On to Kauai
We will catch a flight to Lihue on Kauai and transfer to the hotel upon arrival. Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is often considered as the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands. It is also the oldest island, with volcanic activity having been dormant for over one million years. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the local beaches.
Hotel: Kauai Shores Hotel or similar
Day 9. Waimea Canyon
An early start brings us to the fantastic Kalalau Lookout, with incredible views over the wild north shore. Then we will embark on a hike through the famous Kokee State Park. The Awa’awapuhi Trail will lead us to amazing viewpoints over the remote North Shore.
On a rainy day, we may choose to shift the walk to the drier side of the Canyon at the Black Pipe Complex. The elevation is1,000 - 1,200 m (3,300 - 4,000 ft) approximately.
Hotel: Kauai Shores Hotel or similar
Day 10. Kalalau Trail
Kauai's North Shore is renowned for its one-of-a-kind scenery. A narrow, winding road leads to the far end of the island, where we will hike part of the iconic Kalalau Trail.
Note: Reservations must be done 30 days in advance. We cannot guarantee availability for everyone.
This hike is self-guided.
Hotel: Kauai Shores Hotel or similar
Day 11. Helicopter Rides & on to Maui
This morning you will have time to book an unforgettable optional tour, like Helicopter flight or others. In the afternoon we continue our journey to the next island, Maui. Maui is a large island consisting of two massive, dormant shield volcanoes. Of the three islands visited so far, this island is the most touristic. From December to April, Alaskan Humpback whales give birth on Maui’s west side and can be easily seen from whale watching boats. Molokini crater, is also a world-famous snorkel and dive site.
Hotel: Kamaole Sands Condo Resort Kihei or similar
Day 12. Waihe’e Ridge Trail
Today we hike in the hills of the Pu’u Kukui Volcano on a ridge overlooking the ocean. We will also visit the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, here where we will learn why Hawaii is the “melting pot of the Pacific”. If you desire, you can book an optional tour to Haleakela National Park’s crater at 3000 m elevation.
Hotel: Kamaole Sands Condo Resort Kihei or similar
Day 13. Road to Hana
Today we will have a long driving day, we start early on the road to Hana. We will stop at Waianapanapa State Park, where we can walk over cliffs on the ancient Kings Trail. Then we head to the remote red sand beach in Hana, where giant waves break on the cliffs. Our tour around the east end of the island concludes with vast views of Maui’s high-country.
Hotel: Kamaole Sands Condo Resort Kihei or similar
Day 14. Departure
Enjoy the beach or book an optional tour before your departure.
Transfer is on your own.
bottom of page