Hawaiian Islands Itinerary
Discover why the Hawaiian Islands are home to treasures unlike any other on earth. Explore the dramatic cliffs of Kaua‘i’s Na Pali Coast, the vibrant shores of O‘ahu’s Waikiki Beach, the summit of Maui’s Haleakala, and the primal energy of the Big Island’s Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. You’ll learn about each island’s rich culture, swim in deep blue waters, and lounge on soft sand. Get ready for two weeks of unforgettable adventures. Best of all, as you get to know the local people you’ll feel the aloha spirit everywhere you go!
Destinations: Hawaiian Islands
Travel Style: Classic Expedition
Activity Level: • • 3 • •
Group Size: Min 1, Max 16
Age Range: 18 to 65+
to Speak to a Travel Specialist
Request a Phone Call >
Submit a Booking Request >
Trip Highlights
Explore O‘ahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island
Learn to surf Hawai‘i’s perfect waves
Attend a hula class, learning about the history and culture behind the art form
Visit Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Hike the breathtaking trails of Na Pali Coast State Park
Swim with manta rays on a night dive in Kona
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Aloha! We’ll start our journey in Honolulu. As we arrive at the airport, our guide will take us to the hotel. Once there, we’ll have some time to unpack and get acquainted with our new surroundings. In the afternoon, our guide will give us an overview of our trip and teach us about Hawaiian culture. We’ll finish the night relaxing with a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel. Accommodation: Oahu Hotel
Day 2: This morning we’ll tour the many amazing historical sites in the heart of O‘ahu. We’ll head off on a guided tour of Pearl Harbor’s meaningful museums and memorials, including the USS Arizona Memorial. We’ll travel back in time as our guide recounts the events leading up to the United States’ entry into WWII, giving amazing insight into the “Date Which Will Live in Infamy.” From there, we’ll travel to a local market for lunch and explore the stalls overflowing with fresh produce and handmade goods. In the evening, we’ll visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, dining on traditional dishes while watching unique luau dances and learning about the different Polynesian cultures around the world. Accommodation: Oahu Beach Hotel
Day 3: After a fueling buffet breakfast at the hotel, we’ll experience O‘ahu’s spectacular views on a 4-hour guided tour. While traveling by air-conditioned coach, we’ll stop at notable sites, such as the Koko Head, Hanauma Bay, and Diamond Head. Each site offers breathtaking views—unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Our guide will provide expert narration along the way, deepening our understanding of this gorgeous island. After a fulfilling day of unbelievable beauty, we’ll return to the hotel and unwind around the dinner table. Accommodation: Oahu Beach Hotel
Day 4: It’s our last day on the marvelous island of O‘ahu. After breakfast, we’ll visit the famous North Shore—a favorite location of premier surfing competitions. If there’s such a thing as a perfect wave, this is where you’ll find it. The massive, glassy winter waves of this legendary surf mecca attract the world’s best surfers. Meanwhile, the summer waves are far smaller and much more gentle, making the North Shore the perfect surf spot for beginners and veterans alike. We’ll head back to Honolulu International Airport and fly directly to Kahului Airport in Maui. Once we arrive, we’ll settle in and enjoy a peaceful dinner with a dreamy sunset view. Accommodation: Maui Beach Hotel
Day 5: This morning, we’ll each have a choice of snorkeling or scuba diving. Explore Maui’s hidden depths by snorkeling off pristine beaches or scuba diving around the island’s popular reefs, spotting colorful fish, playful sea turtles, and intricate coral formations. After a fun-filled morning in the sea, we’ll eat lunch at a market for a taste of the incredible local cuisine. Enjoy a free afternoon to sink your toes in the warm sand, swim in the gleaming, turquoise waters, and soak in the Hawaiian sun before dinner. Accommodation: Maui Beach Hotel
Day 6: After a lazy morning relaxing at the hotel, we’ll make our way to a local market to buy fresh produce, meat, and seafood for our hands-on cooking class. A private chef will teach us how to make the perfect kalua pork and other tasty Hawaiian dishes. At the end of class, we’ll gather round the table and share our creations. From there, it’s on to Makena State Park, home to Makena Beach—Maui’s top-rated beach for travelers. Despite the popularity of this picturesque spot, it’s never too crowded. After a day spent in the salty air and toasty sun, we’ll dine at one of the area’s best restaurants. Accommodation: Maui Beach Hotel
Day 7: After an early breakfast, we’ll depart to the airport for our flights home. Although it’s sad to leave this tropical paradise, think about the unique experiences and lifelong memories you’ve created!
Optional 3 night, 4 day Extension to Hawaii
Day 7: This morning, we’ll fly directly to Kona International Airport for our final destination—the Big Island. We’ll take a half-day trip to the unforgettable Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea is not only the park’s most active volcano but one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Millions of tourists make the journey to Kīlauea each year, making it the most visited attraction in Hawai‘i and most visited volcano in the world. It’s definitely a sight you’ll remember for the rest of your life! After the tour, we’ll return to the hotel for some relaxation and good eats. Accommodation: Hawaii Beach Hotel
Day 8: We’ll start off with a morning surf lesson, and what better place to learn the sport than Hawai‘i? We’ll each have the choice of group or private classes, and as with all water sports, safety comes first—all lessons begin with an onshore orientation covering equipment, ocean awareness, etiquette, and fundamentals. Once in the water, we’ll take time to practice basic skills, such as paddling, turning, and sitting on the board, to assure we have a level of control before hitting the surf. If you do not wish to surf you will have the option to take a hula class instead. After a few hours spent in the refreshing waters, we’ll grab food at a local market for a beach picnic. The rest of the afternoon and evening will be free time to explore the area and soak in every last bit of this slice of paradise. Have the option to head out on a manta ray night dive in Kona. This famous activity is widely regarded as one of the most memorable dives on the planet; we agree and think that swimming with these gentle giants is something that shouldn’t be missed! Accommodation: Hawaii Beach Hotel
Day 9: It’s our last day on the Big Island, and we’ll spend it visiting awe-inspiring waterfalls, such as Hi‘ilawe and Waiulili Falls. Hi‘ilawe Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in all of Hawai‘I, reaching 1,450 feet, with a direct drop of 1,201 feet. Waiulili Falls resides in Waipi‘o Valley and empties into the ocean. After our hike, we’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing at the beach before packing up to head back home. We’ll enjoy one last traditional dinner as a farewell to this incomparable dreamland. Accommodation: Hawaii Beach Hotel
Day 10: Aloha Hawai‘i! After an early breakfast, we’ll depart to the airport for our flights home. Although it’s sad to leave this tropical paradise, think about the unique experiences and lifelong memories you’ve created.
Optional Extension to Kauai
Day 1: Travel to Kauai, one of Hawaii’s most adventurous islands. We’ll fly directly to Lihue Airport and head straight to our hotel. Take some time to relax and get accommodated to this new island before feasting on a savory welcome dinner and preparing for the exciting experiences that lie ahead!
Day 2: Kauai is pure paradise and one of the most captivating islands in the Hawaiian Archipelago—from its jagged Na Pali Coast to the picture-perfect Hanalei Bay and statuesque Wailua Falls. Kauai was the first Hawaiian island to rise from the Pacific Ocean millions of years ago, and it still evokes the feeling of prehistoric wilderness—the classic Jurassic Park was filmed here! Today we’ll hike Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast State Parks. The treks will range from beginner to advanced, ensuring everyone has the best experience possible. Canyon Trail, one of Waimea Canyon’s most popular and scenic trails, is a 3.4 mile round trip, branching Cliff Trail and taking 2-3 hours to complete. Halfway down the trail, we’ll reach Waipo‘o Falls—a gorgeous, 800 foot cascading waterfall. This is a popular spot to stop for a picnic break and bask in the unimaginable views. As we continue to the end of Canyon Trail, we’ll reach Kumuwela Lookout, with panoramic views of mountains and ocean. After a long day exploring the island, we’ll head back to the hotel to rest up for tomorrow.
Day 3: Fuel up with a delicious breakfast to prepare for our next adventure. Today we’ll take it easy and hike Kalalau Trail. Considered by the Huffington Post to be “the most incredible hike in America,” the trail weaves through the Na Pali Coast with 180-degree views of the electric blue Pacific Ocean, majestic ridges, and unspoiled beaches—every inch of this tropical trail boasts epic views! We’ll stick around to picnic beside an otherworldly sunset before heading back to the hotel and preparing to fly home the following day.
Day 7: After an early breakfast, we’ll depart to the airport for our flights home. Although it’s sad to leave this tropical paradise, think about the unique experiences and lifelong memories you’ve created!
Dates & Prices
From $4,200 per person | All-inclusive package including accommodation for all nights; in-country transport by private bus, train, or flight; lecture and instruction materials from our expert guides; all activities; and two meals per day. *International airfare and visa fees not included.
+ Single Supplement: +$600 per person (please note that this will be added to your booking if traveling without a companion traveler in your same accommodation)
Searching Availability...
This Acanela Expedition © is the perfect fusion between luxury & adventure. Embark on this small group exploration and have hands-on encounters with local peoples and cultures, while experiencing all the historical & culinary highlights along the way.
Contact Us: 1-323-657-3496
Call to speak with one of our agents about this trip, or email us at: expeditions@acanela.com
There are a lot of people who love the winter and snow for the magical holidays. But after they are over, the weather can be bitterly cold. Why not take an escape to some incredible warm-weather winter vacation location. Here Are the top places to travel to in order to stay warm this winter.