Hawaii Trails of the South Pacific 14D/13N

Accommodation Check-in

When you arrive in Kona, make your own way to the waterfront hotel. 3 nights at the Royal Kona Hotel (3-star) or comparable. (Airport shuttle is approximately $30 per person and is not included.)
The group will be lodging outside of Kona during the Kona Marathon.

Polulu Valley, ancient temples and beach walks along the Kohala coast (B/L)

At 8:00 a.m., your guide will greet you at the hotel. Hawaii, or The Big Island, is known for having the most authentic vibe of all the islands. Much of the island's original Hawaiian character and culture have been retained. The Big Island is not only the largest but also the most diversified of the Hawaiian Islands, with active volcanoes, wide coasts with white, black, and green beaches, rain forests, massive waterfalls, lava deserts, and ocean hot springs. With our local knowledge, we'll discover numerous hidden gems, travel to secluded beaches teeming with sea turtles, hike into the center of an active volcano, and, with luck, get up close and personal with lava.

On this day, we visit the wild and isolated Polulu Valley, one of Hawaii's most distant valleys. We hike all the way down to the shore and take a look around. We tour the dry Kohala Coast in the afternoon, stopping at Puukohola and Lapakahi, two spectacular ancient Hawaiian temple sites. We take a stroll down the beach, seeking for turtles resting on the rocky shores. We'll spend the evening at a popular local hangout, the legendary Lava Lava Beach Restaurant, where we'll try to catch a perfect Hawaiian sunset (dinner is not included).

Several shorter walks: approximately 2-3 hours, approximately 3-4 miles / 5-7 kilometers, elevation difference: +/-200 meters

City of Refuge and Captain Cook (B/L)

Today, we'll visit the magnificent "City of Refuge" or "Pu'uhonua O Honaunau" National Historical Park, which is home to a picture-perfect Polynesian settlement situated on lava cliffs. Before seeing the Captain Cook Monument and the bay where he was killed, we have time for several shorter walks, a village tour, and a swim/snorkel in one of the islands' greatest reefs. We can do a guided kayak trip (about $100, not included), a boat tour to observe dolphins, the world-famous snorkeling expedition with manta rays (approximately $100/pp, not included), or explore secluded beaches north of Kona in the afternoon.

Several shorter walks: 1-2 hours, 2-3 miles / 3-5 kilometers

Kaloko-Honokohau and lava desert (B/L)

We go hiking in the gorgeous Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park in the morning. We go along the coral beaches to historic fishponds and awe-inspiring buildings built by the ancients. In the afternoon, we travel along the Saddle Road, one of the world's most beautiful highways. We'll rise from sea level to 2000 meters, passing through tropical forest and barren desert between two spectacular volcanoes: Mauna Kea (4207m) and Mauna Loa (4169m). Trails lead through intriguing structures and plants spared by eruptions at Puu Huluhulu. We spent the evening at Uncle Billy's, one of the most traditional Hawaiian festivities in the remote Puna district, after checking into the hotel. An wonderful evening includes live music, dance, and genuine cuisine. 2-3-star SCP Hilo Hotel (or similar) three nights.

3-4 hours, 3-5 miles, 5-7 kilometers, elevation difference: +/-100 meters

Adventuring in Volcano National Park (B/L)

We visit Volcano National Park after a relaxing morning. Mauna Loa, the world's largest shield volcano, is home to this national park. This national park is unique in that it is located on a volcanic hotspot where islands are constantly being formed, resulting in continuous volcanic activity and eruptions. (For more information, go to www.nps.gov.) Trails wind through fern-covered lava tubes, enormous, cooled craters, and steep banks releasing sulfurous vapors. This is a genuinely primordial landscape, raw and undeveloped. Our midday hikes will take us along the rim of Kilauea Crater, which is surrounded by cloud forests of tree ferns and native Ohia trees.

The vistas are breathtaking. We may organize a trek to erupting lava if the lava flows above ground (extra fees may apply depending on whether the lava is on private territory or inside the national park). Visit Akaka Falls and Waipio Overlook, swim in the water at Richardson Beach Park, and/or rent 4x4 cars to go to the peak of Mauna Kea to see the sunset. There's also the option of taking a helicopter flight to witness exploding lava (beginning at $225).

Walks last about 4-6 hours, with an elevation difference of about 300 meters.

Adventuring in Volcano National Park (B/L)

We visit Volcano National Park after a relaxing morning. Mauna Loa, the world's largest shield volcano, is home to this national park. This national park is unique in that it is located on a volcanic hotspot where islands are constantly being formed, resulting in continuous volcanic activity and eruptions. (For more information, go to www.nps.gov.) Trails wind through fern-covered lava tubes, enormous, cooled craters, and steep banks releasing sulfurous vapors. This is a genuinely primordial landscape, raw and undeveloped. Our midday hikes will take us along the rim of Kilauea Crater, which is surrounded by cloud forests of tree ferns and native Ohia trees.

The vistas are breathtaking. We may organize a trek to erupting lava if the lava flows above ground (extra fees may apply depending on whether the lava is on private territory or inside the national park). Visit Akaka Falls and Waipio Overlook, swim in the water at Richardson Beach Park, and/or rent 4x4 cars to go to the peak of Mauna Kea to see the sunset. There's also the option of taking a helicopter flight to witness exploding lava (beginning at $225).

Walks last about 4-6 hours, with an elevation difference of about 300 meters.

Green and Black Sand Beaches (B/L)

We soon arrive at Punaluu Beach, a well-known black sand beach where turtles repose, as we return to Kona. Then it's on to the US's wind-swept southernmost point. We go over dirt paths to the famous Green Sand Beach, which was formed by olivine crystals formed during ancient volcanic eruptions. For one last night, we return to Kona. 1 night at the Royal Kona (3-star) or comparable.

Walks along cliffs and beaches take about 3-4 hours and cover about 5 miles / 8 kilometers.

On to Kauai (B/L)

Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Lihue, Kauai. The Garden Isle, often known as Kauai, is widely regarded as the most beautiful of the Hawaiian islands. Kauai is also the world's oldest volcanically dormant island, having remained dormant for nearly a million years. Erosional processes have sculpted a breathtaking panorama of soaring volcanic spires and cliffs. You have the afternoon free to enjoy the local beaches. 3 nights at the Kauai Shores Hotel (3-star) or comparable.

Waimea Canyon (B/D)

Waimea Canyon was called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" by Mark Twain during his tour to the islands. The canyon's deep red color and vastness are very impressive. The spectacular Kalalau Lookout, with incredible views across the untamed North Shore 1,200 m (4,000 ft) below, is reached by an early start. Then, in the famed Kokee State Park, we go on a journey through one of the wettest places on the planet. The Awa'awapuhi Trail will take us to breathtaking views of the North Shore. If it's raining, we can move the walk to the Cliff/Canyon/Black Pipe combination on the canyon's drier side. The air is fresh since the elevation is between 1,000 and 1,200 meters (3,300 and 4,000 feet). We might encounter the endangered Nene Goose, a Hawaiian native, if we're lucky.

5 hr walk, 9 miles / 15 km, +/-500 m elevation difference

Napali Coast (B/L)

The North Shore of Kauai is known for its one-of-a-kind scenery. We trek the legendary Kalalau Trail high above ocean cliffs on a small, winding path that leads to the far end of the island. The vistas are breathtaking. (This trail was closed in 2018 due to extensive flooding.) If the trail is not reopened, the parties will hike the Shipwreck Beach Trail.) In the afternoon, we can take a stroll through the gorgeous Limahule Botanical Gardens (a modest entrance fee applies) and/or swim at one of the famed, beautiful white sand beaches, or visit the nearby wildlife refuge to look for coastal and pelagic species.

Self-guided walk (due to State Park rules): approximately 2-3 hours, approximately 4 miles / 7 kilometers, elevation difference: +/-200 meters

On To Maui (B/L)

If time permits, there is an opportunity to fly by helicopter above the cliffs of Kauai (about $210 for a one-hour flight, optional), which is widely regarded as one of the top heli rides in the world. Then it's on to the next stop on our journey: Maui. Maui is a big island with two massive shield volcanoes that are inactive.

This island is the most touristy of the three islands we've visited so far. Whale-watching boats can view Alaskan humpback whales giving birth on Maui's west shore from December to April. Molokini crater, a submerged cinder cone, is a popular snorkeling and diving destination. Our hotel is ideally positioned, with beaches and shopping within walking distance. 3 nights at Kamaole Sands Condo Resort Kihei (3-star) or comparable. (1-4 people share one- and two-bedroom flats with 1-2 baths and a full kitchen.) While living in the condos, there is no daily housekeeping or cleaning.)

Road to Hana (B/L)

We're going on a long drive today. We set off early on the incredible Road to Hana, a cliff-hanging, tiny road that skirts Maui's isolated side. We stop at Waianapanapa State Park, where we can stroll along the historic Kings Trail, which takes us across cliffs. Then it's off to a hidden jewel, Hana's secluded red sand beach, where big waves crash against the rocks. Our visit of the island's east end culminates with panoramic vistas of Maui's high hills.

Walks on the slopes of the volcano (B/L)

Polipoli State Park, located on the flank of the beautiful Haleakala Volcano, is a secluded section of Maui. We hike through the amazing forest and fields, offering ever-changing views of the ocean and nearby islands, at 2000 m elevation. We enjoy fantastic views over the western side of the island as we hike through the amazing forest and fields, offering ever-changing views of the ocean and nearby islands. A day visit to Haleakela National Park's crater at 3000 m elevation can be arranged if desired (additional fees apply).

Walk time: approx. 4 hours, distance: approx. 7 miles / 11 km, height difference: approx. 200 m

Departure, (B)

This morning, you'll get the opportunity to see the sunrise in Haleakela National Park, which is home to Maui's gigantic shield volcano, Haleakela. Your tour director will suggest an adventure that will cost around $150 per person. You will return to your condo before 12 p.m. On Maui, there is so much more to see! We strongly advise you to extend your holiday to take advantage of the beautiful beaches. We also recommend that you take the Speedishuttle airport shuttle, which costs around $35 per person (not included).