Hawaii: Oahu, the Big Island & Maui

Welcome to Hawaii! Arrive in Honolulu and transfer to your hotel in the neighborhood of Waikiki.

Tonight, sit down to a welcome dinner with your group.

Head toward Oahu’s eastern shore to begin your guided sightseeing of the island.

• Take in views of Diamond Head, the island’s towering volcanic ash cone
• Pass by beautiful Hanauma Bay to see Hālona Blowhole and the surrounding natural rock formations
• Try to spot the island of Molokai in the distance from Makapu‘u Point
• Stop at Nu‘uanu Pali, where Kamehameha I fought to conquer Oahu
• Enter the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum to learn about Hawaiian culture
• Enjoy an included lunch

This afternoon, take a ferry into Pearl Harbor to view the USS Arizona Memorial (weather permitting). Then, stop in historic downtown Honolulu to see the shining King Kamehameha statue.

Spend a free day on Oahu or add an excursion.

This morning, board your flight to Hilo, the largest city on the Big Island.

Then, join your Tour Director to explore the city.

• See Waiānuenue Falls, a roaring waterfall where visitors can often spot a rainbow in the surrounding mist
• Walk through Liliuokalani Park and Gardens to see the Japanese style architectural elements
• View Coconut Island
• Walk through the local marketplace where you’ll have free time to visit some of the shops

Enjoy a free afternoon in Hilo or add an excursion.

En route to Kona, head south to discover some of the island’s most beautiful parks.

• Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Jaggar Museum to learn about the island’s history of volcanic activity
• Peer into the Kīlauea Caldera to see the measuring devices that monitor eruptions and the steam vents created when ground water seeps into the hot volcanic rocks
• Walk through a lush rainforest to Thurston Lava Tube (known as Nāhuku in Hawaiian), a natural cave formed by ancient lava flows
• Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant
• Stop at Punalu’u Beach to try to spot turtles sunning themselves on the black, sandy shores
• Step into a local coffee shop for a tasting of the island’s famous coffee
• Enter the Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, one of the most sacred heiau (places of worship) on the islands

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Spend a free day in Kona or add an excursion.

After a quick flight to Maui, follow a local expert through the Maui Ocean Center, a state-of-the-art marine park dedicated to Hawaii’s unique aquatic environment. You’ll be able to view the country’s largest live coral display and spot lionfish, Hawaiian wrasses, sea turtles, sharks, rays, and more in the center’s tanks.

Then, enjoy a free evening on Maui or add an excursion.

Experience the culture and customs of Maui’s southeastern side.

• Stop at the Haleakalā National Park Visitor Center, located 9,740 feet above sea level, to view the impressive crater
• Enjoy an included barbecue lunch
• Visit a farm on the slopes of Haleakalā, where the higher elevation allows for a wider variety of crops and spectacular views of Maui and the ocean

Enjoy a full free day on Maui.

This evening, rejoin your group to celebrate your trip with a farewell dinner at an authentic Hawaiian luau.

Enjoy a free morning in Maui. Then, transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue your tour in Kauai.

Arrive home this morning.