For expert help planning your Hawaii vacation, call a travel specialist at 1-800-942-3301
| Hawaii: The Big Island
A 7-Day tour starting from $3,398
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| About This Tour | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A walking adventure in this exotic region leads through terrain of breathtaking ecological diversity—
volcanic highlands; beaches of white and black sand; lush rainforests; and even Hawaii’s unique rural cowboy country. Your walks begin on dramatic footing in the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Site, a former religious refuge for criminals, warriors, and pilgrims seeking redemption. A complex of archaeological sites invites exploration en route to the shores of Honaunau Bay, where you may spot humpback whales and endangered green sea turtles. Along the way, you encounter the Waiu-O-Hina lava tube, a tunnel of hardened lava emerging from a cliff face. The journey traverses diverse terrain that reveals, with virtually every step, the island’s volcanic nature. Strolling Punaluu’s Black Sand Beach, you may cross paths again with green sea turtles. In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to two active volcanoes, walks skirt deep craters, and ascend peaks offering spectacular views of the seacoast, neighboring volcanoes, and hardened lava flows nearby. Amidst the ashen remnants of volcanic eruptions, lush plant and animal life renews, creating vibrant natural sanctuaries teeming with flora—orchids, ferns, and towering trees—and indigenous creatures ranging from colorful birds, such as Hawaii’s state bird, the nene, to whales cresting ocean waves. Every day of the journey, you come to appreciate Hawaii’s intriguing history and culture, thanks to knowledgeable local historians also versed in ancient healing practices and, of course, the island’s magical legends. A rare taste of island life is provided on a tour of the Mauna Loa macadamia nut factory. Wandering in Waimea ranchlands, you encounter paniolo—cowboys—working in the lush countryside in the foreground of majestic volcanoes. Lodgings are nestled in idyllic settings—a park lodge perched on a volcano ridge, a hotel with an island overlook, and a legendary resort on a beach considered by travel experts to be one of the world’s finest. Gourmet meals are prepared with fresh local ingredients, including—naturally, an authentic luau feast. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• Experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable guides
• Transportation during the trip • All accommodations while on tour; including one simple park lodge and three ocean front resorts with full amenities, all private baths • All meals included except one dinner; alcoholic beverages not included
DAY 1
Arrival-Kailua-Kona; traditional luau ceremony
After your journey to reach Hawaii, you can take advantage of your hotel’s beachfront location to relax in the sun or enjoy some of the Big Island’s finest snorkeling. (Snorkeling is available at your leisure prior to the meeting time; equipment is available for rent on the beach for a nominal fee.) The Kahalu’u Bay surrounding your hotel is home to many colorful reef fish including the yellow tang, turquoise parrotfish, the black, white, and yellow Moorish Idol, and Hawaii’s own trigger fish the humuhumunkunukuapua’a. Simply by wading into the shallow waters with a mask, you can see up to 20 different species. The reefs and rocks have also become a refuge for the endangered Green Sea Turtles (now protected by both State and Federal laws), and it is not uncommon to see these majestic green turtles (or honu) feeding or even basking in the sun on flat rocks. Following an orientation meeting, you participate in a traditional luau ceremony and feast—complete with a pig cooked in an imu (underground oven) on the beach, lei greetings, torch lighting, and a Polynesian dance show. Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, Kailua-Kona DAY 2 Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park; 1 mile, easy; Punalu’u Beach Park; 1.5 miles, easy; Volcanoes National Park rim walk; 2-3 miles, easy After a breakfast of fresh tropical fruits, eggs, yogurt, and breads, you venture to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, a former religious refuge for criminals seeking redemption. Today the ocean-front 182-acre park invites exploration of its complex of archaeological sites— temple platforms, royal fishponds, and remnants of ancient village life. The walking tour along a sandy trail and occasionally rough lava rock culminates at the southern end of the park with tidal pools teeming with coral, crabs, and small fish. Wandering the shores of Honaunau Bay, you may spot humpback whales and green sea turtles. You then transfer (approximately 1 ½ hours) to Punalu’u Beach Park, where you stroll a quiet road to a black sand beach fringed with coconut palms, while keeping an eye out for nesting hawksbills. Your meanwhile guides prepare a delicious picnic lunch. The final drive of approximately 45 minutes leads to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and your home for the next two nights. A late afternoon walk along the crater rim provides a first glimpse of the impressive crater. Tonight you dine at a favorite, local restaurant. Volcano House, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park DAY 3 Pre-breakfast walk to Steam Bluff and Sulphur Bank; 2 miles, easy; Byron Ledges, Thurston lava tube, and Devastation trail; 3.5 miles, easy to moderate; optional additional rim walk; 2.5 miles, easy; nighttime lava walk; .5 mile, moderate with challenging sections This morning, early risers may choose to set out before breakfast and walk to the Steam Bluff and Sulphur Banks geological sites, where the Kilauea volcano lets off steam though vents and rocks take on yellow and orange hues. After breakfast, the group embarks on a walk that skirts the crater rim and then zigzags through dry forest and giant tree ferns to the crater floor (approximate 300-ft elevation gain and loss). Clear days afford magnificent views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s highest peak at 13,796 ft. After a picnic lunch you have time to explore the visitor center and a beautiful art gallery featuring local artisans before a full afternoon of walk options. You continue on through a landscape defined by craters and cinder cones, hills piled with pumice, and expanses of hardened lava. You explore the 600-ft-long Thurston lava tube before picking up the Devastation Trail, named for the flora destroyed by Kilauea’s 1959 eruption. From the Jagger Observatory and Museum, an optional 2.5-mile late afternoon walk along the crater rim returns you to the hotel on foot. You dine this evening at the Kilauea Lodge and continue the adventure into the evening— perhaps driving on the Chain of Craters Road, which overlooks spectacular craters and when Madame Pele allows, lava flows. Following this drive and weather permitting, stargazing can be magnificent under the Pacific night skies. Volcano House, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park DAY 4 Kilauea Iki crater; 4 miles, moderate; transfer to Hilo Bay; outrigger canoeing; optional Hilo walk options; 1-2 miles, easy After breakfast, Kilauea Iki crater is the morning’s destination. You descend 400 feet through lush ohia rainforest alive with the sounds of tropical birds, arriving at the barren, steam vent-studded crater floor. You then cross the base on hardened lava before ascending to the crater rim. After, a 45-minute drive brings you to Hilo for a picnic near the black sand beach. This afternoon you embark on the blue waters of Hilo Bay in an outrigger canoe. Eight-person, double canoes provide a stable ride while local experts provide tips on how to paddle these traditional boats. Later, there is free time this afternoon to explore Hilo, visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum, or stroll the tranquil settings close to the hotel. Banyan Drive, named for the trees lining the route, winds around the Waiakea Peninsula jutting into Hilo Bay, offering spectacular coastal views. Liliuokalani Gardens, named for Hawaii’s last queen, is an oasis of koi ponds, bamboo groves, quaint arched bridges, and Japanese teahouses. Coconut Island, or Mokuola (“Island of Life”), is a tranquil county park connected to land by a footbridge—and the source of an ancient healing stone. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant known for its fresh fish and family-style friendly service. Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Hilo DAY 5 Onomea Bay Botanical gardens; 2 miles, easy; Akaka Falls; .5 mile loop, easy; Hapuna Beach; 2 miles, easy; free time for beach exploration and swimming After breakfast, a short drive brings you to Onomea Bay, where you wander a gorgeous 40-acre botanical garden with an expert guide. Located in a valley opening onto the ocean, the garden is home to an internationally acclaimed collection of palms, heliconias, gingers, bromeliads, and hundreds of other rare and exotic plants from all parts of the tropical world. After lunch in a local restaurant featuring fresh fruit smoothies and wraps with local meats and vegetables, you visit the impressive Akaka Falls—a dizzying 442-feet high—on a short loop walk through lush rainforest. You then transfer to the Kawaihae coast (approximate 1 ½-hour drive) passing through Waimea, home to the vast Parker Ranch. The historic property is more than 200 years old and 175,000 acres in size; its landscape offers an extraordinary glimpse of Hawaii’s paniolo or cowboy-culture. The last walk of the day begins in a small coastal town and skirts the Kawaihae Bay before arriving at the beautiful Hapuna Beach. You stroll the white sand beach and arrive at this evening’s five-star hotel on foot. Late afternoon is yours either to enjoy the beach or indulge in the hotel’s many amenities including a pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and spa. Dinner is on your own tonight so that you can choose from the hotel’s informal cafe or Japanese restaurant. With advance booking, you may also wish to participate in an evening sail offered by the hotel (cost not included in tour price). Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Kohala Coast DAY 6 Kapa’ a Beach Park to Lapakahi State Historical Park; 3 miles, easy to moderate; Polulu Valley, 3 miles; moderate to challenging with 500 ft descent and ascent; optional Spencer Beach walk, 1.5 miles, easy After a short drive to Kapa’a Beach Park— formerly a sugar port for the Kohala Sugar Company—you walk the coastline north to the stunning Lapakahi Historic Park, which was a remote fishing village six centuries ago. The route follows an old railroad track that skirts the ocean, and you may even spot manta rays or porpoise swimming beneath the cliffs. A short shuttle takes you to the historic town of Hawi where you eat lunch in a local restaurant known for its creatively prepared fish and salads. After, you embark on a walk into the picturesque Polulu Valley. Descending on foot into one of the last in a chain of inaccessible valleys, you can stroll the remote black sand beach. Time permitting, you may explore the local art galleries or return to your hotel on foot by way of Spencer Beach State Park, lined with gorgeous surf, beaches, and fascinating lava tubes. Tonight’s farewell dinner is celebrated in a local restaurant. Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Kohala Coast DAY 7 Anaeho’omalu Bay to petroglyph trail; 1.5 miles, easy; transfer to airport On your final day at this spectacular resort you stroll on the world-renowned beach and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. After checking out, you drive to Anaeho’omalu Bay (also known as “A Bay”) where you walk to petroglyphs dating back to the 16th century. Your guides treat you to a final oceanside picnic before bringing you to the airport.
Tour Highlights:
• Walks in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and around Kilauea Iki crater • Outrigger canoeing • Renowned botanical garden • Walks on beaches, including Hapuna - one of the world's most celebrated • Comfortable oceanside hotels and park lodge Walk Ratings • Easy to moderate terrain • 3-8 miles walking per day with occasional options All tour prices are per person, in US dollars, based on double occupancy.
Single Supplement $700 A la carte options Outrigger Paddle with your Country Walkers guide(s) *Free time to explore Hilo including the Liliuokalani Gardens, Banyon Drive, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
