HAWAII - THE BIG ISLAND ITINERARY:
DAY 1 Arrival-Kailua-Kona; traditional luau ceremony
After our journey to reach Hawaii, we take advantage of our
hotel's beachfront location to relax in the sun or enjoy some of
the Big Island's best snorkeling. (Snorkeling is available at
your leisure prior to our meeting time and equipment is
available for rent on the beach for a nominal fee.) The Kahalu'u
Bay surrounding our 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. One only has to wade into the shallow
waters with a mask to 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 our orientation meeting, we experience 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 ½ miles, easy;
Volcanoes National Park rim walk; 2-3 miles, easy
After a breakfast of fresh tropical fruits, eggs, yogurt, and
breads, we 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 us to
explore 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 tide pools
teeming with coral, crabs, and small fish. Wandering the shores
of Honaunau Bay, we may spot humpback whales and green sea
turtles.
We transfer (approximately 1 ½ hours) to Punalu'u Beach Park
where we stroll a quiet road to a black sand beach fringed with
coconut palms, while keeping an eye out for nesting hawksbill.
Our guides will be awaiting us with a delicious picnic lunch.
Our final drive of approximately 45 minutes leads to Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park and our home for the next two nights. A
late afternoon walk along the crater rim gives us our first
glimpse of the impressive crater. Tonight we dine at a favorite,
local restaurant. Volcano House, Hawaii National Park
DAY 3 Pre-breakfast walk to Steam Bluff and Sulphur
Bank; Byron Ledges; Thurston lava tube and Devastation trail; 3
½ miles, easy to moderate; optional additional rim walk; 5.5
miles, easy; nighttime lava walk; ½ mile, moderate with
challenging sections
This morning, those wishing may 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, we embark on a
walk that skirts the crater rim and then zig zags 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 we have time to explore the visitor center
and a beautiful art gallery featuring local artisans before a
full afternoon of walk options. We continue on, as we are led
through a landscape defined by craters and cinder cones, hills
piled with pumice, and expanses of hardened lava. We explore the
600 ft 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 ½ mile
late afternoon walk along the crater rim returns us to our hotel
on foot.
We dine this evening at the Kilauea Lodge and continue our
adventure into the evening —perhaps driving on the Chain of
Craters Road, which overlooks spectacular craters and when Madam
Pele allows, lava flows. Following our drive, we enjoy
stargazing (weather permitting). Volcano House, Hawaii
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, we explore Kilauea Iki crater. We descend 400
ft through lush ohia rainforest alive with the sounds of
tropical birds, arriving at the barren, steam vent studded
crater floor. We cross the base on hardened lava before
ascending to the crater rim.
A 45-minute transfer brings us to Hilo where we picnic aside the
black sand beach. This afternoon we paddle outrigger canoes
plying the blue waters of Hilo Bay. Eight-person, double canoes
provide a stable ride while local experts provide tips on how to
paddle these traditional boats.
There is free time this afternoon to explore Hilo, visit the
Pacific Tsunami Museum, or stroll the tranquil settings close to
our 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 footbridge — and the source of an ancient
healing stone.
Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant known for their fresh
fish and family style, friendly service. Hilo Hawaiian
Hotel, Hilo
DAY 5 Onomea Bay; Botanical gardens; 2 miles, easy;
Akaka Falls; ½ mile loop, easy; Hapuna Beach; 2 miles; easy;
free time for beach exploration and swimming
After breakfast, a short drive brings us to Onomea Bay, where we
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 smoothies made from
fresh fruit, and wraps with local meats and vegetables, we visit
the impressive Akaka Falls — a dizzying 442 ft high, on a short
loop walk through lush rainforest. We 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, 175,000 acres in size, and the
countryside offers an extraordinary glimpse of Hawaii's paniolo
— cowboy-culture.
Our last walk of the day begins in a small coastal town and
skirts the Kawaihae Bay before arriving at the beautiful Hapuna
Beach. We stroll the white sand beach and arrive at our 5-star
hotel on foot. Late afternoon is yours to enjoy the beach or
utilize 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 on 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 ½ miles, easy
After a short drive to Kapa’ a Beach Park —formerly a sugar port
for the Kohala Sugar Company — we walk the coastline north to
the stunning Lapakahi Historic Park which was once a remote
fishing village six centuries ago. En route we follow an old
railroad track that skirts the ocean and may even spot manta
rays or porpoise swimming beneath the cliffs.
A short shuttle takes us further to the historic town of Hawi
where we enjoy lunch in a local restaurant known for their
creatively prepared fish and salads. We then embark on a walk
into the picturesque Polulu Valley. We descend on foot into one
of the last in a chain of inaccessible valleys, where we stroll
the remote black-sand beach. If time permits we may explore the
local art galleries or return to our hotel via foot by way of
Spencer Beach State Park, lined with gorgeous surf, beaches, and
fascinating lava tubes.
Our farwell dinner tonight is in a local restaurant.
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Kohala Coast
DAY 7 Anaeho'omalu Bay to petroglyph trail; 1½ miles,
easy; transfer to airport
On our final day at this spectacular resort we stroll on the
world-renowned beach and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. After
packing up we drive to Anaeho’omalu Bay (also known as “A Bay”)
where we walk to petroglyphs which date back to the 16th
century. Our guides treat us to a picnic before transporting us
to the airport where we bid farewell to our newfound friends.
Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is
a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due
to season, special events or weather. We reserve the right to
alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a
year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate
change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour
and your experience.
Please note that the tour itinerary, accommodations and
details are subject to change. Please call and inquire about the
latest available tour details.
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