Running lava flows that cover entire mountain slopes, lush rainforests along the volcanic sides, tropical waterfalls, snorkeling with Mantor, evening trekking to peaks with star gazing. Short for HA by abbreviationfinder, Hawaii and its sister islands offer so many experiences that time is never enough. And then we have not even mentioned surfing, kayaking and mountain biking adventures. Something for everyone – always.
Hawaii – 20 days
Day 1 – Departure from Sweden
Day 2 arrival in Hawaii Big Island
Upon arrival, you will be met for a transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight.
Day 3 – Big Island
After breakfast you pick up your rental car to explore the island on your own during the day. Drive around and experience nature and the surroundings with the solidified lava from Hawaii’s volcanoes, the snow-capped Maunakea, Hamakua’s rainforest and the black sand of Ounaluu Beach.
Day 4 – Big Island
After breakfast, spend the day exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from the air and on foot. You take yourself to the heliport to start the excursion. On the way to the Volcano area, you fly over the famous Kona Coffee District and glimpse three of Hawaii’s huge volcanoes: Hualalai, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. When you arrive at Vulkan National Park, your pilot finds out about today’s events – sometimes a forest fire, a lava flow or lava collection or the place where a lava flow reaches the sea – only accessible via the air. After the first part from the air, you land in Hilo and are met by a guide to continue the trip on foot into a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. In the national park you will experience the local rainforest, visit a lava tunnel, discover the great geographical and climate differences.
Day 5 – Big Island
The day free for your own explorations at your own pace.
Day 6 – Big Island
After breakfast you have the morning free for your own activities.
In the afternoon you will be picked up at the hotel at 3 pm and during a journey “from the sea to the high peaks” you will experience the dramatic changes in the landscape. After a picnic dinner, head to the top of Hawaii’s holiest mountain to view a stunning sunset surrounded by the largest collection of telescopes on the globe. When the daylight slowly disappears, you go down to a lower level where the guide will reveal what Hawaii’s night sky has to show.
Day 7 – Big Island
Wake up slowly and enjoy breakfast before you have a full day devoted to your own activities.
A suggestion for these is a visit to Puuhonua and Honaunau National Historic Park to get to know the early Hawaiian culture. It is a large park where you can experience the temple ruins of the Hawaiian indigenous people, sacred cemeteries and petroglyphs from the time before the Western contact.
Day 8 – Big Island
After breakfast you have the day at your disposal until 16 o’clock when you will be picked up for an evening snorkeling trip where you will experience a group of swimming Mantors. Together with the captain and your guide, you search for the large Kona Mantas along the Kona coastline. You board a large RIB boat and head north to get to the place where it is safest to find these Mantors. When you arrive, you will receive a safety briefing and snorkeling equipment. These animals are best enjoyed by floating on the surface and watching them perform their dance directly below you. Return to the port for further transport to the hotel.
Day 9 – Big Island – Maui
After breakfast you check out of the hotel and take your rental car to the airport to return it and check in on the flight that takes you to Maui Kapalua. On arrival you pick up the rental car and drive to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day free.
Day 10 – Maui
Breakfast at the hotel followed by a day where you are suggested to enjoy the local culture In the small villages with artist groups. Go to Wailuku to taste pastries from a family bakery, or go to Lahaina to taste Maui’s famous “from farm to fork – the kitchen”. From glorious beaches and the sacred Iao Valley to the hiking and sunset of the Humpback Whales at Haleakala
Day 11 – Maui
After breakfast you will be picked up by your local guide who will take you on an adventurous trip along the road to Hana. Do not forget to bring swimwear and shoes that can withstand getting wet. On the barren east coast you will find the quiet town of Hana, considered one of the last unspoilt outposts in Hawaii. The legendary road to Hana is only 52 miles long but it can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours when you have to pass single-lane bridge crossings, hairpin curves and fantastic views over the island. On this tour, the guide takes you through lush rainforest, rushing waterfalls, natural water basins and dramatic water landscapes. Plan at least 8 hours for this full day with a guide.
Back to the hotel at late afternoon / early evening.
Day 12 – Maui
The day on its own. Visit the famous beaches and beautiful landscapes and recharge your souls for new adventures.
Day 13 – Maui
Early wake-up for a kayak trip At dawn to escape the worst winds and enjoy the early hours. Discover the famous Turtle Town during a private kayak trip. The paddling starts after a safety review from Makena Landing. From the sea you see the top of Haleakala Mountain, Molokini Crater, Pù u Olai, Makena and the Wailea coast with surrounding islands. Along the way, there will be a stop for snorkeling on the unique reef formations with underwater caves, swimming turtles. Sometimes dolphins and Mantors swim by.
After the kayak ride, your driver will drive you back to the hotel and you have the rest of the day free for R&R.
Day 14 – Maui
The day is completely devoted to relaxing and enjoying relaxation at the hotel.
Day 15 – Maui
Morning free for relaxation.
In the afternoon you will be picked up by a guide to explore some of Maui’s beautiful parks and waterfalls. The trip should be 5-6 hours. Evening free.
Day 16 – Maui
The day is devoted to enjoying relaxation at the hotel.
Day 17 – Maui
The day is devoted to enjoying relaxation at the hotel.
Day 18 – Maui Homecoming
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to check out and start the journey home. Transfer to the airport.
Day 19 – Transfer in Los Angeles
Day 20 – Arrival in Sweden
