Upon arrival to the airport, a short transfer brings us to the lovely oceanfront hotel in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona. After settling in to your accommodation, this evening we will take part in a Luau, a traditional Hawaiian feast of local cuisine and entertainment such as Hula dancing. Dinner included.

Today we will explore the fabulous “City of Refuge” or “Pu’uhonua O Honaunau” National Historical Park, which houses a picture-perfect Polynesian village perched on lava cliffs. Afterwards we will have time for some shorter walks, to tour the village and to swim or snorkel in one of the islands’ best reefs before heading to the Captain Cook Monument and the bay where he was slain. From there, we will stop at a local coffee farm to taste the world-famous Kona Coffee and see how it is produced. In the evening we will take part in a Manta Ray dive.

Take a boat ride in the late afternoon along the Kona coast to the manta viewing site. Slip into the water with your snorkel guide and float above majestic manta rays as they somersault, glide, and pivot in the light below. Manta rays are filter feeders and feed on plankton attracted to light. They have very large mouths, but no sharp teeth. Manta rays do not have tail stingers. This is a thrilling experience for those who seek adventure!
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This morning we will head to Hilo, taking the Saddle Road, one of the most spectacular roads in the world. We will climb from sea level to 2000m, between two majestic volcanoes: Mauna Kea (4207m) and Mauna Loa (4169m), passing from tropical forest to arid desert. At Puu Huluhulu, trails lead through fascinating formations and vegetation spared by eruptions. Then we stop at Akaka Falls for an invigorating walk through an orchid clad forest to one of the most beautiful waterfalls. After checking into the hotel, we spend the evening at what was formally known as Uncle Billy’s. Now referred to as Kalapana Farmers Market, this is one of the most authentic Hawaiian celebrations in the remote Puna district. Live music, dance and authentic food are part of an unforgettable evening. There is also a chance to dip in the ocean hot springs and walk along the newly created black Sand Beaches (Wednesday night only). If not available, we will be visiting the Hilo Botanical Gardens. ...read less

The morning finds us at Volcano National Park, where we walk along the crater’s Rim. We explore Volcano National Park. This national park is part of Mauna Loa, the world’s largest shield volcano. This national park is remarkable as it sits on the actual hot spot where islands are continually being created, producing never-ending volcanic activity and eruptions. Trails lead through massive, cooled craters, steep banks venting sulfurous gasses, and fern-covered lava tubes. This is truly a primordial landscape, raw and still in the making. Our daytime walks will take us along Kilauea Crater’s Rim, edged with cloud forests of tree ferns and native Ohia with spectacular views. If the lava flows above ground, we may organize a walk to erupting lava. In the afternoon we head to the local Macademia Nut Farm for some great food tasting.

Optional helicopter rides over the erupting lava are also available (not included).
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Any visit to Hilo is not complete without a stop at the Farmers Market. Then, we head back towards Kona with a stop at Punaluu Beach, a well-known black sand beach where turtles rest. Then we continue to the wind-swept southernmost point in the US to walk on dirt tracks towards the famous Green Sand Beach, created by olivine crystals from ancient volcanic eruptions. We return to Kona for one last night.

This morning will be spent at leisure to explore Kona or enjoy a hike to ancient Hawaiian ruins and fish ponds at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Lihue on Kauai and transfer to our ocean front hotel. Kauai is called the Garden Isle and considered by many to be the most beautiful of the islands. Kauai is also the oldest island where volcanic activity has been dormant for over one million years. Erosional forces have created a truly stunning landscape of sheer volcanic cliffs and spires. ...read less

Today we will visit Waimea Canyon. When Mark Twain visited the islands, he dubbed Waimea Canyon the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” as they are both a deep red color with a remarkable size. An early start brings us to the fantastic Kalalau Lookout, with incredible views over the wild North Shore 1,200 m (4,000 ft) below. Then we embark on a hike through one of earth’s wettest spots in the famous Kokee State Park. The Awa’awapuhi Trail will lead us to amazing viewpoints over the remote North Shore. On a rainy day, we may choose to shift the walk to the drier side of the canyon at. The elevation is 1,000 - 1,200 m (3,300 - 4,000 ft), which makes for crisp air. With a little luck, we will see the endangered Nene Goose, a Hawaiian native. ...read less

Kauai’s North Shore is famous for its one-of-a-kind scenery. A narrow, winding road leads to the far end of the island where we hike the famous Kalalau Trail high above ocean cliffs. The views are superb. We can choose to stroll in the beautiful Limahule Botanical Gardens, swim at one of the famous, beautiful, white sand beaches, or look for coastal and pelagic birds at the nearby wildlife refuge. At the Kilaulea Point National Wildlife Refuge we can marvel at soaring coastal and pelagic birds, such as Laysan albatross, red-footed boobies, brown boobies, red-tailed and white-tailed tropicbirds, great frigate birds, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and Pacific golden plovers.

Later in the day, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the mainland. ...read less