Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Los Angeles - Oahu - Maui - Huntington Beach
100% customisable for you
Your family’s eagerly-awaited trip begins today, so head to the airport and relax in the lounge before your 11-hour flight to Los Angeles. Keep the youngsters entertained with our destination-tailored fun packs (you’re welcome) while you catch some shut-eye before touching down in the ‘City of Angels’.
Once you land, we’ve arranged for you to be privately transferred to your hotel in the North Hollywood district. You’ll be spending three nights here, so we recommend staying local today to help shake off the jetlag. If you’re feeling sprightly, head to a nearby restaurant to sample some classic American fare before collapsing into bed, ready for a full day of exploring tomorrow.
It’s your first full day in Los Angeles, so make sure the family is fuelled with a hearty breakfast. This morning, we’ve arranged a tour of Warner Studios for a behind-the-scenes look at sets from your favourite TV series and films, from?Friends?to?Harry Potter. You’ll be guided around the busiest working studio in LA, so keep your eyes peeled for any famous faces.
The rest of the day is yours for the taking. Head to the palm tree-lined beach in Santa Monica for some family fun or take your youngsters on a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame for some celeb name-spotting. Los Angeles is renowned for its foodie scene, so you’ll never be far from a delicious bite to eat. If you just can’t decide where to go, don’t panic: our Dossier is filled with recommendations of tried-and-tested restaurants all over the city.
Thrill-seekers assemble: today we’ll arm you with a day pass for Hollywood’s famous Universal Studios. Opened in 1915, Universal is a working TV and film studio and an adrenaline-filled amusement park. Hop on one of the many themed rollercoasters and explore the exciting studio grounds, getting up close and personal with sets from classic blockbusters (think?Jaws, Terminator?and?Back to the Future).
After a fun-filled day of activities, soak up the last of the Californian sunshine while lounging poolside. It’s your final night in LA, so we recommend heading out for a bite. Head Downtown to the historic Grand Central Market for some tasty street food or to the coast for a balmy beachfront dinner.
This morning is your last chance to experience the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles. There’s still plenty to see in this glorious city: sneak in some stealth learning as your tour art exhibits at the Getty Center, hike into the hills to see the famous Hollywood sign or bike around Venice Beach.
Back at your hotel, make sure your bags are packed, as the next leg of your trip begins this afternoon. Head to the airport and hop aboard your six-hour flight to Honolulu, Oahu, keeping the children entertained with our Hawaii-themed fun packs.
Once you touch down, it’s time for your island-hopping Hawaiian adventure to begin. You’ll be privately transferred to your hotel on Waikiki Beach, your home for the next four nights.
We’ve left the next three days free for you to soak in island life, so dive straight into the cyan-blue waters of the Pacific on one of Oahu’s 125 beaches. The island is a snorkeller’s paradise, so kit up and uncover the underwater world as a family. Hawaii is also the ultimate destination for water sports, so try your hand at kitesurfing, kayaking or paddleboarding. One afternoon, we recommend heading out on an afternoon boat tour to see Oahu’s volcanic geography in all its ridged green glory.
If the children have had their fill of the sea, Oahu has plenty of other activities to enjoy. Marvel at the spectacular views from the Diamond Head Crater summit or wander through lush landscapes in one of the island’s five Botanical Gardens. Honolulu is teeming with cultural activities to get involved in, too. Miniature history buffs can visit the Pearl Harbor Museum and the Iolani Palace, while budding foodies will be in their element in the city’s myriad restaurants.
This morning, it’s time to say goodbye to Oahu and hello to Maui, the second-largest island in the state. After a swift 35-minute flight, pick up your hire car, strap into your seatbelts and press play on our destination-specific playlist (bit of Beach Boys, anyone?).
Meander along the scenic coast for 40 minutes towards your hotel in Kaanapali, following the built-in GPS service on our app. You’ll be staying here for the next four nights, so settle in as your children splash around in the hotel pool. Once tummies start rumbling, amble along the beach to a nearby restaurant for some traditional Hawaiian fare – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend the best spots.
In Kaanapali, the tides set the tempo. On your first morning, round up your youngsters for a road-tripping island adventure, visiting the beautiful Napili Bay and Kapalua Beach and stopping in the colourful town of Lahaina for some fresh seafood. Once you’re suitably stuffed, drive inland to marvel at the lush greenery of the Iao Valley.
On your second day, we’ve arranged a family surf lesson. This beginner's session will teach you the fundamentals of the sport, so you’ll be riding the waves in no time. Besides surfing, there are many other aquatic activities to get involved in, including parasailing, scuba diving and canoeing.
Chill out on your final day in Kaanapali – unless, of course, the youngsters decide otherwise (there really is no rest for the wicked). If they’d prefer one last memorable experience on land, ride horses up towards Haleakula Volcano. In the evening, savour your favourite island dishes as the sun sets over the ocean.
This morning, it’s time to pack up the car and head to Kahului airport for your five-hour flight to Los Angeles. Soak in the last of the sea views on the scenic drive, stopping for a panoramic picnic along the way, before dropping off your hire car.
After landing, you’ll be transferred to Huntington Beach, a 40-minute drive south into Orange County. This beautiful bay is your home for the next three nights, so cosy up for a restful sleep listening to the soothing sounds of the sea.
The next two days are yours to explore Huntington’s ten miles of pristine coastline. You’ll be glad you learned the ropes in your surf lesson a few days ago, as Huntington Beach is a surfing hotspot, earning itself the nickname ‘Surf City’ for its ideal conditions all year round. Where better to improve your skills?
Huntington epitomises Californian cool, so make sure you explore the downtown area for a taste of the SoCal lifestyle. This evening, gather around the beach fire pit with the whole family for some gooey s’mores as you watch the sunset over the pier and Pacific beyond.
Your holiday ends on a high note today, as we’ve arranged a one-day hopper ticket to Disneyland California’s two incredible theme parks (we know how to keep the children happy). Ride 40 minutes inland to Anaheim in a classic yellow cab and strap in (literally) for a jam-packed day discovering the magic of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
Watch your family’s favourite movies come to life as you venture into Disney’s Tomorrowland, Adventureland and Fantasyland.?There are myriad attractions, entertainment and rides as well as plenty of souvenirs to nab before you leave (a pair of Mickey Mouse ears is always a hit). After prising the youngsters away from the dream-fuelled Disney Parks, return to your hotel to enjoy a final dinner and pack your bags one last time.
Savour a hearty all-American breakfast this morning, distracting the little ones from the impending journey home with a stack of fluffy pancakes dripping in syrup or thick blueberry waffles with whipped cream.
With bellies full and bags packed, catch a cab to LAX for your flight home. Your flight will take around ten-and-a-half hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to reminisce on your most memorable holiday moments. You’ll touch down in the UK early the next morning, wishing you could’ve brought the Californian climate home.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOWOur team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges