Island Hopping in Hawaii

Oahu is the busiest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, meaning it is always bustling and full of life. Waikiki Beach is home to mainland American-style skyscrapers, bars, trendy restaurants and fashion boutiques and is one of the island’s hot spots. The rest of Oahu island, which is less populated, is also jam-packed with things to do and places to explore. Diamond Head’s viewpoint is ideal for admiring the views below; stroll through Haleiwa, the world's surf capital; spend a morning taking in the Pearl Harbour Memorial; enjoy a traditional show at the Polynesian Cultural Centre; or kick back and relax on 656 miles of beaches. Our personal favourite spot is Hanauma Bay, nicknamed 'the best beach in the world'. We’d recommend getting down there at dawn to avoid the crowds. For a little more adventure, enjoy a boat or kayak trip on the protected waters of Kaneohe Bay, or even try your hand at paddle boarding and snorkelling.

Today you will catch a quick flight to Lihue on Kauai Island, which will take around 45 minutes. Pick up a new hire car and spend three nights at the southern tip of the island. Your beachfront accommodation is the ultimate base from which to discover Kauai. Head out for an exploratory drive around the island, past its towering rock faces and verdant greenery, all the while keeping an eye on the horizon (between November and May particularly) as this part of the Pacific is on the migration path of humpback whales. End the day tucking into fresh food at a delicious local food shack along the coast or enjoying cocktails at a nearby bar.

Kauai, known as 'the Garden Island', is the most natural island in the archipelago and is inhabited by the largest number of native Hawaiians. People never tire of wandering around the island, a true hikers' paradise, especially around the Waimea Canyon, the largest canyon in the Pacific; or along the wild coast of Na Pali, with its intermingled sea caves, waterfalls, white sandy beaches and towering cliffs...

Over the next few days you will be able to hop aboard a 50-minute helicopter flight over Kauai and take in the breath-taking Na Pali Coast and its chiselled cliffs, the Waimea Canyon and its hidden waterfalls, the Bali Hai Cliffs and the turquoise waters of Hanalei Bay, and finally, Mount Waialeale, the heart of the former volcano and one of the wettest sites on earth where no fewer than 14 waterfalls flow. If after soaring through the skies you fancy spending time with your feet on solid ground, head out on a hike through the Waimea Canyon.

Today you will catch a flight to Kona on Big Island, which will take around 55 minutes. Collect your new hire car and head to the hotel in the north of the island, where you will spend the next two nights. Head out in the car to get your bearings of the island and get a glimpse into what life here is like. Enjoy a delicious local dinner before hitting the hay ready for another day of Hawaiian adventure.

Spend today relaxing on the Kohala coast, taking in the Hawaiian seaside. Learn to surf (or practise the basics you already have down), dive on the archipelago's most beautiful reefs or simply put your your feet up and lounge on one of the beautiful beaches along the coastline. Discover Kailua-Kona, a small town that was the capital of Hawaii's kings for a long time and still boasts several royal residences. Visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and its turtles, hold a seahorse at the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm or trek in the surrounding coffee plantations. If you are looking for a little more ocean adventure, go snorkelling with gently gliding manta rays or head out on a catamaran cruise along the postcard-perfect Kona coast.

Today you will venture from the Kohala Coast and drive to Volcano Village in the southern part of the island. This small community is entirely dedicated to tourism and is located at the edge of Volcano National Park, sitting at an altitude of 3,280ft on the side of Kilauea volcano in the middle of a dense rainforest. Spend two nights there in perfect harmony with nature. We love the area’s warm welcome and its philosophy, especially towards visitors who are thoughtful and sensitive to their surroundings. Enjoy a delicious meal cooked with fresh local ingredients before heads hit pillows, ready for another day of exploring.

Volcano National Park is made up of two of the world's most impressive volcanoes: Kilauea, one of the most active on earth, and the Mauna Loa, the highest (13,680ft). The spectacular natural landscapes and geological activity make this region as exciting as it is brooding. Rain is frequent on the island but does not interfere with the observation of wildlife or magnificent lava flows, some still glowing as they enter the ocean. Head out on a guided tour of Hawaii Volcano National Park on which you will discover Hawaiian culture and the UNESCO National Park with a guide from Big Island. The landscape changes with the volcanic eruptions and lava flows, and reveals impressive geological formations that will easily fill your camera roll. As will the variety of rare birds, endemic species and giant fern forests that call the volcanic area home. When legs are weary and camera batteries area flat, seek out the area’s best wood-fired pizza and frosty local beer to round of a great day.

Today you will catch a flight to Kahului on Maui Island, which will take around 40 minutes. When you land, you’ll pick up the last hire car of your trip and drive to Wailea-Makena in the south-west of the island, where the beaches expand from south to north. Wailea-Makena is famed for its vast sandy coastline and dense, well-preserved vegetation. You’ll spend the next few nights here, making the most of the famous surf spots, nature reserves and idyllic beaches.

While in Wailea, you can go hiking in the Iao Valley under lava spines that are disguised and covered by the rainforest. As you have a few days here, you can also visit Haleakala National Park and its gigantic volcano, marvel at the prowess of surfers who come to tame the wildest waves in the world, and clock up the miles to discover little fishing harbours, whaling towns and sugar cane fields. There is also the option to go on a catamaran trip with snorkelling stops at Molokini, an island born of a submerged crater that has become one of Hawaii’s most popular diving spots. Spend the evenings under the stary sky, dining on fresh local food and listening to the hustle and bustle of the island’s residents.

Today is the start of your journey home. Spend one last morning taking in the island’s beautiful beaches and having one last crack at surfing, before heading to the airport for your flight to San Francisco. After spending the last couple of weeks in tranquil seclusion and among nature’s most spectacular scenery, San Fran may be a shock to the system, but head out on foot to spend the evening exploring the city’s sights.

Spend your last day exploring San Francisco or simply relaxing, before driving to the airport to begin the last leg of your journey home.