Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
USA - Hawaii
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine, as your Hawaiian holiday begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy some nibbles in the airport lounge before boarding your 11-hour flight to San Francisco. After a quick pit stop, board your second flight to Hawaii’s Oahu Island.
Once you’ve touched down in Honolulu, collect your hire car and drive just 20 minutes to the district of Waikiki, where you'll be spending two nights. By the time you arrive, it’ll likely be evening, so check into your hotel, grab some dinner and put your feet up.
We’ve left your first day free so you can settle into Waikiki independently. Oahu is the busiest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, and Waikiki Beach is one of the island’s hotspots, home to skyscrapers, trendy bars and restaurants and fashion boutiques. In short, it’s jam-packed with things to do.
Nature lovers can head to Diamond Head’s viewpoint for postcard-perfect views over Waikiki Beach, while fitness fanatics can kayak in protected Kaneohe Bay or stroll through Haleiwa, the world's surf capital. For a taste of local culture, spend some time at the Pearl Harbour Memorial or enjoy a traditional show at the Polynesian Cultural Centre.
Fancy kicking back on the beach? You’ve got 656 miles to choose from, but our personal favourite is Hanauma Bay. Known affectionately as 'the best beach in the world', visit at dawn to avoid the crowds.
Your island-hopping adventure begins today, so hop on a quick 45-minute flight to Lihue on Kauai Island. Once you’ve landed, pick up a new hire car and make your way down to the southern tip of the island, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights.
Once you’ve dropped your bags, head out for an exploratory drive around the island. As you glide past towering rock faces and verdant greenery, keep an eye on the horizon, as this part of the Pacific is on the migration path of humpback whales (especially between November and May).
After you’re suitably shattered, finish the day by tucking into fresh seafood at a local food shack along the coast or enjoying cocktails at a nearby bar.
The next two days are yours to explore. Affectionately known as the ‘Garden Island', Kauai boasts incredible natural beauty. The island is a true hikers' paradise, so stroll along the wild coast of Na Pali, with its sea caves, waterfalls and white sandy beaches.
On one of the days, we’ll arrange for a 50-minute helicopter flight over Kauai so you can take in the sights. Have your cameras at the ready as you soar over the breathtaking Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Bali Hai Cliffs and the turquoise waters of Hanalei Bay. Finally, you’ll fly over Mount Waialeale, the heart of the former volcano that boasts 14 waterfalls.
Need some time on solid ground after your helicopter ride? Head out on a hike through the Waimea Canyon, the largest in the Pacific. Our knowledgeable Concierge is on hand to recommend their favourite routes.
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to Kauai and aloha to Kona on the Big Island. Your flight will take around 55 minutes, and you’ll collect another hire car upon arrival. In your trusty new wheels, make your way up to the north of the island, where you'll spend the next two nights.
Once you’re settled in, spend a relaxed afternoon in the car getting your bearings of the Big Island and a feel for island life. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner in a local restaurant before hitting the hay ready for another day of Hawaiian adventure.
Once you’ve enjoyed a tasty breakfast at your hotel, spend today relaxing on the Kohala Coast and taking in the Hawaiian seaside. Learn to surf (or put your skills to the test if you’ve donned a wetsuit before), dive on the archipelago's most beautiful reefs or simply put your feet up on one of the beautiful beaches along the coastline. If you’re looking for more ocean adventures, head to the postcard-perfect Kona Coast to snorkel with gently gliding manta rays or relax on a catamaran cruise.
Once you’ve had your fill of the beach (unlikely, we know), spend the rest of the day exploring. Head to Kailua-Kona, a small town that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii and still boasts several royal residences. Fancy yourself an animal aficionado? Visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park to see its turtles, or hold a seahorse at the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm.
Today, make your way down from the Kohala Coast to Volcano Village, a small community dedicated to tourism in the southern part of the island. The village is located at the edge of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, tucked amid dense rainforest at an altitude of 3,280ft.
Arrive and settle in for two nights in perfect harmony with nature. The local people deeply respect visitors who are sensitive to their surroundings, so you’ll be met with a warm welcome and a strong sense of community. End the day with a delicious meal cooked with fresh local ingredients before heading to bed, ready for more exploring tomorrow.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park comprises two of the world's most impressive active volcanoes: Kilauea, one of the most active on Earth, and Mauna Loa, the largest shield volcano in the world, rising an astonishing 13,680ft above sea level. Rain is frequent on the island, but don’t worry, it won’t interfere with wildlife observation or the magnificent lava flows.
Ready to explore? We’ve arranged for you to head out on a guided tour of the park. Discover an ever-changing landscape thanks to volcanic eruptions and lava flows that reveal impressive geological formations – you’ll easily fill your camera roll with spectacular sights. Keep your eyes peeled for various rare birds, endemic species and giant fern forests that call the volcanic area home. When legs are weary (and camera batteries are flat), your guide will point you to the area’s best wood-fired pizza and frosty local beer. The perfect way to end an incredible day.
Today, bid farewell to fiery volcanoes and hello to powder-soft sand. After your 40-minute flight to Kahului on Maui Island, pick up the last hire car of your trip and drive to Wailea-Makena in the southwest of the island. This beautiful area is famed for its vast sandy coastline and thick, well-preserved vegetation. You’ll spend the next three nights here, making the most of the famous surf spots, nature reserves and idyllic beaches.
Maui is the last stop in your island-hopping adventure, so it’s up to you how you spend your final few days. While in Wailea, we recommend hiking in the Iao Valley, where you’ll pass under picturesque lava spines camouflaged by the rainforest. As you’ve a few days here, visit Haleakala National Park and its gigantic volcano, marvel at the prowess of skilled surfers riding some of the wildest waves in the world, and discover little fishing harbours, whaling towns and sugar cane fields.
Fancy spending some time in the sea? We can arrange a catamaran trip with snorkelling stops at Molokini, a partially-submerged volcanic crater that has become one of Hawaii’s most popular diving and snorkelling spots.
Spend your last few evenings underneath the starry sky, feasting on fresh local food and listening to the hustle and bustle of the island’s residents.
Sadly, it’s time to start your journey home today. Spend one last morning taking in the island’s beautiful beaches (and squeezing in one last attempt at surfing) before heading to the airport for your five-hour flight to San Francisco.
After spending the last couple of weeks in seclusion among Mother Earth’s most spectacular scenery, San Fran may be a shock to the system. But don’t let that deter you – head out on foot this evening to explore the city’s famous sights and grab some classic American grub (cheeseburger and fries, anyone?).
Your Hawaiian adventure might be over, but you've one last day to explore San Francisco (or to simply put your feet up) before heading to the airport tomorrow. Our clued-up local Concierge is on hand to recommend their favourite local sights, restaurants or hotspots to make sure the last day of your trip is a memorable one.
All good things must come to an end, and today it’s time to say a final goodbye to the USA. Head to the airport and enjoy one last tipple or two in the airport lounge before you catch your flight back to the UK. The time difference means that you’ll land in the UK the next day, armed with a suitcase full of souvenirs and a camera roll full of sunny snapshots.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
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.
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Our 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
