Hawaiian Discovery - 11 Days

Duration

11 Days

Destination USA, Hawaii
Difficulty
Balanced
Start

Honolulu

End

Kauai

Rating

***

Operator

Trafalgar Tours

Get on island time as you discover Hawaii’s authentic tropical paradise, including Kilauea Volcano and Kauai's magical Tunnel of Trees and Waimea Canyon State Park. Tour Honolulu’s Pearl Harbor, relax in Kona, learn from locals how coffee is made and get a fascinating insight into manta ray conservation.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Island Greetings In Honolulu, Oahu

Ease into the warm embrace of Hawaii’s Aloha Spirit and don a flower lei to kick-start your love affair with the Pacific islands. Explore the golden beaches of Waikiki before gathering for a Hawaiian-style dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers ay 18:00.

The Twin Fin Waikiki
Dinner

Day 2: Uncover Hawaii's History

There’s no better way to learn about history on your Hawaii tour than visiting places where events occurred. Today, pay homage to the thousands of brave soldiers who lost their lives in the surprise military strike at Pearl Harbor visiting Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the USS Arizona Memorial. Continue through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located in Punchbowl Crater, and to downtown Honolulu to connect with the spiritual epicentre of Hawaii. On your walking tour, see Iolani Palace, the former home of Hawaii’s last-reigning monarchs and the only royal palace in the United States, as well as the King Kamehameha I Statue and the State Capitol Building. Kick back in your hotel overlooking Waikiki Beach or get out and explore the shore. 

NOTE: Due to ongoing preservation work, the U.S. National Park Service has temporarily suspended advance ticket access to the USS Arizona Memorial. In leu of the visit to the USS Arizona Memorial guests will experience a multimedia audio tour of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor Center.

The Twin Fin Waikiki
Breakfast

Day 3: See the Volcanic Beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Big Island of Hawaii brings new sights, landscapes and wildlife. Arrive in the town of Hilo and enjoy lunch on your own, perhaps seeking out the classic loco moco meal. Then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to learn about the geology of the Islands. Continue along the coast to Punalu’u Beach Park, famous for its black sand and Hawaiian green sea turtles. The Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa welcomes you with their multi-level fantasy pool with a 200-foot water slide, manta-ray viewing and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.  

Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
Breakfast

Day 4: Experience the Sights, Flavours and Wildlife of Hawaii

Unlock the secrets of marine life learning about the Mobula alfredi manta rays, the second largest in the world, that come to the Kona shores to feed each day. Next up, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at Kona Sea Salt. You’ll not only get to see the salt production, but also taste different salts to explore the flavour profiles. Continue your discovery during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a coffee plantation, learning about how some of the world's best coffee is grown and roasted. Later there is a chance to view manta rays during an optional snorkelling tour.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure - $146 pp

Don’t miss a bucket list experience joining a snorkelling adventure in the warm waters of the Pacific at night with manta rays. This is the only place in the world where you can snorkel at night with these creatures as large as 16 ft. across and weighing 1,000 lbs. You’ll be amazed as you witness this feeding frenzy that includes not only this once-in-a-lifetime encounter but warming hot chocolate and cookies. 

Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
Breakfast Lunch

Day 5: Unwind and Play in Kona

Get ready to embrace your outdoor adventurer on an invigorating day on your Hawaii tour exploring the Big Island on your own or with an Optional Experience. Take in Kohala’s beauty and history on a fun, off-road adventure and relaxed trail walk to a hidden waterfall and scenic overlook of Pololu Valley. Or, discover what’s beneath these gorgeous waters with a snorkelling trip in the pristine Puʻuhonua O Honaunau and Kealakekua Bay featuring lava tubes and sea caves. This evening, lose yourself in the moment as you embrace the tradition of the Hawaiian Luau over dinner of local flavours and tropical cocktails.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).      

Premium Morning Snorkel - $164 pp

Discover the hidden treasures underwater by snorkeling the pristine Puʻuhonua O Honaunau (The Place of Refuge) and Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cooks Monument). Learn about the history and culturally significant sites from your Captain and Crew as you explore the coastline, lava tubes and sea caves – pausing your adventure for lunch in the shade.  

Kohala Waterfalls Adventure - $275 pp

Get ready for Kohala’s stunning beauty and rich history on an off-road adventure and trail walk. Experience dramatic views of Pololu Valley, foot bridges, taro terraces and waterfalls—with a stop for lunch in between. You’ll even have the chance to take a cooling dip in the waterfall. 

Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, Kona
Breakfast Dinner

Day 6: Upcountry Maui

Maui, an island where dormant volcanoes, black sand beaches and whale watching lure explorers just like you. Fly from Kona to Maui this morning and visit Iao Valley State Park before settling into your hotel. This evening, as the sun sets over the Pacific, take a walk to the nearby Whalers Village or enjoy a relaxing stroll along the beach.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour). 

Sunset Dinner Sail - $170 pp

Get ready to experience Maui’s magic like never before. Depart directly from Ka’anapali Beach and step aboard a catamaran, where the friendly crew will welcome you with a signature cocktail. Enjoy mouth-watering appetizers and dinner, all prepared by local chefs who know how to make the freshest ingredients shine. Whether it’s curry-marinated fresh Hawaiian fish or panko-crusted Hawaiian chicken, every bite delivers a burst of island flavour. With an open bar, stunning views, and even a chance to spot whales from December to April, this is the perfect way to unwind and soak in Maui’s beauty. *Optional only available June - September.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Breakfast

Day 7: A Traditional Maui Day

Unlock the natural beauty of paradise, charting your own course through Maui’s landscapes. This evening, enjoy a dinner featuring local flavours. You’ll love making the most of your stay at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa cooling off in their half-acre pool or Maui's only oceanfront full-service spa and salon, rooftop stargazing or oceanfront golf. 

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).      

West Maui Snorkel Adventure - $170 pp

Head out on a tour offering the chance to swim alongside dolphins, turtles, rays and vibrant tropical fish. As you glide along the scenic shoreline of Ka’anapali Beach aboard a luxurious catamaran, start your day with a delicious continental breakfast. Later, savour a barbecue lunch with a vegetarian option available upon request. Sip on a refreshing Mai Tai or a local brew from the open bar as you take in the views. With premium snorkel gear provided, you'll be fully equipped to explore the pristine reefs of West Maui. This is the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and unforgettable Hawaiian hospitality. 

Premium Whale Watch - $170 pp

Set sail on the adventure of a lifetime with Teralani’s Premium Whale Watch. Imagine gliding along Maui's coastline aboard a luxurious catamaran, cocktail in hand, while majestic humpback whales breach nearby. Limited to just 35 guests, this exclusive two-and-a-half-hour tour offers a front-row seat to nature’s most awe-inspiring show. Savour gourmet appetizers, sip on your favourite drink from an open bar, and listen as your onboard marine naturalist shares fascinating stories about these gentle giants. With panoramic views and underwater hydrophones, this whale sighting experience seeks to create memories you'll treasure forever. Whale season runs from November 1 to April 15, so don't miss your chance to witness the magic! 

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Breakfast Dinner

Day 8: Off to Kauai

After a leisurely morning on the Valley Isle, jet off to Kauai where you’ll spend the next three nights admiring the natural surroundings. Kauai, at over six million years old, is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands and boasts the only navigable rivers in the state of Hawaii. It is also the northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain, which is the most isolated inhabited land mass. Start this next leg of your journey relaxing in your hotel’s infinity-edge pool, kicking back with a Mai Tai at the oceanfront bar or dining at the onsite Moa Moa Hawaiian Fish House. 

Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort
Breakfast

Day 9: Immerse Yourself in Kauai's Unique Landscape

There’s no better place to learn about Kauai’s land than Grove Farm, a beautifully preserved one-hundred-acre homestead in the centre of Lihue. Enjoy a private, guided tour of the original plantation main house, as well as other resident and plantation workers’ housing camp dating back to the 1870's. Continue all the way up to Waimea Canyon State Park. The result of thousands of years of erosion, the canyon walls offer a canvas of brilliant shades of red, brown, green, blue, grey and purple, with shadows and light producing a never-ending show. Enjoy a drive through the island's famous Tunnel of Trees with a stop at Spouting Horn blowhole, one of the most photographed spots on Kauai. Cap off your day with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Allerton & McBryde Botanical Garden for a tour highlighting rare native Hawaiian ferns and plants. 

Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort
Breakfast

Day 10: Unwind and Explore Kauai

Kauai’s natural treasures are yours to explore during this full free day. Feel like you’ve stepped onto the big screen on an Optional Experience Kauai Movie Tour adventure. Your backstage pass will take you to many famous sites on Kauai where Hollywood Blockbusters and TV shows were filmed while viewing clips of those notable films. On your final night on Kauai on your Hawaii tour, toast to the incredible sights of the islands with your fellow travellers over dinner. 

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).      

Kauai Movie Tour Adventure - $173 pp

Attention, movie buffs! Explore many famous sites on Kauai where Hollywood Blockbusters and TV shows were filmed. Visit Tahiti Nui, where “The Descendants” was filmed, showcasing Kauai’s most beautiful locales and scenic locations. At Lydgate Beach, see where Elvis filmed “Blue Hawai’i”. Then make your way to Kilauea Point Lighthouse Overlook at the Northern most tip of Kauai seen in “Lilo and Stitch.” And in quaint Kapa’a Town on the east side of Kauai, see where the famous dinosaur “egg-change” took place in “Jurassic Park.” You’ll love this unique tour that truly showcases Kauai’s most beautiful locales and scenic locations.  

Kauai From Above - $409 pp

With over 70% of the island being inaccessible by land, Kauai is truly best seen from the sky. On this incredible helicopter 50 minute tour of Kauai, you’ll experience views so beautiful they will take your breath away. Explore the stunning Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as “Jurassic Park” falls, wedged in between the emerald green mountaintop of the Hanapepe Valley. Fly over the amazing views of the Olokele Canyon and majestic Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” where you’ll catch sight of dozens of cascading waterfalls. Kauai’s magical North Shore reveals the sculpted green valleys and 3,000-foot sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, the pristine turquoise-blue waters of Hanalei Bay and the Princeville Resort area. Lastly, weather permitting, your pilot will fly you to Mt Wai’ale’ale, a dormant shield volcano with over 450 inches of rainfall each year, making it the second wettest places on earth. Here you’ll witness the most beautiful emerald green vegetation draped over the mist-covered mountain, with 3,000-foot cascading waterfalls filling each crevice, a truly awe-inspiring finish to your ECO Adventure over the Garden Isle.

Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort
Breakfast Dinner

Day 11: Aloha Kauai

For now it’s a fond a hui hou... until we meet again. Make your own way to Lihue Airport, extend your stay on Kauai or chose the transfer below.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).      

Kauai Airport Transfer - $16 pp

One Way Shared Ride Transfer to Airport.

Breakfast

Includes

  • 10 nights in handpicked 3 & 4 star hotels in great locations
  • Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
  • 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
  • Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary 

Excludes

  • Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
  • Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
  • Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour

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Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?

A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.

The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.

The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice. 

Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.

YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.

CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.

What does the tour cost include?

The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

Can i book flights through you?

Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.

When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements. 

You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.  

Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?

Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.   

Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?

Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.

If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.

For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.

For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.

How much is the solo/single supplement?

Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

How many guests will be on this tour?

Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below.  You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.

Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53

United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests

Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests

Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests

Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests

Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests

Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests   

How much walking will be on this tour?

With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.

Leisurely: Tours will typically have 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs. 

Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs. 

Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.   

Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?

Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:

Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-

We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:

  • Reclining seats
  • An on-board restroom
  • Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
  • WiFi
  • Air-conditioning

Africa & Asia trips:-

Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.

Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?

Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.  

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.

Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.

Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.

We suggest that your insurance covers the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
  • Loss or damage to your property and baggage
  • Loss of cash, credit cards etc
  • Medical costs and personal accidents

Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive. 

Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel. 

Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.

What does a guaranteed departure mean?

A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure. 

In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.

What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?

Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.

Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:

Europe trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.

Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.

Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.

Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc. 

United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:

From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel. 

UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.   

USA trips incl transiting travellers: 

US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.

ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website. 

Canada trips:

Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.   

eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.

Rest of the World trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them. 

What if I have mobility issues?

Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.

What if I have food allergies?

Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.

You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.

How much luggage can I bring?

Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). 

In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).

Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.  

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