12 Days • 11 Nights
Hawaii Highlights: Oahu, Maui & the Big Island
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Oahu's Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor
- The North Shore's legendary surf
- Maui's beaches and the Road to Hana
- Humpback whales off Maui (in season)
- Active volcanoes on the Big Island
- Snorkelling, black-sand beaches and coffee farms
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 12-day journey.
Welcome to Hawaii. You are met at Honolulu airport with a traditional lei greeting and transferred to your Waikiki hotel. Settle in with a stroll along the famous beach and a welcome dinner.
A moving visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, followed by a tour of Honolulu, the historic Iolani Palace and the views from Diamond Head or the Pali Lookout.
A day exploring Oahu's legendary North Shore, its giant winter surf, sea-turtle beaches and the charming town of Haleiwa, with a stop at a shrimp truck and Waimea Valley.
A free day to relax on Waikiki, snorkel Hanauma Bay, or shop and surf, ending with a traditional Hawaiian luau of food, music and hula under the stars.
You fly to Maui, the Valley Isle, and settle into your beachfront resort. Spend the afternoon on its golden sand and watch the sun set over the Pacific.
A day driving the famous Road to Hana, a lush, winding coastal route past waterfalls, rainforest, black-sand beaches and dramatic sea cliffs, one of the world's great scenic drives.
A day on Maui's beautiful coast, snorkelling coral reefs and, in winter, a whale-watching cruise to see humpbacks that gather off the island, or a visit to the Haleakala volcano.
A free day to relax on Maui, explore the artsy town of Lahaina, snorkel at Molokini crater, or simply enjoy your resort and the beach.
You fly to the Big Island, Hawaii's largest and most geologically dramatic, settling into your resort on the Kona coast for a sunset by the sea.
A day exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, walking among steaming craters, lava fields and rainforest, and witnessing the raw power of active volcanism, one of Hawaii's most extraordinary experiences.
A day on the Big Island, exploring Kona's coffee farms and black-sand beaches, and an unforgettable evening snorkel or dive with manta rays gliding through the water.
After a final island breakfast you are transferred to Kona airport for your onward flight, full of the spirit of aloha.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 11 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a traditional luau
- Airport and inter-island transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Inter-island flights as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- inter-island flights, a Pearl Harbor visit, a Road to Hana tour and a Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tour
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & ESTA: Hawaii is part of the USA, so Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying, and other nationalities need a US B-2 visa; a valid passport is required. We advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted everywhere; tipping is expected as elsewhere in the USA, around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants and tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff
- Best time to visit: Hawaii is a year-round destination with warm weather always; summer (April to October) is drier and sunnier, while winter (November to March) is slightly wetter but brings the big surf and whale season
- Island hopping: Each island has its own character, and most itineraries combine two or more via short inter-island flights, which we arrange; allow a little time for the airport connections between islands
- Ocean safety: Respect the ocean, currents and surf can be powerful, especially in winter; swim at lifeguarded beaches, heed warning flags, and use reef-safe sunscreen, which is required by law to protect the coral
- Volcanoes & nature: On the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park showcases active volcanism; conditions vary with volcanic activity, and we advise on what is accessible during your visit
- Whales & wildlife: Humpback whales visit Hawaiian waters roughly December to April, best seen off Maui; sea turtles, dolphins and tropical fish can be seen year-round while snorkelling
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but travel insurance is essential as US healthcare is costly. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter; respect local culture and sacred sites throughout
Frequently Asked Questions
Is three islands too much in twelve days?
Not at all — with three to four nights on each island and short inter-island flights, it is a well-paced way to experience Hawaii's variety without feeling rushed. We can also focus on fewer islands if you prefer a slower pace.
When can we see whales?
Humpback whales visit Hawaiian waters roughly from December to April, best seen off Maui. If you travel in winter we build in a whale-watching cruise; outside the season the trip focuses on other marine life and activities.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a luau. Hawaii's food, from fresh poke to island fusion, is a highlight, so most lunches and dinners are left free with our recommendations.
Are inter-island flights included?
Yes — any inter-island flights specified in your itinerary are arranged and included, along with all airport and hotel transfers, so your island hopping is seamless.
Which islands should we visit?
Each island has its own character, Oahu for city, history and surf; Maui for beaches and whales; Kauai for dramatic scenery; and the Big Island for volcanoes. We help you choose or combine them to match your interests and time.
When is the best time to visit Hawaii?
Hawaii is warm year-round; summer (April to October) is driest and sunniest, while winter brings the big surf and, from December to April, the humpback whales. We advise on the best timing for your plans.
Is Hawaii good for families and honeymoons alike?
Wonderfully so — the islands suit everyone, with gentle beaches, wildlife and adventure for families, and romantic resorts, sunsets and seclusion for honeymooners. We tailor the islands and hotels to your travel style.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust which islands you visit and for how long, mix resorts and boutique stays, add adventures or downtime, and tailor everything to your interests and budget.
More Beach Journeys
Beach
Customizable
Punta del Este Beach Escape
Punta del Este Beach Escape
Uruguay
Beach
Customizable
Cartagena & the Caribbean Coast
Cartagena & the Caribbean Coast
Colombia
Beach
Customizable
Brazil Beaches: Rio & the Northeast
Brazil Beaches: Rio & the Northeast
Brazil