Hawaii Hiking the Aloha Isles

Welcome to the most isolated population center on the face of the earth! Hawaii has its own time zone (Hawaiian Standard Time) and there is no daylight savings time. Under-sea volcanoes that erupted thousands of years ago formed the islands of Hawaii. On arrival in Kona please transfer to your hotel which will be advised to you before your departure; we will be staying 3 nights at this hotel. There is an airport shuttle service which is approx. US$30 pp (details in pre-departure notes). The rest of the day and evening is at your leisure.

At 8:00am your guide will welcome you at the hotel. Of all the islands, Hawaii, or The Big Island, is known for its authentic atmosphere. This Island has preserved much of its original Hawaiian character and culture. Not only is the Big Island by far the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, it is also the most diverse, offering active volcanoes, vast coast lines with white, black and green beaches, rain forests, giant waterfalls, lava deserts and ocean hot springs. With our local knowledge, we will explore many hidden sites, hike to remote beaches full of sea turtles, hike into the heart of an active volcano, and with a little luck get REALLY close to lava. Today we explore one of the most remote valleys of Hawaii, the wild and remote Polulu Valley. We hike to the bottom of the valley and explore the wild beach. In the afternoon we explore the dry Kohala Coast, where we stop at Puukohola and Lapakahi, both remarkable sites of ancient Hawaiian temples. We walk along the shore, hopefully seeing turtles resting on the wild beaches. In the evening, we find ourselves at a local hang out, the iconic Lava Lava Beach Restaurant, where we hope to enjoy a classic Hawaiian sunset (dinner not included). Hiking today is made of several shorter walks of approx. 3-4 miles / 5-7 km (approx. 2-3 hours), elevation difference: +/-200 m; Driving = approx. 2hrs return

Today we will explore the fabulous “City of Refuge” or “Pu’uhona O Honaunau” National Historical Park, which houses a picture perfect Polynesian Village perched on lava cliffs. We have time for some shorter walks, to tour the village and to swim/snorkel in one of the islands’ best reefs before we look at the Captain Cook Monument and the bay where he was slain. In the afternoon we can choose to do a guided kayak trip (approx. US$100), boat tour to see dolphins, or the world famous snorkeling excursion with manta rays! (approx. US$100 pp) or explore remote beaches north of Kona. Hiking today is several short walks totalling approx. 2-3 miles / 3-5 km (1-2 hours)Driving = 2hrs return

The morning finds us hiking in beautiful Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park.Along the coral beaches we walk to ancient fishponds and impressive structurescreated by the ancient people. In the afternoon we head over the Saddle Road, oneof the most spectacular roads in the world. We will climb from sea level to 2000m,between two majestic volcanoes: Mauna Kea (4207m) and Mauna Loa (4169m),passing from tropical forest to arid desert. At Puu Huluhulu trails lead throughfascinating formations and vegetation spared by eruptions. After checking into thehotel, we spend the evening at Uncle Billy’s, one of the most authentic Hawaiiancelebrations in the remote Puna district. Live music, dance and authentic food arepart of an unforgettable evening. Hilo Seaside, 2-3 star Hotel (or similar), 3 nights.Hiking: approx. 3-4 hrs, approx. 3-5 miles / 5-7 km, elevation difference: +/-100

After a leisurely morning, we explore Volcano National Park which is part of Mauna Loa - the World's largest shield volcano. The park is remarkable as it sits on the actual hot spot where islands are being born, producing never - ending volcanic activity and eruptions (Check conditions online at www.nps.gov). Trails lead through massive, cooled craters, steep banks venting sulfurous gasses and fern covered lava tubes. This is truly a primordial landscape, raw and still in the making. Our daytime walks will take us along Kilauea Crater’s Rim, edged with cloud forests of tree ferns and native Ohia. The views are spectacular. If the lava flows are above ground, we may organise a walk to erupting lava (additional fees may apply, depending if the lava is on private land or inside the national park). The group may also choose to visit Akaka Falls, and Waipio overlook, swim in the ocean at Richardson Beach Park, and / or rent 4x4 vehicles to drive to the top of Mauna Kea to enjoy sunset (not included). There is also a chance to take helicopter flights to see erupting lava (optional activities not included, starting at US$225pp).Various walks between 4 - 6 hours, +/- 300m elevation gain; daily activity will depend on the actual location of the lava flow. If at all possible we will walk at night to the lava flows. Driving = 2hrs returnPLEASE NOTE: Every month the lava flow changes. At times the lava flows inside the national park, and at others, it flows outside the park. Sometimes it reaches the ocean, sometimes it doesn’t. At the start of the tour we will check the status of the volcano. Due to the nature of the volcano, trails may close any time. Please be flexible. When the lava is outside the national park boundary, the best way to see the lava is either by boat or with a local guide that knows where the lava flows. Your guide would be able to get you very close to the actual lava while keeping you safe. For the best photographic images, we recommend that the group go with a local expert on the nighttime lava walk. This way you will get to see the lava very close up. The guided lava walk is about US$100-150 pp. Nearby you can also choose a lava boat ride for about US$180.

Heading back to Kona we soon reach Punaluu Beach, a well known black sand beach, where turtles rest. Then we continue to the wind swept southern most point in the US. We walk dirt tracks towards the famous Green Sand Beach, created by Olivine Crystals from ancient volcanic eruptions. We return to Kona for one last night. Accommodation tonight is a hotel in Kona, Royal Kona, 3 star (or similar), 1 night. Hiking: approx. 5 miles / 8 km, 3 - 4 hours walks over cliffs and beaches.Driving = Approx 4hrs total (completed in 40 min to 2hr segments)

We take an inter island flight to Lihue on Kauai and transfer to our hotel. Kauai is called the Garden Isle and considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Islands. Kauai is also the oldest Island, where volcanic activity has been dormant for over 1 million years. Erosional forces have created a truly stunning landscape of sheer volcanic cliffs and spires. The afternoon is reserved for you to enjoy the local beaches. Our accommodation is the Kauai Shores Hotel, 3 star (or similar), 3 nights.Driving = Approx 40 minutes return

Mark Twain dubbed Waimea Canyon “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. Both the canyon’s deep red color and its size are remarkable. An early start brings us to fantastic Kalalau Lookout, with incredible views over the wild north shore 1200m (4000 feet) below us. Then we embark on a hike through one of earth’s wettest spots in the famous Kokee State Park. The Awa'awapuhi Trail will lead us to even more amazing viewpoints over the north shore. On a rainy day, we may choose to alter the walk to the drier side of the canyon at the Cliff/Canyon/Black Pipe complex. The elevation is between 1,000-1,200m (3,300 - 4,000 ft) which makes for crisp air. With a little luck we may see the endangered Nene Goose, a Hawaiian native.Hiking: approx. 9miles /15km return trip, 5 hours, +/- 500m.Driving = Approx 2hrs return

This morning you have the opportunity to book an unforgettable helicopter flight over the sheer cliffs of Kauai (from US$339 for a 1 hour flight, optional. Your guide will brief you locally). Considered by many to be one of the world’s best heli rides. Afterwards you will take the short drive out to beautiful Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach) to walk, explore and perhaps enjoy a to swim on this 8-mile stretch of beach famous for its offshore shipwrecks. Driving = Approx 2hrs total (completed in segments)

Kauai’s North Shore is famous for its one-of-a-kind scenery. A narrow, winding road leads to the far end of the island where we hike the famous Kalalau Trail high above ocean cliffs. The views are superb (Permits are required for this trail and sell out immediately when released. We strive to obtain this permit however we can not guarantee that we will obtain reservations for everyone. Alternative options will be advised locally). Kalalau Trail is a self-guided walk due to State Park regulations: approx. 4 miles /7 km out-and-back, elevation +/- 600 ft/200m, 2-3 hours.This afternoon you will transfer to the next highlight of the tour, Maui. Maui is a large Island consisting of two massive, dormant shield volcanoes. Of the three islands visited so far, this Island is the most touristy. From December to April Alaskan humpback whales give birth on Maui’s West side and can be easily seen from whale watching boats. Molokini crater, a submerged cinder cone, is also a world famous snorkel and dive site. Our accommodation is condo style, 3 star, 3 nights (1-2 bedroom shared by 1-4 travellers, with full kitchen and 1-2 bathrooms), centrally located and within walking distance of beaches and shopping.Driving = Approx 2hrs total

Today we hike in the hills of the Pu’u Kukui Volcano on the Waihe Ridge Trail walking through lush rainforest valleys with spectacular views overlooking the ocean and Makamakaole Falls in the distance.Walk: approx. 4miles/7km, elevation difference: +/-500 m (approx. 4 hrs)

Today we embark on a long driving day. We start out early on the remarkable Road to Hana, a cliff-hanging, narrow road skirting the remote side of Maui. We stop at Waianapanapa State Park and walk over cliffs on the ancient Kings Trail. Then we head to a hidden gem, the remote red sand beach in Hana, where giant waves break on the cliffs. Our tour around the east end of the island concludes with vast views of the Maui's high country.Driving = 8 to 10 hours plus regular breaks for photos, walking and sightseeing (totalling about 12 hrs of travelling)

This morning we have a chance to witness sunrise in Haleakela National Park, the massive shield volcano towering over Maui. Your tour leader will offer an excursion for about US$150 per person - Those who opt for the tour will return before noon to the condos. Your trip concludes today, however there is so much more to see on Maui. We recommend you book an extension to your vacation to enjoy the spectacular beaches; for example take a whale watching tour or snorkel tour to Molokini. If you are ready to return to your home or the next destination, today is set for individual departure. We recommend you take the airport shuttle operated by Speedishuttle to the airport for approx. $35/pp (not included) - Speedishuttle.com. The closest airport is Kahului Airport and it's also the second busiest airport in the state of Hawaii.