Kona Tours &amp; Trips

preferred

4.9/5 Excellent

Self-Guided / Independent Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea, Kona, Maui

Highlights

Explore Maui's white-sand beaches.
Experience the heat of Kilauea Volcano.
Snorkel with sea turtles, whales and dolphins.
Between January and March you can also take a boat trip on the Pacific Ocean to see majestic humpback whales at sunrise.

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I recently booked a trip to Japan with Audley Travel, and unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. While the initial booking process was smooth and included clear communication via phone calls, the overall experience was disappointing, especially considering the high cost. The initial booking process was straightforward, and I had a couple of phone calls to clearly describe my essential needs for the trip. Communication before the trip was generally fine, but there were notable issues. Audley was unable to confirm all accommodation details, particularly my request for booking connecting rooms for a 4-person family. Instead, we were often crammed into a small room, which was far from ideal. Additionally, I had specifically requested kid-friendly hotels that offered western menu options. This was not the case at our last stop, where the hotel provided exclusively traditional Japanese food, which was not suitable for my family. One significant problem was the overwhelming amount of information provided, both printed and online. Unfortunately, this information was often inconsistent and riddled with mistakes. The tour guides we worked with received different itineraries, causing confusion and frustration. Even worse, the itinerary included activities that were not actually booked, despite being paid for. The same issue occurred with accommodation specifics. Had I known they were not going to be able to book per my request (which they had claimed to be working on), I would have challenged the overall cost and probably used a different provider. During the trip, Audley's support was severely lacking. We repeatedly tried to contact them for solutions to various issues but received no response. Audley works with a local partner in Japan, but they were limited in their ability to resolve our problems and often directed us back to Audley. This resulted in a frustrating loop of no solutions and a waste of time. It also appears that Audley is very short-staffed. We received an out-of-office notice from the person who booked our trip, and no backup or alternative assistance was offered. This lack of support is unacceptable, given the price we paid for their services. Audley Travel also failed to point out important festivals happening on the dates of our travel. This was a significant oversight and something one would definitely expect a competent travel agency to handle. To their credit, Audley Travel did a decent job with very basic needs such as train ticket bookings and airport pickups. However, for everything else, their service was far below expectations. In acknowledgment of their shortcomings, Audley Travel issued a refund, but it was not commensurate with the impact these issues had on our trip. Overall, I do not recommend Audley Travel and will not be booking with them again."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

12 days From$3,795

More

Hawaii Highlights Self-Drive

preferred

4.9/5 Excellent

Private Guided

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

California, Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I recently booked a trip to Japan with Audley Travel, and unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. While the initial booking process was smooth and included clear communication via phone calls, the overall experience was disappointing, especially considering the high cost. The initial booking process was straightforward, and I had a couple of phone calls to clearly describe my essential needs for the trip. Communication before the trip was generally fine, but there were notable issues. Audley was unable to confirm all accommodation details, particularly my request for booking connecting rooms for a 4-person family. Instead, we were often crammed into a small room, which was far from ideal. Additionally, I had specifically requested kid-friendly hotels that offered western menu options. This was not the case at our last stop, where the hotel provided exclusively traditional Japanese food, which was not suitable for my family. One significant problem was the overwhelming amount of information provided, both printed and online. Unfortunately, this information was often inconsistent and riddled with mistakes. The tour guides we worked with received different itineraries, causing confusion and frustration. Even worse, the itinerary included activities that were not actually booked, despite being paid for. The same issue occurred with accommodation specifics. Had I known they were not going to be able to book per my request (which they had claimed to be working on), I would have challenged the overall cost and probably used a different provider. During the trip, Audley's support was severely lacking. We repeatedly tried to contact them for solutions to various issues but received no response. Audley works with a local partner in Japan, but they were limited in their ability to resolve our problems and often directed us back to Audley. This resulted in a frustrating loop of no solutions and a waste of time. It also appears that Audley is very short-staffed. We received an out-of-office notice from the person who booked our trip, and no backup or alternative assistance was offered. This lack of support is unacceptable, given the price we paid for their services. Audley Travel also failed to point out important festivals happening on the dates of our travel. This was a significant oversight and something one would definitely expect a competent travel agency to handle. To their credit, Audley Travel did a decent job with very basic needs such as train ticket bookings and airport pickups. However, for everything else, their service was far below expectations. In acknowledgment of their shortcomings, Audley Travel issued a refund, but it was not commensurate with the impact these issues had on our trip. Overall, I do not recommend Audley Travel and will not be booking with them again."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

13 days From$5,048

More

Private stay at Haena Beach House, Kauai

preferred

4.9/5 Excellent

Private Guided

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Hawaii

Highlights

Spend time with the extended family, or a group of good friends in privacy.
Learn about the history of Peal Harbor and the Hawaiian royal family with a private guide.
Unwind and catch up in stylish private stays on the peaceful northern coasts of Oahu and Kauai.
Join a private guide to trek through the tropical foliage of Kauai's mountains.
Take a private helicopter flight over the Na Pali Coast.

Themes

Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"I recently booked a trip to Japan with Audley Travel, and unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. While the initial booking process was smooth and included clear communication via phone calls, the overall experience was disappointing, especially considering the high cost. The initial booking process was straightforward, and I had a couple of phone calls to clearly describe my essential needs for the trip. Communication before the trip was generally fine, but there were notable issues. Audley was unable to confirm all accommodation details, particularly my request for booking connecting rooms for a 4-person family. Instead, we were often crammed into a small room, which was far from ideal. Additionally, I had specifically requested kid-friendly hotels that offered western menu options. This was not the case at our last stop, where the hotel provided exclusively traditional Japanese food, which was not suitable for my family. One significant problem was the overwhelming amount of information provided, both printed and online. Unfortunately, this information was often inconsistent and riddled with mistakes. The tour guides we worked with received different itineraries, causing confusion and frustration. Even worse, the itinerary included activities that were not actually booked, despite being paid for. The same issue occurred with accommodation specifics. Had I known they were not going to be able to book per my request (which they had claimed to be working on), I would have challenged the overall cost and probably used a different provider. During the trip, Audley's support was severely lacking. We repeatedly tried to contact them for solutions to various issues but received no response. Audley works with a local partner in Japan, but they were limited in their ability to resolve our problems and often directed us back to Audley. This resulted in a frustrating loop of no solutions and a waste of time. It also appears that Audley is very short-staffed. We received an out-of-office notice from the person who booked our trip, and no backup or alternative assistance was offered. This lack of support is unacceptable, given the price we paid for their services. Audley Travel also failed to point out important festivals happening on the dates of our travel. This was a significant oversight and something one would definitely expect a competent travel agency to handle. To their credit, Audley Travel did a decent job with very basic needs such as train ticket bookings and airport pickups. However, for everything else, their service was far below expectations. In acknowledgment of their shortcomings, Audley Travel issued a refund, but it was not commensurate with the impact these issues had on our trip. Overall, I do not recommend Audley Travel and will not be booking with them again."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

8 days From$6,165

More

Hawaiian Getaway

preferred

4.9/5 Excellent

Private Guided

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea, Maui

Highlights

Helicopter over the Big Island and see the expansive rainforest.
Hike on the Kilauea Volcano.
Snorkel with manta rays.
Surf off of a beautiful sand beach on Maui.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I recently booked a trip to Japan with Audley Travel, and unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. While the initial booking process was smooth and included clear communication via phone calls, the overall experience was disappointing, especially considering the high cost. The initial booking process was straightforward, and I had a couple of phone calls to clearly describe my essential needs for the trip. Communication before the trip was generally fine, but there were notable issues. Audley was unable to confirm all accommodation details, particularly my request for booking connecting rooms for a 4-person family. Instead, we were often crammed into a small room, which was far from ideal. Additionally, I had specifically requested kid-friendly hotels that offered western menu options. This was not the case at our last stop, where the hotel provided exclusively traditional Japanese food, which was not suitable for my family. One significant problem was the overwhelming amount of information provided, both printed and online. Unfortunately, this information was often inconsistent and riddled with mistakes. The tour guides we worked with received different itineraries, causing confusion and frustration. Even worse, the itinerary included activities that were not actually booked, despite being paid for. The same issue occurred with accommodation specifics. Had I known they were not going to be able to book per my request (which they had claimed to be working on), I would have challenged the overall cost and probably used a different provider. During the trip, Audley's support was severely lacking. We repeatedly tried to contact them for solutions to various issues but received no response. Audley works with a local partner in Japan, but they were limited in their ability to resolve our problems and often directed us back to Audley. This resulted in a frustrating loop of no solutions and a waste of time. It also appears that Audley is very short-staffed. We received an out-of-office notice from the person who booked our trip, and no backup or alternative assistance was offered. This lack of support is unacceptable, given the price we paid for their services. Audley Travel also failed to point out important festivals happening on the dates of our travel. This was a significant oversight and something one would definitely expect a competent travel agency to handle. To their credit, Audley Travel did a decent job with very basic needs such as train ticket bookings and airport pickups. However, for everything else, their service was far below expectations. In acknowledgment of their shortcomings, Audley Travel issued a refund, but it was not commensurate with the impact these issues had on our trip. Overall, I do not recommend Audley Travel and will not be booking with them again."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

8 days From$3,850

More

Hawaiian Island Hopping Adventure

preferred

4.9/5 Excellent

Private Guided

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Maui

Highlights

Experience the glorious beaches of Maui.
Visit Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu.
Trek through lush rainforest and past waterfalls on Maui.
Swim and snorkel off the coast of Kauai.

Themes

High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"I recently booked a trip to Japan with Audley Travel, and unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. While the initial booking process was smooth and included clear communication via phone calls, the overall experience was disappointing, especially considering the high cost. The initial booking process was straightforward, and I had a couple of phone calls to clearly describe my essential needs for the trip. Communication before the trip was generally fine, but there were notable issues. Audley was unable to confirm all accommodation details, particularly my request for booking connecting rooms for a 4-person family. Instead, we were often crammed into a small room, which was far from ideal. Additionally, I had specifically requested kid-friendly hotels that offered western menu options. This was not the case at our last stop, where the hotel provided exclusively traditional Japanese food, which was not suitable for my family. One significant problem was the overwhelming amount of information provided, both printed and online. Unfortunately, this information was often inconsistent and riddled with mistakes. The tour guides we worked with received different itineraries, causing confusion and frustration. Even worse, the itinerary included activities that were not actually booked, despite being paid for. The same issue occurred with accommodation specifics. Had I known they were not going to be able to book per my request (which they had claimed to be working on), I would have challenged the overall cost and probably used a different provider. During the trip, Audley's support was severely lacking. We repeatedly tried to contact them for solutions to various issues but received no response. Audley works with a local partner in Japan, but they were limited in their ability to resolve our problems and often directed us back to Audley. This resulted in a frustrating loop of no solutions and a waste of time. It also appears that Audley is very short-staffed. We received an out-of-office notice from the person who booked our trip, and no backup or alternative assistance was offered. This lack of support is unacceptable, given the price we paid for their services. Audley Travel also failed to point out important festivals happening on the dates of our travel. This was a significant oversight and something one would definitely expect a competent travel agency to handle. To their credit, Audley Travel did a decent job with very basic needs such as train ticket bookings and airport pickups. However, for everything else, their service was far below expectations. In acknowledgment of their shortcomings, Audley Travel issued a refund, but it was not commensurate with the impact these issues had on our trip. Overall, I do not recommend Audley Travel and will not be booking with them again."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

16 days From$5,515

More

Hawaiian Island Hopping Adventure

preferred

4.9/5 Excellent

Private Guided

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Los Angeles, Maui

Themes

18 - 30's, 50 plus, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"I recently booked a trip to Japan with Audley Travel, and unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. While the initial booking process was smooth and included clear communication via phone calls, the overall experience was disappointing, especially considering the high cost. The initial booking process was straightforward, and I had a couple of phone calls to clearly describe my essential needs for the trip. Communication before the trip was generally fine, but there were notable issues. Audley was unable to confirm all accommodation details, particularly my request for booking connecting rooms for a 4-person family. Instead, we were often crammed into a small room, which was far from ideal. Additionally, I had specifically requested kid-friendly hotels that offered western menu options. This was not the case at our last stop, where the hotel provided exclusively traditional Japanese food, which was not suitable for my family. One significant problem was the overwhelming amount of information provided, both printed and online. Unfortunately, this information was often inconsistent and riddled with mistakes. The tour guides we worked with received different itineraries, causing confusion and frustration. Even worse, the itinerary included activities that were not actually booked, despite being paid for. The same issue occurred with accommodation specifics. Had I known they were not going to be able to book per my request (which they had claimed to be working on), I would have challenged the overall cost and probably used a different provider. During the trip, Audley's support was severely lacking. We repeatedly tried to contact them for solutions to various issues but received no response. Audley works with a local partner in Japan, but they were limited in their ability to resolve our problems and often directed us back to Audley. This resulted in a frustrating loop of no solutions and a waste of time. It also appears that Audley is very short-staffed. We received an out-of-office notice from the person who booked our trip, and no backup or alternative assistance was offered. This lack of support is unacceptable, given the price we paid for their services. Audley Travel also failed to point out important festivals happening on the dates of our travel. This was a significant oversight and something one would definitely expect a competent travel agency to handle. To their credit, Audley Travel did a decent job with very basic needs such as train ticket bookings and airport pickups. However, for everything else, their service was far below expectations. In acknowledgment of their shortcomings, Audley Travel issued a refund, but it was not commensurate with the impact these issues had on our trip. Overall, I do not recommend Audley Travel and will not be booking with them again."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

20 days From$8,328

More

Hawaiian Islands

By Cosmos

none

4/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kona, Maui

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

11 days From$2,649

More

Best of the Hawaiian Islands

By Globus

none

4.7/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Very Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kona, Maui

Highlights

Honolulu: Traditional lei greeting; guided sightseeing; visit Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial & Museum
Kona: Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Jaggar Museum, Punalu’u Bake Shop, and Kona Coffee Living History Farm; luau and Polynesian show.
Maui: Visit `Iao Valley, Lahaina; farewell dinner.
Whether you’re looking to renew your spirit, explore historic sights, or experience breathtaking natural beauty, this Hawaii tour is sure to delight
Feel the sand in your feet, smell the fresh fragrance of the island flowers, smile as the tranquil ocean waves hit your calves, savor the sumptuous cuisine, taste the aromatic coffee, and just relax as Globus shows you the best of the Hawaiian Islands—Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Very packed your with many good points, but let down by poor organisation of the bus seating. I was a solo traveller who was forced to sit next to the same person for every leg of the tour, except the last - after I emailed a complaint to Globus. Four people had a double seat to themselves the entire journey. When I asked the tour director for a turn, he fobbed me off & was rude & sexist. There was too much free time without access to hotel eg. One day we travelled early from Florence to Venice, got dropped by the bus at the ferry to the island (St Marks Place etc) & then had to spend the whole day in Venice with the heat & crowds, much of it undirected, until nearly 8pm when we caught the ferry back & then to our hotel. 43 people is too many. I was the only Australian with 42 mostly mid western Americans, mostly teetotallers and missionaries. Next time I'd choose a solo traveller tour, or a specific art or history one, but I wanted a short tour that went from Rome & ended in Paris, so chose this one. On the positive, the hotels & meals were good. Switzerland, even though raining, was a standout as we had two days at Lucerne & ample free time. Optional tours like Versailles were great."