Hawaii Highlights Self-Drive

13 days
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USTOA

Private Guided
A string of far-flung islands in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii conjures up images of tropical paradises with soft, golden beaches, swaying palms and lei-wearing hula dancers. It’s all true, but at the same time there’s much more to this archipelago. Our specialists have explored beyond the obvious and can use their first-hand knowledge to help you plan a ...
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    A string of far-flung islands in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii conjures up images of tropical paradises with soft, golden beaches, swaying palms and lei-wearing hula dancers. It’s all true, but at the same time there’s much more to this archipelago. Our specialists have explored beyond the obvious and can use their first-hand knowledge to help you plan a tailor-made holiday to Hawaii with a difference. The powerful volcanic forces that created Hawaii’s islands are still felt today, from the bubbling lava fields of Volcanoes National Park to the black volcanic beaches, partially submerged craters and dormant volcanoes scattered across the six main islands: Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai. The coastline in some places is so distinctive that it has captured the imagination of Hollywood film-makers, and precipitous cliffs rise from the ocean like natural cathedrals. Tangled rainforest streaming with waterfalls covers much of the islands’ interiors, while offshore you can swim among coral reefs and look for humpback whales.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityThe Big Island (Hawaii)
End CityLos Angeles

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • North America
  • United States

Attractions

  • California
  • Haleakalā National Park
  • Hawaii

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Snorkeling
  • Swimming

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Itinerary

Day 1 : Maui

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Maui.

Day 2 : Maui

Spend a full day exploring everything Maui has to offer. Take a tour to Haleakala National Park to see Maui's highest peak, or visit Iao Valley State Park, home to one of Mauiâs most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200 ft Lao Needle. Alternatively, you could spend time in Lahaina, which is a historic whaling village and one of the most lively spots on Maui.

Day 3 : Maui

This morning join a thrilling sunrise whale watching trip. The waters around Maui are some of the most prolific for whale watching, especially at dawn and dusk when the whales are most active.

Day 4 : Maui

Today you will visit the stunning sunken volcano of Molokini, a few miles from Maui's southern shoreline, which has wonderful snorkelling opportunities.

Day 5 : Maui

Enjoy a full day at leisure on Maui, perhaps soaking up the sun on the beach beneath a palm tree.

Day 6 : Maui

You will meet your small hiking group today in the breathtaking Iao Valley. Enjoy a short but informative hike through spectacular scenery.

Day 7 : Hawaii (Big Island)

Return you car at the airport this morning in time for your flight to nearby Hawaii Island. Once on this tropical volcanic island, pick up your hire car and drive to your ocean-front hotel where the remainder of the day is free to relax.

Day 8 : Hawaii (Big Island)

Today you may wish to relax in Waikoloa and observe the strange volcanic beauty of the island. You can drive north to the small town of Hawi, or south to Kona. Make sure to visit a coffee plantation for some delicious local coffee.

Day 9 : Hawaii (Big Island)

Today, we recommend you plan an early full day excursion taking the southern route to Hilo and enjoying Hawaii's Volcano National Park. From here we recommend a journey through Hilo and perhaps stop at an orchid nursery before travelling via the northern route, the Hamakua coastline.

Day 10 : Hawaii (Big Island)

After a day at leisure, you have a truly incredible evening activity. After dark, you have a snorkelling trip that provides you with the opportunity of getting up close to some huge manta rays. The rays feed on plankton at night, which is attracted to light, and wearing underwater lighting gear, you will witness the feeding of these majestic creatures - a truly never to be forgotten experience.

Day 11 : Hawaii (Big Island)

Enjoy a full final day at leisure on the Big Island. There is plenty to do such as visiting waterfalls, enjoying a short nature trail or just relaxing on the white sandy beach.

Day 12 : Los Angeles

Return your car at the airport this morning as you fly back to the US mainland. On arrival in LA take a taxi to your hotel in West Hollywood.

Day 13 : Los Angeles

Enjoy the day at leisure exploring LA and its famous sights.

Day 14 : International return flight

A final morning at leisure then make your way to the airport for your onward flight.

Day 15 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,048
Price per day$388
Last Updated: 0/12/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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As the world adjusts to travel in times of uncertainty, we want you to be able to look ahead to your next trip knowing you can change your plans if needed. And, with specialists who are experts in their destinations and remain your single point of contact before and while you travel, we promise you can book with us in absolute confidence.

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We’ll move your travel dates or switch the value of your booked trip to another destination at no expense to you up to 30 days before you’re due to depart. You’ll receive a 100% travel credit equivalent to the amount you paid toward your original booking.

Valid for new bookings made on or before October 31, 2020, for travel by Dec. 31, 2021. Travel dates may be moved to departures up to December 31, 2022. Excludes select cruises and airfare. Additional charges may be incurred based on changes to your trip such as accommodation and/or seasonality.

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We want to help you navigate the uncertainty that remains around travel by giving you the flexibility to book a trip to any of our destinations in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean this year in complete confidence. With our 14-day cancellation policy, you can cancel your trip up to two weeks before you’re due to depart for any reason and receive a full refund, when you book your trip on or before October 31, 2020 for travel before December 14, 2021**.

Valid on new bookings within the US, Canada or Caribbean made on or before October 31, 2020 for travel by December 14, 2021. Certain policy variations may apply dependent on property selection and dates. Specific details will be provided by your specialist. Any portion of a new booking paid with an existing travel credit will be refunded in the form of a travel credit. Excludes flights and select properties.

 

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Talking face to face with your specialist can be an invaluable starting point for sharing thoughts and ideas as you begin to imagine your next trip. You can take as much time as you need to speak to your specialist and discuss all your plans with one of our video appointments. Just think of it as your own personal webinar — your specialist will share a wealth of insight, aided by images, maps and other visuals, to inspire you and provide advice for your trip, based on what you want to experience.

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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
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Trip ID
audley-audley-travel-40032

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