Hawaii: The Big Island and Maui

8 days
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews  
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Private Guided
Formed over millions of years by the fiery forces of a volcanic hotpot, the Hawaiian Islands rise from the ocean floor and pierce the glittering surface of the Pacific. Here, soaring volcanoes preside over a lava-sculpted landscape of lush rain forests, beautiful beaches, cascading waterfalls, and palm-fringed lagoons. Set out to explore Maui on a variety of ...
From$5,895
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Immerse yourself in Hawaiian legend and lore while exploring blooming botanical gardens, sacred temples, and ancient sea caves.
    • Drive along the cliffs of Maui’s legendary Hana Highway, named one of the world’s greatest road trips in National Geographic’s Drives of a Lifetime.
    • Hike across a steamy crater floor in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and stroll the black volcanic sands of Punalu'u Beach.
    • Observe humpback whales on a private cruise with naturalists.

What's this trip about?

    Formed over millions of years by the fiery forces of a volcanic hotpot, the Hawaiian Islands rise from the ocean floor and pierce the glittering surface of the Pacific. Here, soaring volcanoes preside over a lava-sculpted landscape of lush rain forests, beautiful beaches, cascading waterfalls, and palm-fringed lagoons. Set out to explore Maui on a variety of excursions, spotting humpback whales and venturing to sacred pools nestled within the jungle. Then fly to the Big Island, home to the geologic wonderland of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hike through rain forest to a black lava crater, kayak and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and meet local artists in charming coastal towns.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityMaui
End CityKona

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Haleakalā National Park
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Kīlauea
  • Kona
  • Maui
  • Mauna Loa
  • Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Kayaking
  • Nature
  • Snorkeling
  • Whale watching
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Accommodations
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
    • Educational materials
    • Pre-departure information
    • Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
    • Gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page
    • Ground transportation during the expedition
    • Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
    • Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers
    • Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges
    • Internal airfare is included on some international expeditions as indicated in the itinerary.

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Days 1 & 2: U.S./Maui

Meals: Dinner (Day 1)  ; Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Day 2)

Accommodation: Lumeria Maui ; Travaasa Hana

Arrive in Maui, the second largest island of the Hawaiian chain, and transfer to our hotel. The next morning, our expedition kicks off with a visit to t...

Day 3: Hana

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Travaasa Hana

Spend the morning amid the jungle-clad hills of Waiʻanapanapa State Park, exploring the park’s black-pebble volcanic beach, sea caves, and a freshwater pool believed to have once been the hidin...

Day 4: Exploring the Big Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Kilauea Lodge or Volcano House

Board an early flight to Hawai‘i Island, known as the Big Island, and home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes—Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. The Big Island dazzles with a dive...

Day 5: Exploring the Big Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Kilauea Lodge or Volcano House

The result of 70 million years of volcanic activity, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is a geologic wonderland centered on the smoldering crater of Kīlauea. Set out on a hike to...

Day 6: South Point/Kona Coffee Belt

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The Fairmont Orchid or Hapuna Prince Beach Hotel

Stroll the black sands of Punaluʻu Beach, created when lava flowed into the ocean and exploded into particles; and take a tour of Puʻuhonua o Honaunau Nationa...

Day 7: Kohala Coast

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The Fairmont Orchid or Hapuna Prince Beach Hotel

Spend the day exploring the Big Island’s northern coast, known for its rugged coastline and majestic valleys. Meet local artists in the historic towns of Hawi...

Day 8: Puʻukohola Heiau/Kona

Meals: Breakfast

Cap off our adventure with a visit to the 18th-century temple built by King Kamehameha, which rises majestically above the turquoise waters of the Pacific. Then transfer to the airport for your return flight.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,895
Price per day$737
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.

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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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International airfare transportation and related fees
    • Activities noted as optional in the itinerary
    • Gratuities for train or ship’s crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary
    • Passport, visa, and permit expenses
    • Medical expenses and immunizations
    • Baggage/accident/cancellation insurance
    • Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages

Accommodation

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Meals Included

7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinner

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
nation-hawthwnat

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