E-mail:
Travlgrrl@aol.com or call Toll-Free
1-(800)-842-4753E-mail:
Travlgrrl@aol.com or call Toll-Free
1-(800)-842-4753
FULL ITINERARY: DAY ONE. ARRIVAL IN KONA. On the western coast of the island of Hawaii lies the once sleepy fisherman’s village of Kailua-Kona. In 1980, Kailua had one stop-light, and now adventure seeking travelers from around the world flock to this place to satisfy their adventurous nature.Upon arrival in Kailua, you will be met and transferred to the seaside Royal Kona Resort. The hotel is located on Alii Drive in downtown Kailua overlooking the main peer. Spend the afternoon walking the streets of downtown or relaxing on the beach. We will meet for a welcome cocktail that evening
before enjoying our first taste of Hawaii at our welcome dinner- a luau!
Enjoy the traditional Polynesian art of dancing and music while dining
on some of the most ono (delicious) food you’ve ever tasted! From the
luau, we will watch the sunset over Kailua bay. Following dinner, we
will stroll along the sea wall back to our hotel for a restful sleep.
Welcome to paradise! DAY TWO.
COFFEE PLANTATIONS, HIDDEN COVES, & HULA
LESSONS. A typical morning in Hawaii begins with local
Kona coffee and fresh island fruits. Breakfast will be served seaside
before we set out to learn the history of King Kamehameha and the
ancient settlers of Hawaii. We will visit a working coffee plantation,
take a zodiac along the coastline to explore hidden coves, and snorkel
with colorful marine life. In the late afternoon, a Hula dancing class
is offered outdoors before dinner. DAY THREE. HAWAIIAN HISTORY, ATV ADVENTURE, & WATERFALLS. We depart Kona and drive north through the lava fields of North Kona and into the Paniolo (cowboy) country of Kamuela. We will stop for lunch in Waimea at the Parker Ranch Restaurant, home of the Parker Ranch, the largest privately-owned cattle ranch in the United States. The scenery changes very quickly once we leave the coast and wander through these rolling grasslands to the east side of the island. The landscape begins to be defined by sugar cane plantations, large Koa and O’hio trees, and cattle ranches. Our afternoon is highlighted by a visit to Waipio Valley. We will explore this breathtaking spot on a guided ATV tour and experience a hidden wonderland of waterfalls, beaches, and farmlands. After our exciting afternoon on ATV’s, we will drive to Akaka Falls and relax in the rainforest while admiring the 463 foot falls as they plunge to the pool below. From Akaka Falls, we will drive south past Hilo
and into the Puna District to our home for the next two evenings - The
Volcano Village Lodge. This hidden gem is tucked away in the rainforest
near Volcano National Park. We will enjoy dinner and the sounds of
nearby local birds as we unwind from a fun-filled day! DAY FOUR.
DOWNHILL BIKING, KILAUEA CRATER, LAVA TUBES, &
WINE TASTING. After breakfast, we set out to explore
Volcanoes National Park on a guided bicycle tour. With the expertise of
our guides, we will visit some of the hottest spots in the park via the
famous downhill biking route. Along the route, we learn of lava flows
and Hawaiian history. On foot, we will enter Thurston Lava Tube, then
bike south and witness actively flowing lava, followed by wine tasting
at the Volcano Winery. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Hawaiian meal
prepared by locals. Watch the sunset from the Kilauea Visitors Center
lookout over the main crater. Incredible! DAY FIVE. GREEN SAND, BLACK SAND, & MACADAMIA NUTS. We say goodbye to our volcano cottages and drive to South Point where will hike to Green Sands Beach. At the southern most point in the Hawaiian Islands, we experience this unique sand and the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. After hiking, our journey takes us north along the narrow and windy Hawaii Belt Road through Kau. We will stop at Miloli’I Beach Park and walk barefoot in black sand. Along the way, we will pass through orchards of macadamia nuts. Lunch will be found in the laid-back town of Captain Cook. A traditional old-timers area in the Kona District, Captain Cook is a place of traditional Hawaii and Asia culture and way of life. Aloha Big Island. From Kona we fly north to Lihue on the island of Kauai, the Garden Isle. On the southern coast of the island of Kauai, Mother Nature has had over six million years to perfect the beaches and the diverse terrain of this beautiful creation. With more sandy beaches than any other island, Kauai also offers the plunging Na Pali Coast cliffs and the dazzling Waimea Canyon, or the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Kauai is blanketed with some of earth’s most incredible native flora. Upon arrival at the Lihue airport, we drive around
the southern tip of Kauai and through the farmlands of Hanapepe. Our
accommodations on Kauai are at the Waimea Plantation Cottages. Once you
arrive, palm trees, waves dancing on the shore, and endless mountain
views will greet you. We will gather that evening for a drink by the
ocean before heading into Waimea for dinner. Dinner is once again served
with one of Hawaii’s most famous backdrops - the sunset! DAY SIX. PADDLE, SNORKEL, & WHALE WATCHING. We will awaken with the sun and enjoy the calm breeze of the island before meeting our ocean guides for the day. They will take us on a truly majestic adventure by sea kayaks along Kauai’s rugged southern shoreline. We will land on hidden beaches and snorkel and bodysurf at white sandy beaches. Indigenous Hawaiian marine life will surround us including green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and humpback whales. Following our day of discovery, we will stop to
shop in the sleepy town of Waimea before returning to the plantation for
some R&R. Our day is finished with a cocktail and traditional
Hawaiian meal at the Plantation. DAY SEVEN. WAIMEA CANYON & KOKE'E STATE PARK. Along the way up Waimea Canyon, take in the breathtaking coastal views and listen as the native birds serenade us to the top of the mountain. As we ascend 19 miles along Waimea Canyon drive, the temperature cools near the summit at 4,227 Ft. Along the Cliff Trail, our local guide will point out native plants and birds. The Kumuwela Lookout at the end of the Canyon Trail will take your breath away with sweeping views across Waimea Canyon to the ocean below. We could be lucky enough to see wild goats scrambling along the canyon walls as we eat a picnic lunch. Following lunch, we will hike the Awa’awapuhi Trail to the edge of the Napali Cliffs. When we make our way down the mountain to sea
level, the temperature will climb back into the 80’s and then it’s
time for some boogey boarding and sun-soaking. Tonight, we will visit a
fun oceanside restaurant for some fresh Ono and Ahi. DAY EIGHT. HANALEI BAY, KILAUEA LIGHT HOUSE, & ALOHA. We set off early for the beaches of Hanalei and the north shore, traveling through sugarcane plantations, over valley streams and through quaint Hawaiian towns. We will visit the beautiful Kilauea Lighthouse and stop off in Hanalei for an island-style lunch. From there, another windy road takes us to Tunnels Beach, a surfer and snorkeling haven. Lay on the beach, rent snorkel gear and swim with the fish, or take a hike to the end of the road to hidden waterfalls, pristine beaches, magical forests, and canyon vistas. That afternoon, we say Aloha to Hawaii. We will
shower on the north shore, and then head for Lihue. By now you have
learned the true meaning of Aloha. Hello, Good-bye, and I love you! We
say Aloha to each other and transfer to the Lihue Airport for your
return flights home. Aloha a hui Ho. (Good-bye, until we meet again). |
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E-mail: Travlgrrl@aol.com or call toll-free 1-800-842-4753
