Hawaii Island Hopper, Self-drive

Arrive at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and immediately immerse yourself in the Hawaiian atmosphere. Proceed to your hotel for the start of this wonderful journey. Home to the State Capitol, Honolulu is the vibrant epicenter of Hawaii and the place where most of the people on O’ahu live. Here you’ll find everything from historic landmarks and treasured monuments to world-class shopping and a flourishing arts and culture scene. Be sure to explore the vibrant downtown district. Next to the skyscrapers of the island’s main business district, you’ll find important landmarks like the Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha I statue, the Kawaiahao Church and the Aloha Tower. Clustered within blocks of each other, it’s easy to take a walking tour of these important cultural landmarks and architectural wonders. As for dining, Honolulu has a lot to offer. In Waikiki, Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues and at gathering places like the Royal Hawaiian Center and the Waikiki Beach Walk. And the fun keeps going long after the Waikiki sunset with amazing nightlife and live music.

Aloha! Time to prepare for your second day in O’ahu. Spend some time to relax, or head out for an exciting daytrip to explore everything there is to see on the island. The best beaches of O’ahu are undoubtedly in Waikiki. From Duke Kahanamoku Beach to Kaimana (San Souci) Beach, enjoy the best the ocean has to offer. Whether it’s surfing, a nice swim or just a lazy day at the beach, in Waikiki you can have it all. While in the area, shopaholics will find their heart’s desires at the Ala Moana Center, the biggest open-air shopping mall in the United States. The adventurous soul can make a trip to Diamond Head State Monument, a volcanic tuff cone and one of the most iconic landmarks of O’ahu. Head out for the historic, yet slightly challenging hike, from the trailhead to the summit and indulge in the spectacular views along the way. Be sure to arrive early. It can get very busy and after 4:30 PM it is not allowed to enter the hiking trail.

Today, seize the opportunity to explore the island further. A must-see is Pearl Harbor. Named for the pearl oysters once harvested there, it’s the largest natural harbor in Hawaii, a World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, and the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark. Highlight is the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, which consists of 9 historic locations in 3 of the westernmost United States - California, Alaska, and Hawaii. Of these, five are located within Pearl Harbor itself: the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, the USS Utah Memorial, and parts of Ford Island and Battleship Row. Here, you’ll learn about one of the most pivotal moments in US history: the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II. Just a 30-minute drive east, nothing is far away on O’ahu, is Kualoa, a private nature reserve, as well as a popular tourist attraction and filming location of movies such as Pearl Harbor, Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, Jumanji, and Jurassic Park. Tours are available at the park where movie buffs can learn about the filming locations as well as the stunning natural environment of Kualoa.

Today, head out for Kauai, also known as “Garden Island”. With approximately five million years, it is the oldest main island of the Hawaiian archipelago. Brimming with tropical rainforests, amazing beaches and beautiful mountains, its natural beauty is unrivaled, and a large part has remained unspoiled, bringing you back in time to the early days of Hawaii. The environment on Garden Island is breathtaking and that’s not only recognized by locals and tourists, but by Hollywood as well. More than seventy movies and television shows were filmed on Kauai, including Jurassic Park and Jurassic World, the 1976 version of King Kong, two Elvis Presley films and Pirates of The Caribbean. Most of the locals -who are very friendly- live in Kapa’a which is situated on the east side of the island. Lihue is the second largest town in Kauai and offers wonderful attractions such as museums and zip lining experiences. As for dining and nightlife, Garden Island is home to more traditional establishments, ideal for those who want to get a taste of real Hawaiian culture.

Today, explore the east side of Garden Island. Visit the Wailua River State Park, located just north of Lihue. The park is home Wailua Falls, a 173-foot double waterfall located near Lihue that feeds into the Wailua River. You may have seen the falls before; it was featured in the opening credits of the television series Fantasy Island. On the northern side of the island, you’ll find one of the most awe-inspiring trails in Kauai. The Kalalau Trail offers you beautiful sights of waterfalls, valleys and much more. 11 miles (18km) long, it leads you from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach. It is the only way to gain access to some parts of the rugged coast. It may be challenging for casual hikers, but it’s worth it. Since there’s only one road taking you up north, the drive itself is stunning and there are plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and enjoy the view.

Enjoy a good breakfast before heading out to explore. Of course, there are many options to relax on Kauai with beaches, bars, and markets for shopping. But for the casual adventurer, it has an array of activities in store. One of the biggest highlights of the island is Waimea Canyon. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, it is carved thousands of years ago by the Waimea River. The ten miles long and 3,500 ft deep canyon has three lookout spots from which you can view the canyon: the official Waimea Canyon lookout, the Puu Ka Pele lookout and Puu Hinahina lookout. Hiking trails will bring you to extraordinary places such as the Waipoo waterfall. For those who don’t like hiking, it is also possible to drive up the Waimea Canyon or to join a tour with a professional guide. Along the way, visit Captain Cook’s landing, the location where in 1778, James Cook set foot on the island.This event would change Hawaii forever as they got introduced to the western world. Here, in Waimea, you can see the statue of James Cook, erected to remember his first contact with the Hawaiian Islands.

Start your day with a nice breakfast and prepare for your last day on Kauai. A relaxing day in mind? Head to the beach. One of the best is Poipu beach, located on the south shore of Kauai and loved by both visitors and locals. Popular activities are surfing, snorkeling, fishing and bodyboarding and the beach has convenient amenities like bathrooms, showers, and sufficient parking space. Poipu Beach even has its own protected swimming area for families with young children. Also, Kauai has been the decor for many television series and movies. Book a tour to visit the filming locations and learn about movies as well as Garden Island. Enjoy your last night on the island with a traditional meal, accompanied with typical Hawaiian entertainment.

Time to leave Kauai behind and head to the Island of Hawaii, more commonly known as Big Island, as it’s the largest of the Hawaiian archipelago. In fact, it’s larger than all the others combined, and it keeps expanding. The Big Island also has various types of climate zones. This extraordinary feature guarantees a day of extreme variety; you can start your day at the Ka’u desert, home to dried lava remnants, volcanic ash, sand, and gravel desert and end up in a tropical rainforest. Most of the population live in Hilo or in Kailua-Kona, the center of commerce and of the tourist industry on West Hawaii. It’s here that your Big Island adventure begins. Famous for sport fishing, snorkeling, sunsets, and coffee, which is cultivated on the slopes of Mount Hualalai, there’s plenty to do in Kalua-Kona. And because the mountains block the northeasterly trade winds, Kona gets very little rain and enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. On Big Island, there’s no better place to stay.

This morning, prepare for a day in Kailua-Kona with a cup of coffee, brewed with locally grown beans. Kailua-Kona’s beaches aren’t as famous as some of the others in Hawaii, they’re also less crowded, which is a plus if you prefer a little extra space while you’re sunbathing. Next to being a great spot to see turtles, the snorkeling is particularly good in this area. Want to relax without getting your feet wet? Ali’i Drive is the place to go. Here you can find shops selling souvenirs and t-shirts, fashion, and convenience stores. If you’re hungry or craving a nice drink, this place is swarming with bars and restaurants. There’s more though; here you can also find Hulihe’e Palace, a museum that was once a vacation house for royalty or stop at the closeby Ahu’ena Heiau, a temple that is dedicated to the Hawaiian god, Lono. This temple was ordered to be restored by King Kamehameha himself in the early 1800’s. When you would rather head out in the beautiful nature of Big Island, take the Saddle Road, a scenic drive crossing the island, with breathtaking lookouts along the route.

Get ready for some adventure. 90 minutes east of Kailua-Kona is Mauna Kea. Measured from its base (at the sea floor) to the top, it is the tallest mountain in the world and is simply wondrous to experience. Some of the clearest skies on the planet can be found here, which means the star gazing and night is mind blowing. Rent a car (or 4x4) or take a tour and make a stop at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy to learn more and to get acclimated to the altitude. If you can, a helicopter ride is highly recommended. These one-of-a-kind tours can show you the island in a whole day while you will be able to see amazing places that would otherwise be difficult to reach over land. Another way to get a whole new perspective is through ziplining, an activity offered all over the island. Try to find one you like based on matters that are important to you like the location and number of zip lines. The longest zip line can be found in Hilo/Kona and is 2,400 feet long (731m). A trip to the Big Island is not complete without a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located in the southeast of the island. Founded in 1916, this park is home to two volcanoes including the most active volcano on earth: the Kilauea volcano. You will find hiking trails through volcanic craters, petroglyphs as well as a museum.

Today, you’ll travel to Maui, the second largest island of Hawaii, and the last destination of this journey. It’s primarily known for its nature and diverse landscapes, a result of a unique combination of geology, topography, and climate. Kahului is the central hub of the island, located -like most other towns- near the coast and can be reached from almost anywhere. Maui flawlessly combines eco-tourism with resort-like vacationing and offers countless possibilities for both adventurers, families and those who just want to unwind. An oasis of majestic ocean hideaways, lush green mountains and picturesque beaches, the island of Maui epitomizes mythical wonder. Add to that the genuine Maui culture, which locals would love you to partake in. There are over 30 beaches and bays to snorkel at around the island and you’ll find even the locals hitting the waves to surf.

This morning, head out early for a must-do activity. The Road to Hana, a route curving around mountains and passing by black sand beaches and waterfalls, is one of Maui’s signature adventures. In the case of this adventure, it’s just as much about the journey as it is the destination. Along the way, major attractions are the Seven Sacred Pools and waterfalls of Ohe’o Gulch. Although everything is rather close by on Maui, it’s advised to use an entire day exploring the Road to Hana. With its many curves and lookouts, it takes some time to see it all.

Today, visit the sprawling Haleakala National Park encompasses the island’s highest peak, volcanic Haleakala, with the famous Haleakalā Crater on the summit. The Park is known for its unique volcanic features, rare endemic flora and fauna, its long scenic drive with numerous overlooks, and the unusually clear views of the night sky available as well as amazing sunrises. So, if you’re an early bird, you’re in for a treat.

Today, head to Lahaina, one of the main attractions on the island with an entire street of shops and restaurants which leads to a wharf where many set out for a sunset cruise or whale watching journey. Maui is a leading whale-watching center in the Hawaiian Islands due to Humpback whales wintering in the sheltered ‘Au’au Channel between the islands of Maui County. The whales migrate approximately 3,500 miles (5,600 km) from Alaskan waters each autumn and spend the winter months mating and birthing in the warm waters off Maui, with most leaving by the end of April. Known locally as Lahaina town, it has a long and diverse history from its Hawaiian population beginnings to the arrival of travelers and settlers and its use as a significant whaling port. It’s worth spending some time here and with beaches nearby, relaxing is just stepping away. Enjoy your last night in Maui with a luau, a traditional Hawaiian party with local food, music, and hula.

Enjoy your last moments in Hawaii and depart for the airport at leisure.