Hawaii Island Hopping

Fly to Big Island via mainland USA then transfer to the hotel. 

Distance: 3 miles (5km) 

Ascent/descent: 165ft (50m) 

Our first day sees us explore Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, home to sacred temples (heiau), ancient fishponds, and glorious beaches. We’ll start our walk at the small ship harbour and follow the path to the end of the park to see traditional mountain to sea land divisions and hopefully spot green sea turtles on the shore. Afterwards, we’ll visit Lapakahi State Park and its ancient Hawaiian fishing village. On our way back, we’ll stop by the glorious Lava Lava Beach Club for a welcome drink and dinner. 

Duration: 3-4 hours 

Distance: 3-5 miles (5-8 km) 

Ascent/descent:165ft (50m) 

Today we’ll visit Volcanoes National Park. But first, we’ll head south to the Place of Refuge, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, a sacred Hawaiian ceremonial site. We’ll stroll through the ancient village built on lava cliffs, before continuing to the southernmost point of Hawaii – Papakolea green sand beach, of which there are only four in the world. Afterwards, we’ll stop at the stunning black sand beach of Punalu‘u Beach where turtles rest on the sand. 

Distance: 3.2 miles (5km) loop 

Ascent/descent: 820ft (250m) 

Volcanoes National Park is famous for endemic flora and fauna and the sublime volcanic landscape of one of the world’s largest shield volcanoes. Kilauea is the youngest of Hawaii’s volcanoes and has been erupting continuously since 1983. Molten lava regularly flows down the lower flanks of the crater and our walks will depend on volcanic activity.  

Depending on the movement of the lava in the late afternoon, we’ll walk the Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail to the crater’s rim to view the lava flows (distance 3 miles/5km). 

Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)/ and optional 6 miles (9.5km) 

Ascent/descent: 2575ft (785m) 

We’ll hike via Napau Crater Trail to Pu’u Huluhulu and back. If you’re up for the challenge (and if the trail is in good condition), you can continue up to Nauru crater, too. We’ll then visit macadamia farms on our way to Hilo. 

Distance: 0.5 miles (1km)  

Duration:1 hour 

Soak up the views on a self-guided hike through the wonderful Hawaiian tropical bioreserve and garden at Akaka Falls State Park. Marvel at the cascading Kahuna Falls and Akaka Falls which plummet 442ft down into a gorge. 

Duration: 1-2 hours   

Ascent/descent: 330ft (100m) 

Spend the morning browsing the famous farmer’s market followed by lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll drive over the saddle road and hike around the volcanic cone in Pu’u Huluhulu (meaning hairy hill).  

Enjoy the morning at leisure before an afternoon flight to Kauai. 

Duration: up to 5 hours  

Distance: 9.5 miles (15km)  

Ascent/descent: 1,640ft (500m)  

Today we’ll walk through Waimea Canyon State Park. Along the way, look out for nene, Hawaiian geese, and other endangered species and native plants. We’ll have far-reaching views into the colourful Waimea Canyon, too, which Mark Twain named ‘the Grand Canyon of the Pacific’.

Distance: 1 mile (1.5km) 

Duration: 1-2 hours 

We’ll explore the north shore today and keep a lookout for rare birds as we walk to Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, a lava peninsula that attracts migrating seabirds. Then you’ll get to wander round Limahuli botanical gardens, set on picturesque lava rock terraces leading up to the mountains. Watching the sunset in Princeville rounds off our day. 

Distance: 5.3 miles (8.5km) 

Ascent/descent: 500ft (150m) 

We’ll walk to see the shipwreck at Gillin’s Beach before following the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail across sea cliffs. A farewell Luau dinner then completes our Hawaiian adventure. 

Transfer to airport for flights back to UK via Honolulu and mainland USA.