Itinerary

Welcome to Hawai’i! The largest island in the archipelago, the island of Hawai’i was the first to be inhabited by the Hawaiians yet is currently only home to 13% of the state’s population. Featuring active volcanoes, canopied rain forests and secluded beaches, a visit to the “Big Island” is a visit to unspoiled nature at its finest – and you’ll find that each side of the island offers something unique.

After arriving on the western side in Kona, you’ll pick up your rental car and set out on your adventure. The drive from Kona to Hilo is about 1.5 hours and we recommend stopping at the Historic Kailua Village on your way. Situated in the heart of Kona, this vibrant seaside town was once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty and is now filled with cultural landmarks, local boutiques and galleries, and oceanfront cafés – casually blending Hawaiian history with contemporary life.

Walk along Ali’i Drive to see Moku’aikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawai’i; Hulihe’e Palace, which chronicles the lives of Hawai’i’s royalty known as Ali’i; and visit reconstructed heiau (temples) that speak to the area’s sacred past. It’s a great opportunity to right away immerse yourself in the island and stretch your legs!

When you ultimately arrive in Hilo, you’ll be staying the first 4 nights at an intimate and laidback property that offers front-row views of Hilo Bay and sits directly across from the water.

Start your morning with a lei-making class at a nearby ranch. Taught by native Hawaiians, you’ll learn how this intricate, hands-on cultural practice represents love, welcome, celebration and connection in Hawai’i.

Afterwards, you’ll head 15 minutes from Hilo to 40 acres of lush tropical landscape that features Hawai’i’s largest privately accessible waterfall. Wander scenic nature trails through bamboo gardens and rainforest paths before arriving at a dramatic 120-foot cascade. You’ll get ample time to explore at your leisure and take in the island’s natural beauty.

Come evening, you’ll be treated to an intimate, multi-course, farm-to-table dinner celebrating Hawai’i’s local flavours in a stunning natural setting.

Hawai‘i is well-known for its agriculture, from sugar cane to pineapple, but it is lesser known for its exquisite coffee. Today, you’ll step into the world of Hāmākua coffee on an intimate farm tour set in the lush countryside of the Big Island. Limited to small groups, this immersive experience takes you through every stage of coffee production—from cultivation and harvesting to processing and roasting—offering a deeper appreciation of what goes into each cup. As you stroll the working farm, you’ll learn about the region’s unique growing conditions and sample freshly brewed, award‑winning coffee right at its source.

Then, in the late afternoon, you’ll set out on a guided journey up the summit of Hawai‘i’s legendary volcano, Mauna Kea, in a custom 4×4 vehicle for an unforgettable sunset and stargazing experience atop Hawai‘i’s highest peak. Your ascent carries you above the clouds to dramatic alpine landscapes, where you’ll watch the sun dip into a sea of colour before twilight reveals a brilliant canopy of stars. Along the way, expert guides share insights into the mountain’s geology, ecology, and cultural significance. The evening includes a hearty hot meal, warm beverages, insulated parkas, and the chance to explore constellations and distant celestial objects through a powerful telescope—weather and natural conditions permitting.

Today, you’ll continue to explore Hawai‘i’s extraordinary geological wonders with a fully private, custom-designed full-day hike through Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This experience is crafted entirely around you—your interests, your pace, and the kind of adventure you want to have. Your guide will be selected specifically based on what you’re most excited to learn, whether that’s geology, volcanology, botany, wildlife, photography, or cultural history. Depending on your preferences, your expert might be a geologist, volcanologist, retired park ranger, botanist, wildlife biologist, photographer, or naturalist—each bringing a different lens to deepen your understanding of this remarkable landscape.

Covering roughly 500 square miles, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects one of the world’s most biologically diverse and geologically active environments. It is home to two of Earth’s most active volcanoes—Kīlauea and Mauna Loa—and is recognised as both an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making this a truly once-in-a-lifetime place to explore.

Spend one last morning in Hilo Bay or stroll through the beautiful Lili’uokalani Gardens before departing for Maui. Spanning 24 acres, this bayfront Japanese-style garden features koi ponds, arched bridges, pagodas and lush tropical plants that provides a peaceful retreat – perfect for ending your Big Island stay.

Afterwards, drive across the island back to Kona for your onward flight to Maui. Often considered Hawai’i’s most charming island, Maui boasts beautiful beaches, incredible greenery and friendly, laidback towns for whiling away the day and night.

Once you arrive, you’ll collect your rental car and get settled in to your hotel in Kīhei on the tranquil south shore of the island.

You’ll start your time in Maui setting out on an early morning half-day small boat snorkelling tour to discover some of Maui’s best underwater sites, including the world-famous Molokini Crater. Home to more than 250 species of fish, it’s one of Hawaii’s premier snorkelling destinations—and you’ll get to arrive before any crowds.

Depending on the conditions, your captain may also guide you to additional spots such as Pu’u Ola’i with its shallow coral gardens, or Turtle Town, where Hawaiian green sea turtles are often seen gliding through the water. With clear waters and varied stops, this small-group experience offers a unique opportunity to explore Hawaii’s vibrant reefs and marine life.

Spend the afternoon leisurely soaking up the sun on Big Beach, which is just a short drive from your hotel. Framed by stunning coastal scenery, this is one of the largest and most impressive stretches of sand on Maui and the perfect spot to start you time on the island.

Today you have the option of taking a scenic, self-guided drive around West Maui via the Honoapi’ilani and Kahekili Highways where rugged coastline, calm beaches and small villages offer a taste of old Hawaii.

Start with a stop at Napili Bay for tranquil waters and picturesque views, then continue to Honolua Bay to walk the shoreline trail and search for sea life in the clear waters of the reef-fringed cove. Then, as the road narrows and the landscapes turn wilder, pause at Nakalele Blowhole to watch ocean swells surge through lava rock, and, when conditions are safe, respectfully admire the vivid basalt and tide-fed basins at the Olivine Pools. Finish with a stop in Kahakuloa for a taste of fresh banana bread or browse the local art galleries and roadside stands before winding back along cliffside roads and sweeping overlooks. The drive takes around 2.5 hours, but you can make a full day of it allowing time for all the incredible stops.

Alternatively, spend the day relaxing by the ocean in Kihei – you’ll be hard pressed to find a more beautiful area to go to the beach.

While we’d highly recommend extending your stay in Maui, today you’ll be continuing to your final destination: Kaua’i. Renowned for its natural beauty, Kaua’i is covered in tropical rainforest: leafy canopies shade the island’s few roads; unspoiled forests run with rivers and waterfalls; sheer sea cliffs give way to long, sandy beaches and turquoise waters surround the island’s pristine shores. This is the island of the famed Nāpali Coast and the breathtaking Waimea Bay.

Pick up your rental car upon arrival and head to Kaua’i’s sunny south shore to check in to your cosy bed and breakfast. The views and hospitality are exceptional, so after settling in, why not rent a bike to explore your exquisite surroundings at your leisure? A scenic ride along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae (“The Path that Goes by the Coast”) stretches for several miles along the shoreline, offering sweeping ocean views, gentle breezes and plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery.

You’ll start this first morning in Kaua’i exploring the dramatic cliffs, pristine waters and sea caves of the Nāpali Coast on a small-group, small boat adventure. This 4.5 hour trip includes snorkeling at one of the island’s vibrant reefs, offering opportunities to witness Hawai’i’s astounding marine life up close.

If you still have energy come the afternoon, spend some time exploring the rugged beauty of Waimea Canyon – often referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’ – and the lush highlands of Kōke’e State Park. From colourful cliffs to deep valleys, you’ll encounter breathtaking lookouts – we recommend stopping at Kalalau and Pu’u o Kila – and moderately challenging trails, like the Waipo’o Falls Trail.

Alternatively, head west to explore the charming town of Hanapēpē. Once a bustling hub during the island’s plantation era, today, it’s known for its vibrant arts scene, local eateries and colourful buildings. If visiting on a Friday evening, you’ll find the town especially lively during its weekly art night, when local vendors, musicians and artists fill the streets.

This morning, you’ll check out of your accommodation and head out for a guided kayaking and hiking adventure along the gentle waters of the Hulē’ia River, spotting native birds as you go.

You’ll start with a paddle down this breathtaking National Wildlife Refuge, where dramatic mountain backdrops contrast with lowland rainforest, before landing on private lands for a short hike to a secluded waterfall and swimming hole.

End the afternoon by checking in to your next accommodation, a luxury bed and breakfast on Kaua’i’s tranquil north shore.

Take the morning easy before joining a lunchtime food tour of Hanalei. A charming North Shore community, this town boasts rich culinary traditions, and this tour will take you past all the local favourites—so make sure you come hungry. Along the way, you’ll also get to hear stories from your guide about Hanalei’s history and culture, immersing you in this historic area.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the golden shores of Hanalei Bay. Here, calm waters meet dramatic green mountains to create one of Kaua’i’s most breathtaking settings. And whether you choose to take a refreshing swim or stretch out beneath the swaying palms, you’ll be in for a real treat.

Take today at your leisure or head out for a relaxed visit of Limahuli Garden and Hā’ena State Park.

Limahuli Garden is one of Kaua’i’s most ecologically significant valleys where you can discover ancient Hawaiian agricultural systems – some of which are more than a thousand years old – that continue to influence how food is grown in Hawai’i today.

A bit further afield, at the end of the North Shore lies Hā’ena State Park, the gateway to some of Kaua’i’s most beautiful scenery. Here, you can relax at Ke’e Beach, a sheltered crescent of golden sand ideal for sunbathing and views of the towing Nāpali cliffs. You can also hike (with a permit) and explore the world-famous Kalalau Trail which boasts unparalleled scenery and views.

End your trip to Hawai’i experiencing the sunset over Hanalei Bay. We highly recommend settling into the Welina Terrace Lounge at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay for an elegant evening of island flavours and sweeping views. As the sun dips behind the mountains and the sky turns shades of pink and gold, there’s no better place from which to catch the sunset.