Island hopping in the Hawaiian tropics with LA
Island hopping
in the tropics
For the ones to struggle to sit still, the ones who use holidays as a chance to embrace the outdoors, to push boundaries and bond through challenge and achievement – a trip to Hawaii may just be the perfect match.
Begin your journey in vibrant Los Angeles, where the buzz of the city sets the pace before you swap the mainland for island life and the spirit of Hawaii. Ohana (meaning ‘family’, famously) is deeply important in these parts, making the islands a place to spend time together exploring and experiencing things that are hard to come by at home.
From taking a thrill-seeking trip to one of the largest active volcanoes in the world, to learning to surf at North Shore. And if there’s any energy left, joining a traditional Hawaiian party with entertainment, delicious food and of course hula.
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Where you’ll be going
Get to know where you'll be exploring in Hawaii, from the iconic Big Island who is younger than it may seem to the lush corners of Kaua’i.
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![Looking down a road lined by cars and palm trees towards the Hollywood sign]()
DAY 1 - 2
Los Angeles
Stay at: London West Hollywood at Beverly HillsLos Angeles is the home to stars of film, music and all things golden. Known as the ‘city of angels’ its celestial bodies come in the form of Beverly Hills’ luxury shops and walking in Hollywood’s footsteps at Universal Studios.
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![Tall coconut trees in front of a green mountain]()
DAY 3 - 5
Hawai'i Big Island
Stay at: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts CollectionThe largest yet youngest, Big Island offers a vast contrast to its siblings. More like otherworldly desert than rainforest, lava rocks flank the roadsides and the heat of the volcanoes can be felt under foot on the black sand beaches. Playing astronaut comes easy in these infernal lunar landscapes home to one of the world’s largest active volcanoes.
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![A rainbow shining over green mountains in Maui, Hawaii]()
DAY 6 - 8
Maui
Stay at: Hotel WaileaMaui is all about the experiences; ride The Road to Hana, known as one of the world’s most scenic drives; watch the sunrise at Haleakalà National Park from the top of the crater (that’s one for the photographers and romantics); and fly over the cliffs of Moliki, there’s a significant chance that a full circle rainbow might appear.
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![Waikiki beach with Diamond Head mountain in background]()
DAY 9 - 11
Oahu
Stay at: HalekulaniThe most populated of the islands – and the unofficial home of the humble pineapple – Oahu is the vibrant gathering place. North Shore is where the surfers look to hang ten, Ko Olina is its own community with shopping and golf on its doorstep, and alongside the nightlife of Waikiki is the National Historic Landmark of Pearl Harbour.
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![A picturesque waterfall in Kauai, illuminated by the warm hues of a sunset sky.]()
DAY 12 - 15
Kaua'i
Stay at: 1 Hotel Hanalei BayAs its nickname ‘the Green Island’ would suggest, the pristine beaches on Kaua’i’s North Shore are surrounded by verdant landforms from valleys to rugged cliffs, producing the most picturesque diorama in Hawaii. Kilauea lighthouse is great for unparalleled panoramic views, and a boat ride along the Napali Coast shows the waterfalls cascading into the sea from a different perspective.
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A taste of what’s to come Island hopping in the tropics journal
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Day 12
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![View from helicopter window down to mountains in Hawaii]()
7am
After a day getting our bearings, we’re about to really start the adventure. The Big Island is known for its volcanoes, so what better to kick things off than a helicopter tour over them. Later we’re going on a visit to Kaʻū, where we’ve been told the must see spots include Jaggar Museum, Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) and Halema‘uma‘u Crater.
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![Mountainous valley on the Big Island of Hawaii]()
6:57pm
The kids have been going on all day about Hawaiian mythology after the stories we heard on yesterday’s tour – mainly about the goddess Pele. It’s preoccupied them until this evening anyway, and they don’t know anything about this surprise. We’re going on a private catamaran to watch the sunset, then diving below the ocean’s surface for a night snorkel with some special gentle giants – manta rays.
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![Surfboards used as signs to Hana, Hawaii]()
1:37pm
We arrived on Maui yesterday and had a chilled day before an early rise this morning. We were taken for breakfast at a local favourite before moving onto Hana to explore the Ke’anae Peninsula, Hanawi waterfall and the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa. We’ve stopped off for lunch at the Hana-Maui Resort now, perched right on a headland so we’ve got amazing views to accompany our food.
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![Top view of turtle swimming]()
11:30pm
No prizes for guessing what resides in Turtle Town – developed by submarine volcanoes, the coral reef is home to the Green sea turtle. We kayaked and snorkelled around here for hours, getting to see views like Haleakalā summit, Molokini Crater, Pu`u Olai, the Makena and Wailea coastlines. This evening we went to the kids’ first luau. I’m not sure which they loved most, the food or the flaming knife stunts.
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![Lifeguard hut and palm trees on the beach in Hawaii]()
12:14pm
After capping our time in Maui off with a sunset sail, we landed on Oahu yesterday. We spent the day exploring Waikiki but today we’re in search of the perfect surf, and for that we need to go to North Shore. We’ve opted for a surfing lesson to help the kids out, after which we’re heading to Haleiwa Town for a spot of lunch and (hopefully) some sweet shaved ice.
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![A picturesque landscape featuring a vividly colored ocean and tall green mountains]()
6:43pm
We arrived on ‘the Green Island’ of Kauai today for our final few nights. We were told it’s the oldest and most lush of all the islands and it doesn’t disappoint, there must be at least 15 different shades of green alone. We’ve got a pretty loose itinerary for our time here, but we are visiting some must-sees like Hanalei Bay, Poipu Beach and Waimea Canyon – which at 10 miles long and some points as deep as 3,600 feet has earned the nickname ‘the Grand Canyon of the Pacific’.
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Where to stay
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Extraordinary
experiences
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![Waikiki beach with Diamond Head mountain in background]()
Feel the heat of the Big Island’s volcanoesTake to the skies on a helicopter tour over the brooding landscape to experience the sheer size of the natural formations. To make it really special, the doors are off so you can really feel the heat.
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![A beach scene featuring tall palm trees, surrounded by scattered rocks along the shore.]()
Swim with gentle giants after the sun has setA catamaran cruise at dusk is the gateway to the world of seafaring titans. When the sun has dipped below the horizon, don mask and snorkel for a glimpse into the underwater world of the manta ray after dark.
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![A surfer walking into the sea while holding a surfboard]()
Search for the swell on Oahu’s North ShoreStretching out over seven miles, it’s often said that if you’re in search of the perfect wave, you can find it on North Shore. Summer months are best for a gentler surf session, whereas winter brings in the big, frothing walls of water for the more seasoned pros.
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Itinerary essentials
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