Hawaiian Sampler, 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.

Prepare for yet another day in paradise. Today, head to the northern coast. Along the way, visit the famous Dole Pineapple Plantation before arriving in Haleiwa. This historic surf town is the cultural hub of the North Shore and a dream for the surfers among us with cool surf shops, local restaurants, and plantation-era buildings. Experienced surfers will want to hit the towering waves during the winter months, while beginners can enjoy the summer water conditions with when waves are generally smaller. Another major draw of the North Shore is the nature with magnificent hills, forests, and waterfalls. Choose one of the many trails and head out on a hike to venture the wild flora and fauna of the island. There are plenty of options. Just follow the signposts along the roads. And remember; nothing is far away in O’ahu. In the evening, enjoy your last night on the island.

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 thes 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.

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