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Hawaiian Explorer (First Class)

8 Day Hawaii Tour from Honolulu to Maui | Operated by Trafalgar

  • 8 Days

  • 1 Country

    United States
  • 9 Cities

    Waikiki, Pearl Harbour, Honolulu, Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Keauhou, Kona, Kahului (Maui), Kaanapali Beach
  • 12 Meals

    1 Welcome Reception, 7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners, 1 Lunch
  • Pace: Comfortable

    Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Island Greetings In Honolulu, Oahu

Ease into the warm embrace of Hawaii’s Aloha spirit, donning a flower lei will kick-start your love affair with the Pacific islands. Explore the golden beaches of Waikiki before gathering for a Hawaiian-style Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening.

Hotel: The Twin Fin Waikiki
Included Meals: Welcome Reception
Notes
Day 2: Discover the History of Honolulu

There’s no better place to learn about history on your Hawaii tour than visiting where events occurred. Today, pay homage to the thousands of brave soldiers who lost their lives in the surprise military strike at Pearl Harbor visiting Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the USS Arizona Memorial. Continue through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located in Punchbowl Crater, and to downtown Honolulu to connect with the spiritual epicenter of Hawaii. On your walking tour, see Iolani Palace, the former home of Hawaii’s last-reigning monarchs and the only royal palace in the United States, as well as the King Kamehameha I Statue and the State Capitol Building. Kick back in your hotel overlooking Waikiki Beach or get out and explore the shore.

Hotel: The Twin Fin Waikiki
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial Unlock the significance of a historic event visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Pay homage and reflect upon those who lost their lives over on a moving and unforgettable experience. View the USS Arizona which, when it was commissioned in 1916, was the largest ship in the navy’s fleet, with a length of 608 feet. 
Iconic Experience: Drive Through National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific Explore the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located in Punchbowl Crater, on a scenic drive. This burial in a national cemetery is for members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active-duty service requirement. 
Iconic Experience: See Iolani Palace The history of Hawaii springs to life viewing the historically significant Iolanai Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. Even from outside, feel the energy of grand balls and hula performances, as well as the time of Liliuokalani’s overthrow and imprisonment. Continue your Honolulu Walking Tour viewing the State Capitol Building and the 18-foot, bronze King Kamehameha Statue commemorating a great warrior, diplomat and leader. 
Notes
Day 3: See the Volcanic Beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Big Island of Hawaii brings new sights, landscapes and wildlife. Arrive in the town of Hilo and enjoy lunch on your own, perhaps seeking out the classic loco moco meal. Then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to learn about the geology of the Islands. Continue along the coast to Punalu’u Beach Park, famous for its black sand and Hawaiian green sea turtles. The Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa welcome you with their multi-level fantasy pool with a 200-foot water slide, manta-ray viewing and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

Hotel: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Iconic Experience: Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hawaii Volcanoes National Park brings new sights as you unlock the geology of the Islands. This UNESCO listed park and designated International Biosphere Reserve protects some of the most unique geological, biological and cherished cultural landscapes in the world and encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. You’ll love experiencing this wonder for yourself viewing the steam vents and on a visit to the Kilauea Visitor Center. 
Iconic Experience: Visit Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park Unlock the beauty of the must-see Punalu’u Beach Park, famous for its black sand and green sea turtles. Stroll along the black sand beach made of fragments of old lava flow. Then perhaps pause in a shady spot under the palm trees and keep your eyes peeled for endangered Hawksbill turtles and green turtles basking in the sun on the beach.  
Trafalgar Difference: Outrigger Kona Resort Perched above the lava cliffs of Keauhou Bay on 22 acres of Kona coastline is the Outrigger Kona Resort. You’re in for a treat here on Keauhou Bay as it’s one of the only places in the world where you can view giant manta rays feeding. Enjoy this magnificent spectacle directly from Pa'akai Point at the hotel. You can choose to take a dip in the multi-level fantasy pool with a 200-foot water slide or go local with an on-site hula or ukulele lesson.
Notes
Day 4: Unwind and Play in Kona

Get ready to embrace your outdoor adventurer on an invigorating day on your Hawaii tour exploring the Big Island on your own or with an Optional Experience. Take in Kohala’s beauty and history on a fun, off-road adventure and relaxed trail walk to a hidden waterfall and scenic overlook of Pololu Valley. You’ll love trekking across bridges and past bright green taro terraces. Finish the adventure cooling off in a waterfall. Or, discover what’s beneath these gorgeous waters with a snorkelling trip in the pristine Puʻuhonua O Honaunau (The Place of Refuge) and Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cooks Monument) featuring lava tubes and sea caves or on a Night Manta Experience viewing the incredible feeding frenzy in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Hotel: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
Day 5: Experience the Sights, flavors and wildlife of Hawaii

Explore the world of the giant mobula alfredi manta rays that come to the Kona shores to feed each day. On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, visit the Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology Park’s Sea Salt farm to learn about the importance of salt in Hawaiian culture and discover how prized salt is produced from the deep ocean water. You’ll not only see the salt production process, but also sample different salts in a curated tasting to explore the flavor profiles of this Hawaiian Sea Salt prized by gourmet chefs for the purity and unique mineral content. Head to the unique Kona Joe coffee plantation where you’ll learn how some of the world's best coffee is grown and roasted. This evening, lose yourself in the moment as we embrace the wonderful tradition of the Hawaiian Luau and enjoy a dinner featuring local flavors and tropical cocktails.

Hotel: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®: Make Travel Matter at a Hawaiian Salt Farm Unlock the importance of salt in Hawaiian culture visiting a deep Ocean Salt farm. Watch the salt production process and taste different salts to explore the flavor profiles. Learn about the importance of salt in Hawaiian culture, how it's produced from deep ocean water and how this differs from salt produced in other locations. Your visit supports efforts to clean up marine debris and preserve cultural sites like the Papahanaumokuaka Marine National Monument and directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption. 
Iconic Experience: Learn About Hawaiian Manta Rays Discover the world of the giant manta rays (mobula alfredi) that come to the Kona shores at the Manta Ray Learning Center at the <name of resort>. Under the guidance of your Local Specialist, learn the manta ray’s life cycle, the history of the rays in the area and how the center supports educational programs and funding scientists for research with a mission to support mantas in their natural environment. To top it all off, the lights from the resort shine into the water, attracting plankton which in turn attracts manta rays to the water right off the hotel. 
Iconic Experience: Hawaiian Coffee Farm Get ready to sample one of the most expensive coffees on the planet, Kona Coffee. Currently, there are only about 3,000 acres of Kona coffee plants to supply the entire world, making it a very in-demand commodity. Visit the Kona Joe Coffee Farm and learn about this exclusive beverage and the work it takes to produce, all while tasting the coffee and taking in some of the most scenic views in Hawaii. 
Notes
Day 6: High Country Maui

Maui. An island where dormant volcanos, black sand beaches and whale watching lure explorers just like you. Start your discovery with a Be My Guest experience at O’o Farms, a local sustainable farm in the high country of Maui. Have a delicious and healthy farm-to-fork experience helping to gather fresh produce for your al fresco lunch. Then journey to our resort on stunning Kaanapali beach. As the sun sets over the Pacific, take a gentle stroll to nearby Whalers Village or enjoy a relaxing beach stroll.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Be My Guest: Lunch at a Maui Farm There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the ways of regenerative farming than at the place where it happens – right here along the slopes of Haleakala in Upcountry Maui. Learn how their diversified natural farm has flourished over the past 10 years and provides fresh local ingredients for a local restaurant. The farm’s 3500-foot elevation is a gorgeous spot for your truly unique Maui experience. Relish an educational farm-to-fork experience and help gather fresh, natural produce for your al fresco lunch. 
Notes
Day 7: Enjoy Free Time In Maui

Indulge in a full day on your terms to do as little or as much as you want in paradise. Rise before dawn and journey up the summit of Haleakalā or live your passions, exploring art, culture and heritage in picturesque surrounds. Give yourself permission to connect with your surroundings without worrying about a thing. This evening, celebrate an encounter with Hawaii, joining your travel companions for a lively Farewell Dinner.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Notes
Day 8: Farewell Maui

For now it’s time to say a fond a hui hou... until we meet again. Make your way to Kahului Airport or consider extending your stay in Maui.

Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
This itinerary is for reference only. Upon booking with GET, guests will receive tour documents which will list all confirmed hotels and itineraries based upon the guest's departure date.

Price Includes

What's Included
  • - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • - All transport and transfers shown
  • - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • - Optional Experiences and free time
  • - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Dining Summary
  • - 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • - 7 Breakfasts (B)
  • - 3 Dinners (D)
  • - 1 Lunch (L)
Iconic Experience
  • Unlock the significance of a historic event visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Pay homage and reflect upon those who lost their lives over on a moving and unforgettable experience. View the USS Arizona which, when it was commissioned in 1916, was the largest ship in the navy’s fleet, with a length of 608 feet. 
  • Explore the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located in Punchbowl Crater, on a scenic drive. This burial in a national cemetery is for members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active-duty service requirement. 
  • The history of Hawaii springs to life viewing the historically significant Iolanai Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. Even from outside, feel the energy of grand balls and hula performances, as well as the time of Liliuokalani’s overthrow and imprisonment. Continue your Honolulu Walking Tour viewing the State Capitol Building and the 18-foot, bronze King Kamehameha Statue commemorating a great warrior, diplomat and leader. 
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park brings new sights as you unlock the geology of the Islands. This UNESCO listed park and designated International Biosphere Reserve protects some of the most unique geological, biological and cherished cultural landscapes in the world and encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. You’ll love experiencing this wonder for yourself viewing the steam vents and on a visit to the Kilauea Visitor Center. 
  • Unlock the beauty of the must-see Punalu’u Beach Park, famous for its black sand and green sea turtles. Stroll along the black sand beach made of fragments of old lava flow. Then perhaps pause in a shady spot under the palm trees and keep your eyes peeled for endangered Hawksbill turtles and green turtles basking in the sun on the beach.  
  • Discover the world of the giant manta rays (mobula alfredi) that come to the Kona shores at the Manta Ray Learning Center at the &lt;name of resort&gt;. Under the guidance of your Local Specialist, learn the manta ray’s life cycle, the history of the rays in the area and how the center supports educational programs and funding scientists for research with a mission to support mantas in their natural environment. To top it all off, the lights from the resort shine into the water, attracting plankton which in turn attracts manta rays to the water right off the hotel. 
  • Get ready to sample one of the most expensive coffees on the planet, Kona Coffee. Currently, there are only about 3,000 acres of Kona coffee plants to supply the entire world, making it a very in-demand commodity. Visit the Kona Joe Coffee Farm and learn about this exclusive beverage and the work it takes to produce, all while tasting the coffee and taking in some of the most scenic views in Hawaii. 
Trafalgar Difference
  • Perched above the lava cliffs of Keauhou Bay on 22 acres of Kona coastline is the Outrigger Kona Resort. You’re in for a treat here on Keauhou Bay as it’s one of the only places in the world where you can view giant manta rays feeding. Enjoy this magnificent spectacle directly from Pa'akai Point at the hotel. You can choose to take a dip in the multi-level fantasy pool with a 200-foot water slide or go local with an on-site hula or ukulele lesson.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
  • Unlock the importance of salt in Hawaiian culture visiting a deep Ocean Salt farm. Watch the salt production process and taste different salts to explore the flavor profiles. Learn about the importance of salt in Hawaiian culture, how it's produced from deep ocean water and how this differs from salt produced in other locations. Your visit supports efforts to clean up marine debris and preserve cultural sites like the Papahanaumokuaka Marine National Monument and directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption. 
Be My Guest
  • There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the ways of regenerative farming than at the place where it happens – right here along the slopes of Haleakala in Upcountry Maui. Learn how their diversified natural farm has flourished over the past 10 years and provides fresh local ingredients for a local restaurant. The farm’s 3500-foot elevation is a gorgeous spot for your truly unique Maui experience. Relish an educational farm-to-fork experience and help gather fresh, natural produce for your al fresco lunch. 

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Kohala Waterfalls Adventure (Available on Day 4)

Get ready for Kohala’s stunning beauty and rich history on an off-road adventure and trail walk. Experience dramatic views of Pololu Valley, foot bridges, taro terraces and waterfalls—with a stop for lunch in between. You’ll even have the chance to take a cooling dip in the waterfall. 

Adult Price: $237 Child Price: $214 Premium Morning Snorkel (Available on Day 4)

Discover the hidden treasures underwater by snorkeling the pristine Puʻuhonua O Honaunau (The Place of Refuge) and Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cooks Monument). Learn about the history and culturally significant sites from your Captain and Crew as you explore the coastline, lava tubes and sea caves – pausing your adventure for lunch in the shade.  

Adult Price: $160 Child Price: $136 Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure (Available on Day 4)

Don’t miss a bucket list experience joining a snorkeling adventure in the warm waters of the Pacific at night with manta rays. This is the only place in the world where you can snorkel at night with these creatures as large as 16 ft. across and weighing 1,000 lbs. You’ll be amazed as you witness this feeding frenzy that includes not only this once-in-a-lifetime encounter but warming hot chocolate and cookies. 

Adult Price: $142 Child Price: $142 Maui Transfer (Available on Day 8)

One Way Shared Ride Transfer to Airport.

Adult Price: $47 Child Price: $47