Compare Hawaii Highlights Self-Drive Tour by Audley Travel vs Hawaii with Oahu, Maui & the Big Island, Small Group, 2022 Small Group with Big Island by Insight Vacations

Day 1: The Big Island (Hawaii)

Accommodation options: Fairmont Orchid, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Aston Shores at Waikoloa & Chalet Kilauea

On arrival, pick up your car and drive to your hotel on the coast and relax for the rest of the day.

Day 2: The Big Island (Hawaii)

Accommodation options: Fairmont Orchid, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Aston Shores at Waikoloa & Chalet Kilauea

Today you can explore the beautiful Kohala Coast. This evening enjoy a Manta Ray night snorkel — an amazing chance to swim with these amazing underwater creatures.

Day 3: The Big Island (Hawaii)

Accommodation options: Fairmont Orchid, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Aston Shores at Waikoloa & Chalet Kilauea

Today you may wish to relax in Waikoloa and observe the strange volcanic beauty of the island. You can drive north to the small town of Hawi, or south to Kona. Make sure to visit a coffee plantation for some delicious local coffee.

Day 4: The Big Island (Hawaii)

Accommodation options: Volcano House,  Aston Shores at Waikoloa, Chalet Kilauea & Fairmont Orchid

At your leisure, move from the western side of the island to the east. Arrive at your hotel in the heart of the National Park. Relax in the lovely tropical eastern coast of the island for the rest of the day. At your leisure, move from the eastern side of the island to the west. Arrive on the coast and relax at your hotel for the rest of the day.

Day 5: The Big Island (Hawaii)

Accommodation options: Volcano House, Aston Shores at Waikoloa, Chalet Kilauea & Fairmont Orchid

Today you will be met by your private guide. He will take you around the park and you will be able to ask questions on the geology, landscape, culture and history that has shaped this National Park.

Day 6: Maui

Accommodation options: Royal Lahaina Resort, Andaz Maui at Wailea, Napili Kai Beach Resort, Beach front cottage at Inn at Mama's Fish House Restaurant and Inn, Maui & Inn at Mama's Fish House

After a leisurely breakfast make your way to the airport for your flight to Maui. On arrival pick up your rental car and drive to your oceanfront hotel, an idyllic location for you to relax at for the next four nights.

Day 7: Maui

Accommodation options: Royal Lahaina Resort, Andaz Maui at Wailea, Napili Kai Beach Resort & Inn at Mama's Fish House

Spend a full day exploring everything Maui has to offer. Take a tour to Haleakala National Park to see Maui's highest peak, or visit Iao Valley State Park, home to one of Maui's most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200 ft Lao Needle. Alternatively, you could spend time in Lahaina, which is a historic whaling village and one of the most lively spots on Maui.

Day 8: Maui

Accommodation options: Royal Lahaina Resort, Andaz Maui at Wailea, Napili Kai Beach Resort & Inn at Mama's Fish House

Today you will go on a tour to see the turtles swimming in the ocean off the coast of Makena Bay on the south western part of the island, with a chance to see the tropical fish and maybe even a black tip shark in the Molokini Crater. This afternoon you might like to take the car and drive up to the top of Haleakala Volcano where you can watch the sunset.

Day 9: Maui

Accommodation options: Royal Lahaina Resort, Andaz Maui at Wailea, Napili Kai Beach Resort & Inn at Mama's Fish House

Driving Maui's Road to Hana can be a highlight of your visit to the island. The road is full of hairpin turns and scenic overlooks, framed by lush rainforest scenery and dotted with tumbling waterfalls. There are hundreds of birds which nest in the rainforest, so it's well worth taking a good camera and some binoculars.

Day 10: Los Angeles

Accommodation options: Palihouse Santa Monica, Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, Jamaica Bay Inn & La Peer

Return your car at the airport this morning as you fly back to the US mainland. On arrival in LA take a taxi to your hotel in Santa Monica.

Day 11: Los Angeles

Accommodation options: Palihouse Santa Monica, Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, Jamaica Bay Inn & La Peer

Enjoy the day at leisure exploring Los Angeles and its famous sights.

Day 12: Return home

A final morning at leisure then make your way to the airport for your onward flight.

Day 1: Aloha Hawaii

After your arrival at Honolulu Airport, the traditional lei greeting kicks off your Hawaii vacation. You are transferred to your oceanfront resort in Waikiki. The hotel was the setting for Blue Hawaii, Elvis Presley’s 1961 movie and it is the birthplace of the legendary cocktail of the same name.  Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.

Day 2: Pearl Harbour

Skip the line as you visit the Pearl Harbour National Memorial commemorating the tragic day of December 7th 1941. Walk through the Visitor Centre and take a short boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, the final resting place of 1,102 sailors and marines. Listen to the moving and award-winning audio guide and recount the events that led the US to join World War II.  From here head to the Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. It honours all those who served in the US Armed Forces and lost their lives during WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Return to Waikiki and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 3: A trip around Oahu

Set out to explore Oahu on an exciting island tour. Take in the epic views from Pali Lookout towards the Kaneohe Bay and the Windward Coast. The valley below was the scene of a bloody battle in 1795 when King Kamehameha I extended his rule over the island with an army of 10,000 men.  Journey beneath the towering Ko’olau Cliffs and along the rugged coastline. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you join an eco-tour with your Local Expert in the Hawaiian Legacy Forest and plant a native Milo tree contributing to the healing of the local ecosystem.Delve into an al fresco, sustainably sourced Farm-to-Table lunch while enjoying epic views of the North Shore.Continue to Sunset Beach where in the winter months waves can reach 30ft making it a favourite spot among big wave surfers worldwide. Visit Haleiwa, the social and artistic hub of the North Shore. Grab some shaved ice and stroll among small boutiques and plantation-era buildings to soak up the laid-back ambiance. Finally, return to Waikiki after your eventful day and enjoy your evening at leisure.

Day 4: Maui, the Valley Isle

Take a short flight to Kahului on Maui. This slice of Hawaiian island paradise offers magnificent nature and a wide variety of activities. Visit the awe-inspiring Iao Valley State Park and see the 1,200-foot landmark Iao Needle. This green-mantled rock outcropping overlooks sacred lands and was used as a burial site for Hawaii’s chiefs for centuries.  Journey to Lahaina, once a busy whaling port and plantation settlement. Join your Travel Director for a walk through the Historic District before continuing to your oceanfront resort.In the evening you are invited to choose your own dining experience from a selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. Your options include a magical evening at the Wailele Luau for a taste of traditional Polynesian cuisine, dance and storytelling, or one of the resort’s other acclaimed restaurants.

Day 5: Upcountry Maui Relaxed Start

Stroll along Kaanapali Beach and lay by the pool or shop in the boutiques of Whaler’s Village. Later this morning, head to Upcountry Maui and discover a different face of the island. Indulge in a Farm-to-Table lunch at the Hali’imaile General Store. Originally a plantation shop in the early 20th century, the restaurant is known for its outstanding island cuisine. At its peak, Hawaii produced 75% of the world’s pineapples and the tropical fruit became a symbol for the state. Visit one of the last working pineapple farms with a fun and knowledgeable Local Expert. Discover the deep impact these plantations had on the islands and sample some of the extra sweet Maui Gold variant. Return to your resort and spend the evening at your leisure.

Day 6: Insight Choice in Maui

Explore Maui with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Haleakalā National Park offering an astonishing volcanic landscape. Hear the Hawaiian legends about the dormant volcano and see the unique Haleakalā Silversword plant. Alternatively, set sail to the crescent shaped Molokini island for a memorable snorkelling trip. Marvel at the colourful tropical fish and enjoy a light lunch on board.  Tonight, get together with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Highlight Dinner.

Day 7: To the Big Island

Take a short flight to Hawai’i, the largest island of the archipelago. Upon arrival, spend time in easy-going Kailua-Kona, once the home of Kamehameha I, Hawaii’s great ruler. Travel from the beach to the cloud forest and join a Local Expert to learn about Kona coffee. Enjoy a tasting of this gourmet speciality that only grows on the slopes of two local active volcanoes. See native plants, fruits and the organic coffee fields on your tour around the plantation. Continue to your luxurious resort accommodation and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 8: The Volcanoes of Hawaii

Rise early for an unforgettable trip around the island. Journey through the historic Parker Ranch, a huge working cattle farm spread across 130,000 acres. Marvel at the beauty of the Hamakua Coast as you travel past lush tropical rainforests and tranquil green valleys. After a luscious lunch enter the UNESCO World Heritage listed Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Take the stunning Crater Rim Drive around the Kilauea Caldera and walk through the otherworldly Thurston lava tube. Hear the legends of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire and the creator of the Hawaiian Islands. Stop by the magical Rainbow Falls on your way back to your resort.

Day 9: A Day to Relax Relaxed Start

Spend your day by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment or snorkel in the local lagoon looking for the rare green sea turtles. You can also join an Optional Experience to the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s highest point. Tonight, come together at an oceanfront restaurant for a Celebration Dinner and toast to your travels.

Day 10: Farewell Hawaii

You are transferred to Kona Airport where your journey comes to an end.