Compare Trek The Canyons by Discover Adventure vs Hawaii: Ocean and Islands Adventure by Discover Corps

Day 1: London – Phoenix

Depart London bound for Phoenix, capital of Arizona. We transfer to our hotel, have dinner and relax! Night hotel.

Day 2: Phoenix – Sedona – Grand Canyon

After an early breakfast and a detailed trip briefing we have a scenic drive north (approx 2 hours) through the Sonoran Desert. We arrive in the beautiful area of Sedona, known for its beautiful red sandstone landscapes and dramatic rock formations. We spend the rest of the day walking along the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, often referred to as the Grand Canyon’s small cousin! This is the perfect acclimatisation trek, helping our bodies to get used to the heat and the terrain. We then meet our vehicles and transfer to our campground near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Night camp.

Drive approx. 2 hrs; trek approx. 3-4 hrs / 5-6 miles; drive approx. 2.5 hrs

Day 3: Grand Canyon

Today we descend into the heart of the Grand Canyon! Bright Angel Trail was originally used by Native Americans to access the vital water source now called Indian Gardens, 3000ft (910m) below. Early western pioneers followed suit, and we follow in their footsteps. As we descend into the Canyon we pass through 750 million years of rock layers – a humbling way to start our trek. Despite the well-maintained trail it’s a challenging day, but the magnificent views that greet us the length of the trail are well worth it! We trek to the giant cottonwood trees of Indian Gardens; depending on conditions and group pace we may continue to Plateau Point, where the Colorado River can be seen below. We then return, with an arduously steep climb back up to the Rim, pausing to find rock art created by Havasupai Indians hundreds of years ago. Night camp.

Trek approx. 6-8 hrs / 9-12 miles

Day 4: Grand Canyon – Zion National Park

We have an early breakfast and break camp, before descending once more into the depths of the Grand Canyon. A shorter trek does not diminish the views; we come to the aptly-named Ooh-Ahh Point, then continue our downhill trek through magnificent vistas to Cedar Ridge. The downhill walking should soften up any aching muscles before the tough uphill climb back to the Rim! After this spectacular morning’s trek, we leave the Grand Canyon for our next National Park adventure. En route we break our journey with a walk over Jurassic-era sand to the famous viewpoint at Horseshoe Bend, where the tremendous blue-green Colorado River curves widely around a sandstone escarpment. The contrasting colours of the river and the red-pink rocks, which change with the sun and shadows, make this a real highlight of our adventure. We drive on, crossing from Arizona into Utah, and to Zion National Park. Night camp.

Trek approx. 4-5 hrs / 6-7 miles; Drive approx. 3.5 hrs

Day 5: Zion National Park

Zion National Park is known for its wide open spaces and spectacular deep, narrow ‘slot’ canyons. Today’s adventure takes us steadily uphill as we zig-zag steeply up the red sandstone slopes of Mt Baldy and through the deep gorge of Echo Canyon. Our destination is Observation Point, where we are rewarded by magnificent vistas over the surrounding cliffs, mountains and monoliths. We can admire the rock sculptures eroded by the elements into striking formations, and the lush valley of the Virgin River far below. It’s a tough day, with a descent that’s tiring and tough on the legs, but once more the views and sense of achievement are unforgettable. We enjoy our last night of camping under the clear Utah skies. Night camp.

Trek approx. 5-7 hrs / 8 miles

Day 6: Zion National Park – Las Vegas

Our last day sees us tackling The Narrows, often described as one of the best hiking experiences in the US. The cool shade of this deep chasm, carved through rock by the north fork of the Virgin River, is wonderful on a hot day. We walk upstream through the slot canyon, often wading through shallow water, admiring the sculpted rock and the perpendicular canyon walls towering above us – so narrow that in places we can touch both sides. Although the ground is only gently sloping, the going can be strenuous at times as we negotiate mossy boulders and water channels – a real adventure for our last day. Coming back to the trailhead and our vehicles, we drive through wonderful wilderness scenery for the last time as we cross into Nevada and arrive in Las Vegas, entertainment capital of the world. On arrival we are free to relax and explore – check out the famous sound-and-light fountain shows, fake erupting volcanoes, Elvis impersonators and replicas of everything from the Eiffel Tower to the Sphinx! It’s not subtle, but it’s a real contrast to the past few days and great fun! We enjoy a slap-up meal to celebrate our achievements of the past week. Night hotel. (Dinner not included)

Trek approx. 3-4 hours / 5-6 miles; drive approx. 3 hours

Day 7: Depart Las Vegas

We are free to explore or relax until we transfer to the airport for our international flight home. (Lunch not included if not in-flight)

Day 8: Arrive London

Day 1: Arrive in Honolulu and Meet the Group

Meals: Dinner

Upon arrival in Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, you’ll be be met at the airport and taken to your hotel just steps from the world famous Waikiki beaches. After a relaxing welcome dinner together, we’ll get to know one another and discuss the schedule for the week ahead.

Day 2: Journey to Oahu’s North Shore & Experience the Aloha Spirit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll set out for Hawaii’s iconic North Shore, famous for its big waves and stunning landscapes. Spend the morning in the historic Waimea Valley with a local organization helping to preserve the valley’s cultural heritage and rainforests. Assist with a reforestation initiative, swim in waterfalls, and see why the ancient Hawaiians deemed the valley sacred centuries ago. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Na Mea Kupono, an eco-farm that is home to Hawaii’s staple crop, taro. We’ll be hosted by this local family for a Hawaiin-style paina, or gathering, for our dinner as we learn more about their role in farming on the island.

Day 3: Climb Diamond Head & Sail out to Sea on a Catamaran

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Hawaii’s South Shore is crowned by the now extinct Diamond Head volcano. We’ll take a hike this morning to the top of the rim to get a panoramic view of Waikiki from above. For those who opt not to hike, we’ll have the option to visit the Bishop Museum, home of the royal Kamehameha family and now housing an array of artifacts covering Hawaii’s vast Polynesian heritage. After lunch in Waikiki, we’ll hit the sea on a catamaran ride over the turquoise Pacific waters.

Day 4: Fly to Maui & Explore the Tropical‘Iao Valley State Park

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Enjoy a free morning to explore Waikiki. Head to the beach for a surf lesson with the Waikiki beach boys, check out the area’s cafes and shops or simply relax on white sand beaches only steps from your hotel. We’ll take a short mid-day flight across the Hawaiian archipelago to the Valley Isle of Maui. After landing, we’ll head over to the towering emerald peaks of the ‘Iao Valley on Central Maui for a guided hike of the state park. A location revered by the ancient Hawaiians, the valley also served as the site of one of Hawaii’s most important battles as King Kamehameha I tried to unite the islands in the 1700’s. Later in the evening, unwind at our Kaanapali beachfront hotel.

Day 5: Snorkel off Lana’i & Lend a Hand Protecting Sea Turtles

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

We’ll have an early breakfast before cruising to the scenic coastline of Lana'i island with the Pacific Whale Foundation. Spend the morning with breakfast on the boat (expect large boat with other travelers) and then 1.5 hours of snorkeling. Scout for wild dolphins, including acrobatic spinner dolphins, friendly bottlenose dolphins, and curious spotted dolphins. Conservationists from the Foundation will narrate your journey and take about everything from whale migration to plastics in the ocean to reef health.

We’ll return to Maui and, after lunch, spend our first afternoon volunteering alongside the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute. Home to one of Hawaii’s largest sea turtle rescues and land based coral nurseries, we’ll join their staff on beach and marine debris cleanu , specifically collecting coral fragments. Take these pieces of coral back to the research center and aid in cutting them into smaller pieces to be grown at the center for a period of 8 months - something that would take the reef 20 years to regenerate! This coral is eventually placed back into the reef to bring back areas that are dead or dying.

Day 6: Maui Ocean Center Volunteering & Farewell Luau

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll spend another morning helping the conservation team at the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute. On Maui and other Hawaiian islands, sea turtles are being threatened as their habitat is increasingly depleted. Green turtle populations are being impacted by events such as the 2018 hurricane that washed out the most important nesting beach for this species in the entire archipelago. We’ll continue to lend a hand on our projects while learning about some of the initiatives in place to preserve the fragile ecosystem both on land and underwater, including going out with the team to find turtles and tag them for research purposes.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll head back to the hotel where you’ll have some free time to enjoy the beach, swim in the ocean or venture into the coastal town of Lahaina. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a special farewell dinner together along with a traditional island luau.

Day 7: Depart Maui or Continue on for the Post-Trip Extension

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check-out of your rooms. The rest of the day is free to relax at the beach or explore nearby Lahaina until your flight home, or continue on to our optional post-trip extension along the gorgeous road to Hana.