Compare Hawaii: Ocean and Islands Adventure by Discover Corps vs Highlights of the Canyonlands by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 4,595 | $ 1,730 |
| Price Per Day | $ 656 | $ 247 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | NA |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 3 Dinners |
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| Description |
From towering volcanoes to some of the world’s best beaches, Hawaii is defined by its stunning natural beauty. On these islands, everything is more extreme - the ocean is bluer, the rainforests are greener and the warmth of the locals is exemplified by the Aloha state of mind. But if you dig deeper below the surface, you’ll quickly see that the ancient Hawaiian people have left a legacy of indigenous wisdom and sustainability that can serve as a model for many of today’s pressing issues. From tackling climate change to protecting biodiversity, innovative practices are being pioneered on these remote Pacific Islands. |
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation. GOOD NEWS - The local tour operator will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination for travelers as of March 1, 2023. For travelers departing before March 1, the tour operator requires that travelers aged 12 and older provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English, for all vacations. Proof of vaccination must be completed at least 14 days prior to the tour start date. *Exceptions apply to children who do not qualify for vaccination. Head out to the Wild West! Journey through the vast landscapes of Arizona, Utah, and Nevada on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure through America's stunning canyonlands. Start your journey with a fun night in Vegas, then turn your party vibes into nature vibes as you explore canyons, deserts, and lakes! Enjoy guided trips to Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Page, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and other points of beauty. Your knowledgeable guide will be by your side to teach you all about the indigenous histories of each area. In addition, your guide knows these parks front-to-back, and they will make sure you experience these sites from the very best viewpoints! So, grab your camera and get ready for seven days of stunning scenery. |
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.
Day 1 Welcome to Las Vegas!
Say hello to "Sin City!" Upon arrival in Las Vegas, make your way to your first luxurious accommodation. Your tour guide will be on-hand tonight to answer any questions! Once you're all settled in, hit the ground running and let the fun begin! Head to a casino or treat yourself to drinks and a show. What happens in Vegas... right?
Day 2 Las Vegas - Grand Canyon
Turn off your party vibe and break out your inner nature-lover. This morning you'll join your guide to cross the desert and the old Mojave gold-strike country. Pass through Williams on historic Route 66, then through Kaibab National Forest to arrive at the one and only Grand Canyon by mid-afternoon. Marvel at one of the Natural Wonders of the World as you experience breathtaking views of Grand Canyon National Park! After an exciting day, enjoy a peaceful overnight at a lodge inside the park.
Day 3 Grand Canyon - Kayenta
This morning, try to catch the sunrise over the canyon! Enjoy a leisurely start to your day, or inquire about an optional flight excursion over the heart of the Grand Canyon for incomparable views. Later on, you'll head to Navajo National Monument! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the stunning red rock monument was established to preserve three cliff villages built by prehistoric Ancestral Puebloans that date from 1250 to 1300 AD. Enjoy a lovely overnight in Kayenta, and inquire about an optional Navajo cookout for dinner!
Day 4 Kayenta - Page
Journey across the Navajo National to Monument Valley! Situated on the Arizona-Utah border, this valley's scenic desert vistas have appeared in countless classic Western films. Get ready to see the massive formations on a memorable 4-wheel-drive tour! After a thrilling morning, you'll visit the Glen Canyon Dam, which holds back the waters of the Colorado River in Lake Powell - the country's second-largest man-made lake! You'll also have the opportunity to participate in an optional Antelope Canyon cruise.
Day 5 Page - Bryce Canyon
Grab your camera and get ready for another amazing day of exploration! Travel into Utah along the Grand Staircase into Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce is famous for its unique geology, as erosion has created bizarre shapes including slot canyons, fins, and spires called "hoodoos." Tinted with all sorts of reds, pinks, and oranges, these rocks create a jaw-dropping landscape. Enjoy a quiet night of rest in the heart of Bryce Canyon.
Day 6 Bryce Canyon - St. George
"Zion" is an ancient Hebrew word meaning "a place of refuge or sanctuary." Once a refuge for Mormon pioneers, Zion National Park's striking landscapes will leave you mesmerized. Think steep canons, stone towers carved out by rushing streams, and glistening lakes that flow through colorful rock structures. Don't worry - you will have plenty of time to explore this majestic landscape via the park's shuttle. Upon arrival in St. George, enjoy a leisurely orientation tour and then a good night's sleep at your hotel.
Day 7 Depart Las Vegas
It may be your last morning, but the fun isn't over yet! Your journey features one last stop in Snow Canyon State Park before you're transferred to Las Vegas McCarren International Airport for your flight home. Spend your trip replaying wonderful memories and dreaming about your next adventure!
