Compare Half Dome Backpack by Wildland Trekking vs Honolulu Hawaii Experience 7D/6N by Bamba

Day 1

This Yosemite trip begins with rendezvous in Yosemite Valley on the patio of Half Dome Village (formerly Curry Village) in front of the Yosemite Mountain Shop at 6PM on Day 1. The Mountain shop is located on the street-facing side of the Half Dome Village Pavilion (closest to the parking lot). You will easily spot your guide waiting for you in a Wildland Trekking hat. We'll conduct an orientation meeting, after which we'll get settled in the Backpackers Camp a stone's throw away from majestic Tenaya Creek and under the spectacular domes and cliffs of Yosemite Valley. We'll enjoy dinner either at Half Dome Village or in camp.

Day 2

Hiking Mileage: 4.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 2200 feet

Our trek begins at the Happy Isles trailhead along the banks of the cascading Merced River in the east end of Yosemite Valley at 4000 feet. We quickly gain elevation as our route follows the world-renowned Mist Trail. Rain gear may be a good idea as the trail climbs a series of stair steps directly in the path of the thunderous spray of Vernal Fall. Topping out above the falls, a quick break allows us to dry off and warm up before we reach the awe-inspiring Emerald Pool and Silver Apron. Wisely, we ignore the siren’s call of the waters and stay on the trail...every year hikers are injured or even killed by venturing into theses dangerous cataracts. A hot and dry ascent, the last of the day, brings us to the phenomenally scenic lip of Nevada Fall. Here the towering domes of Mount Broderick and the Liberty Cap dominate the northern skyline as the view west encompasses 6222 foot Grizzly Peak, the Panorama Cliffs, and Glacier Point across the canyon. Following a leisurely lunch we continue to our campsite along the Merced River in Little Yosemite Valley. After setting up camp, we can relax by swimming at "the beach" or just hanging around camp enjoying the pine scented air. Tonight, after a sumptuous dinner, we can swap yarns around the communal campfire as we prepare for tomorrow’s ascent of Yosemite’s most iconic Peak – Half Dome!

Day 3

Hiking Mileage: 7 miles

Elevation Gain: 2700 feet

Elevation Loss: 2700 feet

We will get an alpine start to the morning to avoid possible afternoon thunderstorms on today’s climb to the summit of Half Dome. After coffee and a quick breakfast we will take only day packs and ascend a series of mild switchbacks two and a half miles and 1800 feet up to the base of the sub-dome. Here we begin the real climbing as the trail ascends 500 feet in a half a mile on steep stair steps carved into the sheer granite slope. A short level respite provides an opportunity to rest and prepare for the crux of the hike: the final 400 foot vertical ascent along the legendary cables. At the summit, after a well-deserved celebration, we enjoy lunch, gazing out over all of Yosemite Valley below and much of the high country beyond. An astounding portion of Yosemite can be seen from this vantage: from Buena Vista Crest to the south, to the Sawtooth Ridge along the northern border, all the way to Mts. McClure and Lyell in the southeast corner and beyond, to the coastal ranges over 120 miles to the west. After lunch we will return to our camp in Little Yosemite Valley and celebrate our accomplishment with a victory dinner served up hot by your guide!

Please Note: the ascent of Half Dome involves climbing a section called "the cables," which is a very steep and exposed part of our hike. The National Park Service has installed a pair of cables to use as hand rails, but it is still a physically and psychologically demanding climb. Some of the objective hazards also include mishaps by other hikers, such as people slipping or dropping items. This climb isn't required to do the trip, but it is required to reach the top of Half Dome.

Day 4

Hiking Mileage: 5.2 miles

Elevation Loss: 2000 feet

Our return to Happy Isles and Yosemite Valley will follow the John Muir Trail, a parallel trail to the Mist Trail. This more relaxing route offers additional outstanding views of the falls, Liberty Cap, Mount Broderick and the backside of Half Dome, as it switchbacks down through a Douglas fir forest below the north face of the Panorama Cliffs. Reaching the trails end at Happy Isles, we can celebrate our accomplishment with a foot soak in the cold waters of the Merced or an ice cream cone at the snack shack!

Day 1: Honolulu, United States

Day 2: Honolulu, United States

Day 3: Honolulu, United States

Get ready to embark on an incredible downhill bike ride through Oahu’s mountain road with epic views above Waikiki, Honolulu and Manoa Valley
The trail is located on sacred land and offers visitors a different and unique glimpse of the island
During the 5-mile ride, you will be accompanied by a guide who will tell you the area’s cultural history as you discover diverse landscapes
When you reach the grassy park at the bottom, it's a short drive to Kewalo Basin for your 2-hour catamaran sail.
Leave your shoes for a snorkel to explore underwater while you keep an eye out for colourful reef fish
Enjoy some time to go swimming and snorkelling
To bring the day to a close, you will be transported back to your Waikiki hotel.

Day 4: Honolulu, United States

Day 5: Honolulu, United States

Get ready for the ultimate experience to soak up all the beauty and culture of Hawaii in just one day! After being picked up in Waikiki, you will be swept away to the island’s most breathtaking landmarks and destinations, including the spouting “Blow Hole,” and the renowned Kualoa Ranch, which is nestled against the stunning Koolau Mountains
Start your sightseeing tour with the Diamond Head, A 200,000-year-old defining volcanic structure formed in the Honolulu Volcanic Series
It’s a worldwide symbol of the Hawaiian Islands! Afterwards, visit Kahala Estates, a large concentration of some of the most expensive real estate and beachfront properties in Hawaii in which many celebrities and business moguls vacation homes.
Continue with the Halona “Blow Hole” Lookout and see how this volcanic lava tube propels water into the sky like a whale’s blowhole! Make a stop at the Waimanalo Town, a quaint, scenic town is known for its local flavor and numerous plant nurseries and agricultural lots that extend back toward the Koolau Mountains, followed by another stop at the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, the bewitchingly scenic lookout was also the site of the Battle of Nuuanu, one of the bloodiest conflicts in Hawaiian history
It was here that Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu on his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands.
Get ready to visit the amazing Byodo-In Temple, a picturesque Buddhist temple tucked in the Valley of the Temples, is a half-sized replica of the 900-year-old temple in Japan
It has been featured in the TV series Hawaii Five-O, Magnum P.I., lost and the 2001 movie Pearl Harbor
Then, go to Chinaman’s Hat, the basalt islet in Kaneohe Bay, is shaped curiously like a hat
According to Hawaiian mythology, the island is formed from the remains of a giant lizard or dragon’s tail that was chopped off and tossed in the ocean.
For the final part of this amazing tour, get to know Kualoa Ranch to enjoy the Legends and Legacy at Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve owned by eight generation descendants of Fr
Gerritt P
Judd. On 4,000 acres, it is one of the most sacred places on the island, with their goal to protect and enhance the natural beauty of the lands
The Laie Hawaii Mormon Temple, which is the first temple built by the Latter Day Saints Church outside the continental United States, this beautiful complex features breathtaking lush tropical gardens of Hawaiian foliage and flowers, cascading water features and more.
Last but not least, visit the North Shore Surfing Beaches, the surfing mecca of the world! Watch out for the massive waves that have attracted so many surfers to its shores
These beaches are also a popular area for filming
Finish at the Dole Plantation, Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience,” see pineapples from all over the world and try the delicious Dole Whip ice cream. (Approximate 20 min stop.)
*Please note that hotel pick-ups are between 6:45 a.m. – 7:25 a.m.

Day 6: Honolulu, United States

Enjoy a sunset cruise specially created for fun-loving people! On this cruise, it doesn't matter if you come alone or accompanied, here you will find the best party partners while enjoying our famous "Holokai Hooch" cocktail
All drinks are included during the cruise! Give yourself a moment to relax with a refreshing drink while you enjoy an incredible sunset.

Day 7: Honolulu, United States

Transfer from Honolulu to Honolulu