Compare South Rim Basecamp Tour by Wildland Trekking vs Honolulu Hawaii Experience 7D/6N by Bamba

Day 1

Shuttle to the South Rim: 1.5-hour drive from Flagstaff

Hiking Mileage: 3-6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 1,200-2,500 feet

Campground: Ten-x or Mather Campgrounds

On this Grand Canyon hiking tour, we'll pick you up at your hotel in Flagstaff and drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon through the East Entrance, where the initial views are sure to blow you away! We’ll stop at the Desert View Watchtower en route to the Grandview Trail. This amazing structure is a replica of a Native American tower found in the same location by early explorers centuries ago.

The well-named Grandview Trail takes us down a series of exciting switchbacks with seemingly endless views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. The trail was built by one of Grand Canyon's most famous miners, Pete Berry, in the late 1800's to extract some of the richest copper ore in the world. Eventually when his mine failed, he turned to tourism for a living, taking guests down his amazing, hand-cobbled trail. We'll descend down through geologic and cultural history, gazing into the depths of the Canyon and discussing the immense beauty and intrigue of this landscape.

Once the hiking is done we'll set up camp and enjoy our first tasty dinner of the trip. Each evening it's your option to shower and relax around the campfire, and/or go with the guide on a moon-lit walk on the rim.

Day 2

Hiking Mileage: 6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 2,040 feet

Campground: Ten-x or Mather Campgrounds

We'll start today with a steaming cup of hot coffee in the cool pines of the South Rim, then a quick breakfast so we can hit the trail early and take advantage of the refreshing morning hours. Our hike today is on the fantastic South Kaibab Trail.

The South Kaibab descends the spine of spectacular Cedar Ridge and allows for BIG Grand Canyon views as the ridge drops off on both sides and in front of you. It is the trail to do if you’re looking for some of the best panoramas in the Grand Canyon. These panoramas and the moderate nature of the hiking make the South Kaibab Trail one of the most photographed trails in the country and a great first day for us. Possible sightings of California Condors and truly fascinating geologic history will round out the day.

After our hike we'll return to camp for some relaxation and then a wonderful outdoor feast prepared by your guide(s).

Day 3

Hiking Mileage: 6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 1,700 feet

Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5-hour drive from the South Rim

Built by the Santa Fe Railroad as a route to Hermit Camp, the Hermit Trail leads us through fossil beds in the limestone and sandstone formations to Waldron Basin. From the high desert valley of Waldron, we will continue hiking along the top of the Red Wall with incredible views into a deep, seemingly bottomless canyon. One of the great highlights of this hike are the 260+ million year old reptile prints, complete with the swish of the creature's tail, permanently etched in a slab of sandstone next to the trail. Our hike's turnaround point is Dripping Springs, a desert spring that drips from the ceiling of a sandstone alcove, nourishing the desert with water.

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