Exploring Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii

Two islands, too much fun! Learn the true meaning of "Aloha"on this active adventure in the Hawaiian Isles. Hike the fluted ramparts of Kauai's famed Na Pali coast and fragrant trails in Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."Explore Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, home to Kilauea Volcano, the world's most active volcano, with a hike into the crater itself. Watch for humpback whales, swim, snorkel, and kayak along the sunny Kohala Coast with green sea turtles and tropical fish tagging along.

Activities

2½ days hiking, 1 day river kayaking, ½ day sea kayaking (no previous experience required for either), optional cycling, swimming, snorkeling, surfing

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike the Na Pali coast and Waimea Canyon on Kauai, the “Garden Isle”
• Explore Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, home to the world’s most active volcano
• Kayak down a tranquil river and along the Kohala Coast, swim and snorkel in coral gardens with green sea turtles, and learn to surf!

2010 Prices
$2,995 (4-10 members)
$3,195 (3 members)
$120 internal air

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Lihue End Location: Kona Best time to go: January - March, June - July, December

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive on Kauai

  Arrive in Lihue, Kauai, and overnight at an oceanfront resort on the island's eastern coast.

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  Day 2 : Na Pali Coast

  Morning hike at a bird refuge, where we may see whales, dolphins, and turtles in addition to the many birds that frequent the area. Then you'll hike along the breathtaking Na Pali Coast Trail with its awesome views of verdant 3,000-foot cliffs plunging into the ocean below. Afternoon snorkeling at Ke'e Beach, topped off by a beachside barbecue. Optional surfing lessons are available.

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  Day 3 : Waimea Canyon

  A full day of hiking in 3,000-foot-deep Waimea Canyon, including a picnic lunch beside Waipo'o Falls.

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  Day 4 : Wailua River – Volcanoes National Park

  Kayak on the tranquil Wailua River, stopping for a hike to a secluded 200-foot waterfall. Late afternoon flight to Hilo on the "Big Island"; transfer to lodging near Volcanoes National Park.

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  Day 5 : Volcanoes National Park

  Up early for an all-day exploration of the botanical and geological wonders of Volcanoes National Park. Tropical rainforest soon yields to steaming vents and frozen forms of lava as you hike into Kilauea's crater. Late afternoon drive to the coast to watch sizzling lava plunge into the surging Pacific (conditions permitting).

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  Day 6 : Biking or Swimming – Kailua-Kona

  Choose between an easy countryside bike ride or swim in warm tropical pools. Drive along the Hamakua coast, with its many waterfalls, and through Waimea's pastoral countryside en route to the resort town of Kailua-Kona.

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  Day 7 : South Kohala Coast

  Take to the sea with a fun-filled morning kayak paddle along the rugged Kohala shoreline, and swim and snorkel in coral gardens where green sea turtles feed alongside multi-colored tropical fish. In the late afternoon you'll attend a Hawaiian luau. When the food is ready, take the popular Hawaiian advice and "eat until you're exhausted."

• Day 8 : Depart Kona

  Depart Kona.

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  Resort Quest Kauai Beach

  Makaiwa

  With the Makaiwa surf break just offshore, this centrally located hotel is situated on 10 beachfront acres, amid a coconut grove that dates back almost a century. Rooms are richly dressed in distinct Polynesian designs and touches of dark tropical wood tones in furniture and shuttered doors that open to a private balcony.

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  My Island B&B Inn

  Volcano

  My Island is a collection of historic bed and breakfast rooms, garden units, cottages and houses. Most are nestled in floral gardens, others in a village on the edge of Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. The hotel features a seven-acre botanical garden with tropical flowers blooming year-round.

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  Royal Kona Resort

  Kailua-Kona

  The Oceanfront Royal Kona Resort is an architectural marvel set on twelve oceanfront acres overlooking Kailua Bay in the heart of historic Kailua-Kona town on the Big Island of Hawaii. Each of the Resort’s spacious guestrooms features a large lanai with beautiful mountain vistas or magnificent ocean views. Relax on the decks of the oceanfront, split-level swimming pool or at a private beach and saltwater swimming lagoon.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Kalia Avery

  Kalia Avery regularly leads this trip. She has been leading trips in Hawaii for more than 20 years, and her upbeat personality and incredible sense of humor (her laugh is contagious!) give her the highest marks from every trip member. Kalia is extremely knowledgeable about the human and natural history of Hawaii and looks forward to sharing it all with you. She is also a great cook!

photo credits: ©Giovanni Simeone/Fototeca 9x12