A Pristine Playground Right in North America’s Backyard!

Hike, snorkel, and kayak in Hawaii’s wildest and most remote areas on this non-stop action trip. Travel back to the dawn of creation in Hawaii’s forest primeval, where rainbows soar over waterfalls and giant emerald ferns and palms overflow into sapphire seas. You’ll feel drunk on the sheer lushness of nature, your senses overwhelmed by colors more vivid and varied than anything man can create—even a 64-box of Crayolas®! This isn’t the Hawaii of honeymoon packages and high rise hotels. Maui brims with opportunities to play outside in paradise, and Molokai blessedly remains undeveloped and far off the beaten path. Its rugged seclusion makes Molokai very difficult to explore on your own, so we’re proud to be the only U.S. operator to offer expeditions and insight into this island’s natural and cultural treasures. At the end of this adventure’s active days, relax in comfortable island-style lodgings with views of Eden. It’s hard to believe such a pristine playground lies right in North America’s backyard!

Activities

5 days moderate hiking, 3 days snorkeling, 1 day kayaking

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a spectacular sunrise hike up to the 10,023-foot-high Haleakala Crater
• Snorkel the brilliant reefs of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai-dolphins and sea turtles may join you for a swim!
• Hike down a 1,700-foot seaside trail to hauntingly beautiful and emotionally powerful Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement
• Kayak along the U.S.'s longest fringing reef
• Explore secluded Molokai with the only U.S. travel company to offer a trip to "the Most Hawaiian Island!"

2010 Prices
$3,195 (7-10 members)
$3,295 (4-6 members)
$3,395 (3 members)
$120 internal airfare
$1,400 single supplement

Minimum age 9

Duration: 9 days Start Location: Kahului, Maui End Location: Kahului, Maui Best time to go: January - March, July - August, December

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Kahului

  Aririve in Kahului, Maui.

• Day 2 : Molokai

  Fly to Molokai, the Hawaii of long ago-no fast food, malls, or traffic lights. Just pure, unadulterated paradise. Stay in eco-friendly lodges-with fantastic beach views! After checking in, we'll hike out to Dixie Maru, a beautiful deserted white sand beach.

• Day 3 : Kalaupapa

  Hike 1,700 feet down a steep sea cliff to the Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement, where up until 1969, 1,100 exiled lepers lived in isolation for 100 years.

• Day 4 : Halawa Valley

  Hike Molokai's Halawa Valley to spectacular Moaula and Hipuapua Falls, descending over 250- and 500-feet respectively! Discover why this is "the Most Hawaiian Island"-rocky headlands and deserted beaches interspersed with cultivated farmland. Snorkel at Morris Point, one of Molokai's favorites, and visit Father Damien's church at Kamalo.

• Day 5 : Kamalo Harbor – Maui

  Kayak along Molokai's reef down to Kamalo Harbor. Test your skills kayak surfing inside the reef (waves permitting)! Fly to Maui; overnight in Paia town, on the beautiful shores of Maui.

• Day 6 : Haleakala Crater

  An early start to watch the sun rise over 10,023-foot Haleakala Crater, and hike down into the crater. This afternoon, snorkel on the Maui coast.

• Day 7 : Hana Highway

  Travel along the Hana Highway to the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo, a tranquil oases punctuated by exquisite waterfalls. Then follow the Waimoku Trail through tropical bamboo forest and play on one of the beautiful red or black volcanic sand beaches at Hana.

• Day 8 : Lanai

  Visit Lanai, a small island off Maui, and snorkle with the Pacific Whale Foundation-and hopefully dolphins and sea turtles!-in some of Hawaii's most beautiful coral reefs. Lanai is also one of the world's best places for whale-watching (December-March departures). Wander Maui's historic Lahaina, then celebrate our last evening with a traditional Hawaiian luau!

• Day 9 : Departure

  After breakfast, transfer to the Kahului airport and depart.

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!

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