Christmas in Hawaii

Already Walked for 2010!

Take a break during the flurry of holiday activity this Christmas and join us as we “hang loose” under the Islands’ tropical sun! We’ll be visiting some of our favorite haunts, including:

• Valley of the Kings—some of the wildest, most exotic trails in the Islands are here in the remote Waipio Valley
• Volcanoes National Park—it’s hard to describe walking across the floor of Kilauea Iki Crater with steam from an active volcano venting around your feet!
• A walk exploring the beautiful resort area of Wailea, and a stroll through Kaanapali and historic Lahaina, connected via the nostalgic Sugar Cane Train
• Island of Lanai—we’ll cruise through the Lahaina Roads from Maui to Lanai to discover this Hawaiian hideaway on foot!
• Road to Hana—an optional excursion showcases this infamous stretch of road, with over 50 single-lane bridges taking us through the lush tropical scenes of Maui’s “wet side”!

Daily Itinerary

DAY 1: DEC 2: ARRIVE KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII (“THE BIG ISLAND”)

Your Christmas in Hawaii walking adventure begins with a flight from the mainland (not included) to the Kona Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. Upon arrival, you’ll have the balance of the day to enjoy the South Sea ambiance from our hotel, situated directly on the water. Because travelers are arriving from the mainland throughout the day, the only group activity planned is a Welcome Reception this evening.

DAY 2: DEC 3: ACTIVITIES FROM KAILUA-KONA (B)
Kailua–Kona Waterfront Stroll – 10 km, rated 1

We’ll start slow this morning with an easy 10 km walk along the coast, sponsored by the Menehune Marchers walking club from Oahu. This afternoon you are invited to join us for a fascinating exploration of the Kona coast that includes a visit to the dreamy palm-studded seascapes of the Place of Refuge, where Hawaiians could escape the harsh justice of the Kapu system. On the return trip, we’ll visit a coffee plantation to learn firsthand how famous Kona beans are grown.

DAY 3: DEC 4: KAILUA-KONA – HILO (B,L)
Valley of the Kings Walk – 10 km, rated 4

On your way to the Hilo side of the Big Island, enjoy a royally memorable walk in the Valley of the Kings, set in a verdant and remote tropical wonderland. During this regal trek along the valley floor, feast your eyes on black sand beaches, towering cliffs, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.  If you’re hungry after this jaunt, you can satisfy your cravings with a famous hot malasada (deep-fried Hawaiian pastry!) at the Tex Drive-In during our lunch stop. Then you’ll drink up a beautiful view of Akaka Falls before arriving at your Hilo hotel.
 
DAY 4: DEC 5: ACTIVITIES FROM HILO (B)
Volcanoes Nat’l Park Craters Walk – 12 km, rated 3+/4

Today your feet will tread upon some of the most massive and active volcanoes on the planet!  Meander through the gently sloping lava-scape of Kilauea, enjoying caldera views, steam-vented craters, and lava tubes.  Afternoon options include a visit to Jaggers Museum and a scenic drive to observe the lava flows (if active), best viewed at twilight.
 
DAY 5: DEC 6: HILO – LAHAINA, MAUI (B)
Wailea Resort Promenade Walk – 10 km, rated 2+

After breakfast, we board a plane and head for “The Valley Isle” of Maui. Today’s trail explores a series of posh resorts along the leeward side of the island. The walk finishes along the beachfront walkway that runs the length of the resorts. Our final destination is Lahaina, where the ghosts of the raucous 19th century whaling era coexist peacefully, at last, with the more durable landmarks of missionary efforts.
 
DAY 6: DEC 7: ACTIVITIES FROM LAHAINA (B)
Missionaries & Whalers Walk – 10 km, rated 1

Your stroll this morning begins in the beautiful beach resort community of Ka’anapali. A brief ride on the historic Sugar Cane Train will connect you with the second half of the walk in Lahaina.  Before Hawaii’s annexation by the United States, Lahaina was the “Royal Capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom” as well as the center of the global whaling industry. Clashes here between the whalers and missionaries were quite severe in the 19th century, but now peace reigns supreme in this sunny oceanfront community on the west end of Maui. Following free time in Lahaina, our optional evening event is the Old Lahaina Luau (not included), an authentic evening of traditional Hawaiian food, music, and dance in a unique beachfront setting!
 
DAY 7: DEC 8: ACTIVITIES FROM LAHAINA (B)

Today you’ll have the opportunity to relax in Lahaina or participate in an optional all-day excursion on the Road to Hana (not included). Though only 50 miles long, this road winds through dense tropical forest and over more than 50 single-lane bridges. We’ve found the scenery worth the drive, however, especially if you aren’t doing the driving! We’ll make stops at points of interest along the way, have lunch at a black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park, and conclude our drive at the city of Hana.

DAY 8: DEC 9: DAY TRIP TO LANAI (B,L)
Lanai Pineapple Island Hike – 10 km, rated 3

It’s a bit early in the season, but keep your eyes peeled this morning for whales (and dolphins!), as we cruise across their winter calving waters in the Lahaina Roads channel to the pineapple island of Lanai. This all-day excursion includes a round-trip ferry cruise, nature walk, lunch at a fun local eatery, and a unique opportunity to experience a more tranquil, less-visited face of Hawaii!

DAY 9: DEC 10: ACTIVITIES IN LAHAINA (B,D)

No trip to Hawaii would be complete without a little “hang loose” time.  Today, we’ll take a break from our usually full WAI itinerary in favor of letting you call the shots on this last full day in the islands.  Soak up some rays on the beach, shop ‘til you drop, read a book under the giant banyan tree in Courthouse Square, take in a harbor cruise, enjoy a chance to snorkel, or a drive up to see the view from atop Haleakalā, the massive volcano that forms most of Maui.  The choice is yours!

Later this evening, we’ll enjoy a fun and relaxing Farewell Dinner together along the beach on Maui.

DAY 10: DEC 11: RETURN HOME FROM MAUI (B)

Our yuletide spirit has been refreshed and enriched by exploring the history, culture, and scenery of the Islands during our Christmas in Hawaii! After breakfast this morning, we'll say “Mele Kalikimaka” to new walking friends and return to the wintertime climes of North America, and our own celebrations of the Season back home.

Email us at fun@walkingadventures.com
Call us at 800-779-0353
PO BOX 871000 VANCOUVER WA 98687-1000 USA