Blue Hawaii

Day 1

En route to Kapaa, Kauai

Your Hawaiian walking adventure begins with a flight from the Mainland (not included) to Honolulu, then on to the Garden Island of Kauai (included). Upon arrival, you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy the South Sea ambiance and the shopping village next to our hotel in Kapaa. Because travelers will be arriving from the Mainland throughout the evening, no group activities are planned for today.

Day 2

Activities from Kapaa, Kauai (B)
Poipu Resort and Sugar Town Walk 10 km, rated 1

After breakfast, our first walk in the islands begins in the old sugar mill town of Kapaa and follows a 19th century trail to the sea. The resort area of Poipu provides a lovely setting along the Pacific for the second half of the walk. Join us this afternoon for a drive to the west side of the island for breathtaking views of Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," and the majestic, fluted Napali Cliffs.

Day 3

Kauai-Hilo, Hawaii "The Big Island" (B)
Hanalei King of Beaches Walk 10 km, rated 1+

This morning's walk is a delightful stroll through the resort area of Princeville and the taro farming community of Hanalei. Hanalei's crescent-shaped, white sand seashore may be the nearest thing to a perfect tropical beach setting you'll ever see; it was used as the backdrop for several Hollywood films, including the musical South Pacific. Later this afternoon, we'll fly to the Hilo side of "The Big Island."

Day 4

Activities from Hilo (B)
Volcanoes Nat'l Park Craters Walk 12 km, rated 3+/4

Today's activities begin at Volcanoes National Park, site of a 12 km walk exploring the wonders of Kilauea Volcano, the most active volcanic system on the planet. Our route takes us along the rim of Kilauea Caldera, legendary home of Pele, "Goddess of Fire." We'll cross the steam-vented lava floor of the Kilauea Iki Crater, walk through Thurston Lava Tube, and stand among many groves of giant tropical ferns. Afternoon options include a scenic drive along the lunar-like Chain of Craters Road to observe lava flows (if active), best viewed at twilight.

Day 5

Hilo-Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (B, L)
Valley of the Kings Walk 10 km, rated 4

Our first stop en route to the Kona Coast will be the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Gardens, a veritable Garden of Eden (except for a few mosquitoes!). After a no-host lunch break at a typically laid-back Hawaiian country diner, we'll visit Waipio Valley, the legendary Valley of the Kings, for a magnificent and challenging walk. Once we reach the floor of the "Valley of the Kings," we'll explore a remote Hawaiian black sand beach and wander through the lushness of old Hawaii along a dirt road, frequented only by hikers, wild horses, and 4-wheel drive vehicles. Be prepared to cross knee-deep Waipio Creek and walk through or around tropical-sized puddles. A 4-wheel drive van may be available to transport walkers for a less strenuous 5 km option along the valley floor.

Day 6

Activities from Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona Waterfront Stroll 10 km, rated 1

After 4 fun-filled days exploring Hawaii, today will be open for you to determine the schedule. Consider these intriguing options:

Day 7

Kailua-Kona-Lahaina, Maui (B)
Wailea Resort Promenade 10 km, rated 2+

After breakfast, we'll 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. We'll enjoy dreamy panoramas of Lanai and the northern part of Maui across the turquoise waters of the South Pacific. 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 8

Activities from Lahaina

Today you'll have the opportunity to relax in Lahaina or participate in an all-day excursion on the Road to Hana. Though only 50 miles long, this road winds through dense tropical forest and over more than 50 single-lane bridges. However, we've found the scenery worth the drive, especially if you aren't doing the driving! We'll make stops at points of interest along the way, including the remote gravesite of celebrated aviator, Charles Lindbergh.

Day 9

Activities from Lahaina (B)
Missionaries & Whalers Walk 10 km, rated 1

This morning's walk is an easy two-part stroll through the communities of Kaanapali (modern resort community) and Lahaina (historic whaling and missionary village). The two parts of the walk are connected by a short ride on the historic Sugar Cane Train. After disembarking in Lahaina, we'll explore the many historical buildings that remain from the whaling and missionary era, a sharp contrast with the modern shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Following free time back 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. Cost: $95.

Day 10

Day trip to Lanai (B, L)
Lanai Pineapple Island Hike 10 km, rated 3

We'll have an excellent chance of seeing whale activity this morning as we cruise across their winter calving waters in the Lahaina Roads to the pineapple island of Lanai. This full day's excursion includes a round-trip ferry cruise, nature walk, time for lunch, and a unique opportunity to experience a more tranquil, less visited face of Hawaii!

Day 11

Activities in Lahaina OR optional day trip to Molokai (D)

Travelers on past trips invariably come to the last day of the trip and feel that they have truly experienced the real Hawaii. What they don't always experience is some of that famed Hawaii "hang loose" time-simply soaking in the tropical laidback ambiance. We've now added a day to the tour to allow more opportunities to do just that. Just in case you prefer still another all-Hawaiian adventure, however, we're offering an optional flight-seeing trip to Molokai. We'll fly from Maui to the peninsula of Kalaupapa, made famous by the Belgian priest Father Damien, who devoted his life to improving the lives of the lepers banished here as outcasts from society in the 1800s. The tour of this isolated settlement will be guided by one of the residents and includes panoramic views of some of the most impressive sea cliffs in Hawaii. Cost: To be announced.

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

Day 12

Maui-Hometown, USA (B)

After breakfast, we'll bid a fond farewell to new walking friends and return home, refreshed by our wintertime Adventure exploring the history, culture, and scenery of Blue Hawaii!

Day 1

Maui-Waikiki, Oahu (B)
Diamond Head Walk 12 km, rated 4+

Upon arrival in Waikiki, we'll begin the Diamond Head Walk. What makes this trail unique is the walk up into the crater of this famous Oahu landmark to the army lookout post on the crater rim. Stunning views of the surrounding beaches and mountains await those who make the trek!

Day 2

Activities in Honolulu (B)
Honolulu Capitol Walk 10 km, rated 1

We'll experience Honolulu on a wonderfully routed walk today that includes historic points of interest such as the State Capitol, Kawaiahao Church, China Town, and Iolani Palace (only royal palace on American soil).

Day 3

Activities from Waikiki

Today is open to explore the options available from our well-situated hotel. Enjoy the many shops of Waikiki, snorkel in Hanauma Bay, join us for an optional excursion to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and an afternoon/evening at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This well-designed exhibition presents the fascinating cultures of the seven Polynesian islands through music, dance, crafts, and food. The grand finale is a spectacular evening show with traditional Hawaiian fire-eaters, hula dancers, and more! Cost: To be announced.

Day 4

Oahu-Hometown, USA

After 15 days exploring the wonders of these enchanting tropical islands, we'll depart for the Honolulu airport this morning, and a reluctant return to wintertime reality on the Mainland.

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