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Hawaiian Explorer First Class
8 Day First Class Hawaii Tour from Honolulu to Maui
Waikiki and Maui, Pearl Harbor, and the volcanic energy of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are yours to discover on this Hawaii tour. Sip a fragrant brew at a Kona coffee plantation and visit Punalu'u Beach—home to black sand and sea turtles basking in the sun—topped off with a classic Hawaiian luau.
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Trip code
DHSF
Hawaiian Explorer First Class
8 Day First Class Hawaii Tour from Honolulu to Maui
Waikiki and Maui, Pearl Harbor, and the volcanic energy of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are yours to discover on this Hawaii tour. Sip a fragrant brew at a Kona coffee plantation and visit Punalu'u Beach—home to black sand and sea turtles basking in the sun—topped off with a classic Hawaiian luau.
Ease into the warm embrace of Hawaii’s Aloha spirit, donning a flower lei on arrival to kick-start your love affair with the Pacific islands. Explore the golden beaches of Waikiki before gathering for a Hawaiian-style Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Aston Waikiki Beach - Moderate (City View), First Class (Partial Ocean View), Premier (Ocean View)
Today we visit Pearl Harbor National Monument and the USS Arizona Memorial as well as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. USS Arizona tickets are subject to NPS availability not known till day before visit. Also today in downtown Honolulu, see the Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha I Statue and State Capitol Building before spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
See the Volcanic Beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Fly to the Big Island of Hawaii, on arrival in the charming town of Hilo you will have time to explore and enjoy the beautiful Liliuokalani Gardens, the largest ornamental Japanese gardens outside Japan. Next visit the UNESCO listed Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the Thurston Lava Tube (when open) and learn about the geology of the Islands. We continue along the coast to Punalu’u Beach park, famous for its black sand and Hawaiian green sea turtles. This evening as we arrive in Kailua Kona, we meet our Local Specialist who will share insights into the graceful Manta rays that are clearly visible from the hotel before enjoying rich Island flavors at dinner tonight.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa - Moderate (Mountain View), First Class (Partial Ocean View), Premier (Ocean View)
Wake to the sound of the sea and embrace your outdoor adventurer for an invigorating day at leisure to explore the natural wonderland of the Big Island on your own or join an optional trip to a hidden waterfall and scenic ocean overlook or a thrilling snorkeling trip.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Evening Manta Snorkel
Participate in a feeding frenzy in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, in the darkness of night, with creatures as large as 16 ft. across and weighing 1,000 lbs. The Travel Channel named this particular tour one of the 10 things you must do in your lifetime, and for good reason. Our Night Manta Experience is a unique and singular experience and this is the only place on the entire planet you can do it at night. Features of experience: Snorkel with manta rays…at night; Hot chocolate and cookie; Wetsuits and flotation devices provided; Snorkel gear (including Rx masks) included.
Adult Price: $127.00
Optional Experience
Kohala Waterfalls Adventure
Immerse yourself in Kohala’s stunning beauty and rich history. On a fun off-road adventure and relaxed trail walk, experience dramatic views of Pololu Valley, charming foot bridges, historic taro terraces and intimate waterfalls. With an opportunity to swim at a waterfall, this is the perfect tour for all ages. Lunch Included.
Experience the Sights, flavours and wildlife of Hawaii
Today we enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as we visit the Hawaii Ocean Science & Technology Park where you will have the choice of visiting a deep Ocean Salt farm to learn about the importance of salt in Hawaiian culture and its production from the deep ocean or visiting the Kanaloa Octopus Farm where researchers are exploring new techniques for aquaculture and sustainable farming. We return to the lively town of Kailua Kona where you will have time to explore before we return to the resort. This evening lose yourself in the moment as we embrace the wonderful tradition of the Hawaiian Luau and enjoy a dinner featuring local flavors and tropical cocktails.
We Connect With Locals during a visit to a unique coffee plantation to learn how coffee is grown and roasted before we travel to the airport for a short flight to Maui. On arrival we enjoy a Be My Guest Experience at a local sustainable farm in the high country of Maui. Enjoy a healthy lunch with wine before we journey to our resort on stunning Kaanapali beach. As the sun sets over the Pacific, take a gentle stroll to nearby Whalers Village or venture into old town Lahaina to dine at one of the many restaurants.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 7
Enjoy Free Time In Maui
Indulge in a full day on your terms to do as little or as much as you want in paradise. Rise before dawn and journey up the summit of Haleakalā or live your passions, exploring art, culture and heritage in picturesque surrounds. Give yourself permission to connect with your surroundings without worrying about a thing. This evening, celebrate an encounter with Hawaii, joining your travel companions for a lively Farewell Dinner.
For those that love adventure and a great BBQ, this is definitely the trip for you and your family. The day starts with delicious Kona coffee, tropical juices and a continental breakfast. You will experience two premier snorkel destinations (seasonal) as our helpful crew takes care of all your needs. After dropping the anchor to snorkel, we fire up the grill and prepare a delicious BBQ meal for you right on the boat! We then open up the bar and enjoy an invigorating trade wind sail (seasonal) back to Ka’anapali. Total duration approximately 4.5 hours. (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $159.00
Optional Experience
Sunrise Haleakala
Set your alarm and get ready to dress warmly as we prepare to make the 38 mile trip up to the summit of the dormant volcano known as Haleakala. The temperature stays around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the sight of the sun rising from 10,000 ft above sea level will soon warm you up. Breakfast Included. Total duration approximatley 6 hours. (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $215.00
Optional Experience
Whalewatch Lahaina with Transportation to Lahaina (November - March)
Informative and fun, each two-hour classic whalewatch is led by a team of Pacific Whale Foundation's certified Marine Naturalists, who explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones, watch mothers and calves interact and see males compete for females. Every trip is different; you never know what you will experience! Total duration approximately 3 hours. (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $82.00
Day 8
Farewell Maui
For now it’s time to say a fond a hui hou... until we meet again. Make your way to Kahului Airport or consider extending your stay in Maui.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 4
Evening Manta Snorkel
Participate in a feeding frenzy in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, in the darkness of night, with creatures as large as 16 ft. across and weighing 1,000 lbs. The Travel Channel named this particular tour one of the 10 things you must do in your lifetime, and for good reason. Our Night Manta Experience is a unique and singular experience and this is the only place on the entire planet you can do it at night. Features of experience: Snorkel with manta rays…at night; Hot chocolate and cookie; Wetsuits and flotation devices provided; Snorkel gear (including Rx masks) included.
Adult Price: $127.00
Available on day 4
Kohala Waterfalls Adventure
Immerse yourself in Kohala’s stunning beauty and rich history. On a fun off-road adventure and relaxed trail walk, experience dramatic views of Pololu Valley, charming foot bridges, historic taro terraces and intimate waterfalls. With an opportunity to swim at a waterfall, this is the perfect tour for all ages. Lunch Included.
For those that love adventure and a great BBQ, this is definitely the trip for you and your family. The day starts with delicious Kona coffee, tropical juices and a continental breakfast. You will experience two premier snorkel destinations (seasonal) as our helpful crew takes care of all your needs. After dropping the anchor to snorkel, we fire up the grill and prepare a delicious BBQ meal for you right on the boat! We then open up the bar and enjoy an invigorating trade wind sail (seasonal) back to Ka’anapali. Total duration approximately 4.5 hours. (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $159.00
Available on day 7
Sunrise Haleakala
Set your alarm and get ready to dress warmly as we prepare to make the 38 mile trip up to the summit of the dormant volcano known as Haleakala. The temperature stays around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the sight of the sun rising from 10,000 ft above sea level will soon warm you up. Breakfast Included. Total duration approximatley 6 hours. (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $215.00
Available on day 7
Whalewatch Lahaina with Transportation to Lahaina (November - March)
Informative and fun, each two-hour classic whalewatch is led by a team of Pacific Whale Foundation's certified Marine Naturalists, who explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones, watch mothers and calves interact and see males compete for females. Every trip is different; you never know what you will experience! Total duration approximately 3 hours. (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $82.00
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
7 nights
Accommodation
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12 Meals
1 Welcome Reception, 7 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner, 1 Regional Dinner, 1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Relish an educational farm-to-fork experience and help gather fresh produce for your al fresco lunch.
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore a local coffee plantation on Big Island of Hawaii and wonders of Manta Rays in Keauhou Beach with a Local Specialist
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Discover Honolulu, Kailua-Kona
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Visit Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii Ocean Science Park, and a local farm on Maui with a Local Specialist
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See Black Sand beach and dine oceanside at Kaanapali beach
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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All transport and transfers shown
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Hawaiian Explorer First Class trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Based on 129 independent reviews
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Hawaiian Explorer trip
Trip Rating
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5
The itinerary was exactly what we wanted for a first time trip to Hawaii. The tour guide was excellent and made the trip because of his knowledge of the area and being super organized. Hotel in Honolulu was just OK and needed lots of work - location was the best thing going. The Hyatt in Maui was a first class resort and the finest hotel of the bunch. All of the coaches were in good shape and clean with good drivers.
The online information was useful and the phone agents were helpful after waiting a long time to talk to them. Questions were answered so I knew upfront what to expect.
Hawaii would be pretty hard to screw up. Hotel in Honolulu needs some major updating but the view was fabulous. Other two hotel were great, especially one in Maui. Coaches were nice. All of the drivers were too.
We got a great overview of Hawaii. Nice mix of down time and activity. Saw things, like the coffee plantation and the farm lunch, that we would not have seen otherwise. Got some good tips from the tour director; places to shop, restaurants, walking trails.
The travel director, Robert was great; very knowledgeable and pleasant. Each driver was very good. Most hotel staff were good. One hostess, German-accented at Umalu, Hyatt Maui was condescending and unpleasant. The luggage handling was seamless. The luau was a little too commercial for me. I preferred the volcanoes national park, black sand beach, farm experience, the coffee plantation and the Ocean Center. Hotels were a little uneven. Very dated in Waikiki, nice in Hawaii, over the top in Maui. Hawaii was my favorite.
Intra-Air: Prices include economy inter-island airfares and all related charges as applicable as of 20 May, 2022 for Honolulu-Kona and Hilo-Kahului flights and are subject to change without notice until time of booking. Inter-island airlines charge a baggage handling fee of USD$25 (subject to change) per first checked suitcase on each inter-island flight that is not covered in the prices and is the responsibility of the guest. Please reference the Booking Conditions for more information.
Hotels: Choose from Moderate, First Class or Premier Room categories at your Hawaiian hotels to complete your Hawaii vacation. See Trafalgar.com for prices. Trip base price is taken from Moderate category.
Room Share is not available on this trip.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
