Overview
Isolated in the middle of the North Pacific, Hawaii fires the imagination. We invite you to explore 4 of the 8 inhabited islands of this stunning archipelago . On the menu: dream beaches, a spectacular national park with active volcanoes, exceptional scenic drives, impressive waterfalls , vertiginous canyons with lush tropical vegetation, legendary surf and diving spots, not to mention Pearl Harbor and its historic remains!
Itinerary
Day 1 • Arrival in Oahu (Honolulu)
Aloha!
Arrival on the island of Oahu, in Honolulu. Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel. For short stays (2 nights), the best option is to stay on Waikiki Beach. Although quite built-up, it remains the most photographed beach in the archipelago. And the nightlife is lively!
Overnight in Honolulu (Waikiki).
Day 2 • Oahu / Pearl Harbor
Although it is the 3rd island of the archipelago by area, Oahu is the most densely populated, with nearly 1 million inhabitants, most of them in and around Honolulu in the south.
Even if Oahu cannot compete with its spectacular neighbors, it still offers plenty of interesting sights, starting with Pearl Harbor and the sites commemorating the deadly surprise attack of December 7, 1941 by the Japanese navy and air force, which led to the United States entering World War II.
Close to Honolulu and the airport, these memorial sites remain deeply moving, especially the most famous one: the USS Arizona Memorial.
After the introductory movie at the Visitor Center, you cross the harbor by boat to the memorial itself, a large white monument evoking the shape of the battleship whose name it bears, lying there under more than 6m of water...
Overnight in Honolulu / Waikiki.
Day 3 • Oahu / Diamond Head & North Shore
The fascinating Bishop Museum is dedicated to the archipelago and, beyond that, to the whole Pacific. Besides its rich collection of ethnographic artifacts, it features a planetarium and exhibitions about Hawaii's natural environment.
Head to Diamond Head, an impressive crater 1 km wide, located south of Waikiki. No lake or lava anymore, but a lighthouse and a breathtaking view from the summit (you won't be alone).
On the east side of the island lies beautiful Hanauma Bay, with its superb beach and outstanding coral reefs.
The most beautiful part of Oahu is the North Shore. The coast is famous for its huge rolling waves that crash in, especially in winter, delighting (or terrifying) surfers. To watch them, go to Ehukai Beach (home to the famous "Banzai Pipeline") or Sunset Beach. This area is greener too, like the lovely Waimea Valley.
Overnight in Honolulu / Waikiki.
Day 4 • Oahu (Honolulu) - Kauai (Lihue)
Drive to Honolulu airport and return your car. Flight to Lihue, on the island of Kauai to the north, then pick up your car.
Nicknamed the Garden Isle, its landscapes are exceptionally wild and beautiful. It's our favorite island! On the north side, the Na Pali coast is one of Kauai's two wonders, with its vertiginous cliffs, waterfalls and isolated valleys. Hiking lovers: Kauai will exceed your expectations!
In the northwest, the famous Waimea Canyon will undoubtedly be one of your strongest memories. Rightly nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific", it offers striking color contrasts, from green to the reddish-brown of laterite, reminiscent of another canyon in Utah, Zion.
The viewpoints along the beautiful Waimea Canyon Drive are spectacular, between cliffs, ridges and waterfalls... Don't hesitate to plan a trail to explore it.
Overnight on the island (locations may vary).
Day 5 • Kauai
The north of Kauai is more rural, and also wetter in winter, so the vegetation is lush. It's the kingdom of sheltered sandy coves and beaches, often quiet or even deserted, like Moloa'a Beach or Secret Beach...
Surf lovers will find several well-known spots. Among the highlights: the Na' Aina Kai Botanical Gardens and Kilauea Point, a protected site where seabirds nest. The lighthouse offers great views!
Overnight on the island (locations may vary).
Day 6 • Kauai
We mentioned the fabulous Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon... Still on the north side, we recommend visiting Koke'e State Park, near Waimea, offering beautiful hiking opportunities and one of Hawaii’s most stunning views over Kalalau Valley.
On the east side, besides the airport and the town of Lihue, continue to the photogenic Wailua Falls, although access to the top is now prohibited.
Overnight on the island (various locations).
Day 7 • Kauai
Drive along the Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway to discover some of Hawaii’s most iconic sites, then follow the Kōloa Heritage Trail in search of 14 historical treasures along the south coast.
At Kilohana Plantation, step back in time with a train ride around the estate, enjoy a delicious meal and taste the unique flavors of award-winning Kōloa Rum.
While we mentioned the Waimea region, with its magnificent canyon and waterfalls, do not miss the historic district of Waimea town.
It was here that James Cook landed on the shores of Kauai in 1778.
The Kauaʻi Museum highlights the island’s geology, royal heritage and cultural traditions.
Overnight on the island (various locations).
Day 8 • Kauai (Lihue) - Big Island (Kona / Hilo)
Drive to Lihue airport and return your car. Flight to Kona (or Hilo), on Big Island, then pick up your car.
Also called... Hawaii, Big Island is volcanic in origin, and you'll quickly notice. As its name suggests, it's the largest of the Hawaiian islands, with more than 400 km of coastline.
Landscapes are varied: snow-capped peaks, lush tropical forests, rugged cliffs, black sand beaches... But it's the fabulous Volcanoes National Park in the south that draws (almost) all the attention. Some areas are arid, yet vegetation has reclaimed the older lava fields.
The east coast, exposed to prevailing winds and sea spray, is greener and covered with sugar cane. The west coast, sunnier and drier, hosts most visitors, who come for the beautiful beaches and many golf courses.
Overnight on the west coast.
Day 9 • Big Island
The center of the island is marked by the craters of two volcanoes: Mauna Kea in the north and Mauna Loa in the south.
Nearly one million years old, Mauna Loa (whose Hawaiian name means "long mountain") is the most massive active volcano and one of the highest in the world (4,170m). Its lava flows cover more than half the island.
Mauna Kea, meaning "White Mountain" (its slopes are often snow-covered in winter — you can even ski from December to April!), is the highest volcano in the Hawaiian archipelago, reaching 4,205m.
With pure air and a mostly clear sky, it's a superb place for astronomical observation. Several observatories are located there, including the renowned W. M. Keck Observatory.
Visits are possible, but limited.
Overnight on the west coast.
Day 10 • Big Island
Head to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. "Volcanoes" because it indeed hosts several volcanoes, two of which are active: Mauna Loa and Kilauea.
The ongoing eruptions of Kilauea pour lava into the ocean, constantly extending the island!
It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, who come to watch the activity from the famous Crater Rim Drive. A stop at the Visitor Center is essential to check conditions (roads, trails, activity...).
Further south are two beautiful beaches: Punaluu, with black sand where you may spot sea turtles, and Papakolea, reached after a 5 km walk across lava fields, with its surprising olive-green sand.
Overnight on the west coast.
Day 11 • Big Island
Located on the island’s west coast, the Kona region is known as the sunniest part of the island.
Surrounded by Pacific beaches on one side and black volcanic rock plains on the other, Kona is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and fertile soil, making it the prime region for coffee plantations.
It is also a popular seaside resort, appreciated for its lovely golden sand beaches bordered by black rock. The town center is lively and well frequented. Manta ray snorkeling cruises depart from Kona.
North of Kona, beautiful Hapuna Beach reveals turquoise waters known to be among the warmest on the island.
South of Kona, the Coffee Belt Road brings together charming Hawaiian villages and coffee plantations that you can visit.
Overnight on the west coast of the island.
Day 12 • Big Island (Kona / Hilo) - Maui (Kahului)
Drive to Kona (or Hilo) airport and return your car. Flight to Kahului, on the island of Maui, then pick up your car.
About 50 km north of Big Island, Maui is the second-largest island in the archipelago and probably the most sought-after by tourists, including many honeymooners who come to relax on its roughly one hundred paradise beaches.
But Maui isn't only luxury resorts and pristine white sand beaches. It is home to a huge volcano now in its final stage: Haleakala.
It alone represents about two-thirds of the island, and its crater is among the largest in the world, with a 35 km circumference and nearly 1 km depth! The crater area has been a national park since 1961.
Overnight on the west coast.
Day 13 • Maui
Western Maui is sheltered from the trade winds, which bring rain to the east coast in winter.
Among the beaches, Big Beach in Makena State Park is a true postcard-perfect crescent bay.
The island offers several options for whale watching, especially from Lahaina.
And the two nearby islands of Lanai and Molokai are just offshore: reachable by ferry to Lanai (about 1h) and by plane to Molokai (about 25 minutes).
Maui still has two working sugar cane refineries, including one in Paia, in the northeast.
To us, the most beautiful part is the eastern side of the island, far from the west's beach clichés. You'll find charming little villages, flowering fields and orchards. And of course the stunning coastal road: the Hana Highway!
Overnight on the west coast (or you may choose one or more nights in a B&B).
Day 14 • Maui
We mentioned the scenic Road to Hana... It hides a unique place in the world, Maui’s Bamboo Forest, home to natural pools, waterfalls, and a dense bamboo forest — a true treasure. A must-do hike!
The trails lined with majestic bamboo form impressive natural arches. Their height can reach up to ten meters, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The beautiful Na'ili'ili-Haele Falls offer a refreshing stop, perfect for swimming. Along the way, you can stop at roadside stands to taste local fruits.
Also along the Road to Hana, Waiʻanapanapa State Park is famous for its black sand beach, lava caves, natural arches, freshwater pools and hiking trails.
At the end of the road, the peaceful village of Hana Town offers an authentic glimpse of local life.
Overnight on the west coast (or possibility to stay one or more nights in a B&B).
Day 15 • Maui (Kahului) - Oahu (Honolulu) - Departure from Hawaii
Transfer to Kahului Airport and return your car. Flight to Honolulu on the island of Oahu, then return flight to Europe (arrival the following day!).
Note: depending on flight schedules, we may need to add a final night in Honolulu.
Extension of stay (stopover on the mainland in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Montreal, New York...) or itinerary modification: please consult us
Good to know
The displayed price
The prices shown in the table are indicative. They may vary depending on your travel dates, the choice and/or availability of accommodations, the booking date... The refined price is stated in the offer we send you, based on the parameters we have.
When to go ?
Weather on the Hawaiian islands is very stable, with temperatures varying only slightly throughout the year. Hawaii essentially has two seasons: summer (kau) from May to October, and winter (hooilo) from November to April. Average daytime temperature at sea level is about 29°C in summer and 26°C in winter.
Most rainfall occurs in the mountains and valleys on the windward (northeast) slopes of the islands. The rainiest period is from November to March, but winter showers are generally very localized: if it rains where you are, chances are you will find sunshine further along the coast. Please contact us.
Rooms in the USA
With the notable exception of big cities, the price of a hotel room varies little depending on the number of occupants. Bed sizes are given for information only. The vast majority of hotels accept a maximum of 4 people per room (2 beds).
Driving in the USA
There is no particular risk and it is even easy. The priority rule at intersections without traffic lights is “first come, first served”. In other words, there is no priority from the right: you proceed according to the order of arrival. By default, when you reach a traffic light, you may turn right even on red—but you do not have priority! You will also need to get used to the imperial system: distances in miles (1 mile = 1.6 km) and speed in miles per hour (“mph”). Beware of speeding: fines are steep...
