Small-group hiking in Hawaii

Your guide will meet you at the hotel at 8:00 a.m. Of the entire archipelago, Hawaii (or Big Island) is known for its authentic atmosphere. The island has preserved its character and Hawaiian culture. Not only is it the largest island, it is also the most diverse, with active volcanoes, white/black/green sand beaches, cloud forests, towering waterfalls, lava deserts and oceanic hot springs. You will set out to discover these exceptional sites. As for the volcanoes, we will hike as close as possible to the lava!

Explore one of Hawaii’s most remote valleys: the wild Pololū Valley. After a hike down to the beach, we’ll explore the Kohala coast, a favorite habitat for sea turtles. We’ll stop at Pu‘ukoholā and Lapakahi, with temples from ancient Hawaiians. In the evening, we’ll dine at Lava Lava Beach, an iconic local favorite, and enjoy a classic Hawaiian sunset (dinner not included).

Short walks: 2–3 hrs (5–7 km), elevation: +/-200 m

Visit the historic park of the “City of Refuge”, also known as Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau, with its traditional Polynesian-style houses perched on lava cliffs.

Short walks around the village, and swimming / snorkeling on one of the coral reefs—the best on the island—are on today’s program, before heading to the Captain Cook Memorial, honoring the explorer who introduced the archipelago to the Western world.

In the afternoon, you may rent sea kayaks (approx. $100 per person), meet dolphins by boat, swim with manta rays (approx. $100 per person), or explore secluded beaches in northern Kona.

Short walks: 1–2 hrs (3–5 km)

In the morning, we hike in the magnificent Kaloko-Honokōhau historic park. We walk alongside coral shelves toward ancient fishponds and impressive structures built by Hawaii’s early peoples.

In the afternoon, we take Saddle Road (one of the most spectacular in the world). We rise from sea level to 2,000 m altitude between two magnificent volcanoes: Mauna Kea (4,207 m) and Mauna Loa (4,169 m), going from rainforest to desert in a single day…

At Puu Huluhulu trailhead, you’ll see abundant vegetation. After arriving at the hotel in the evening, we’ll dine at the very authentic Uncle Billy’s: music, dance and meal. Overnight at Hilo Seaside.

Walks: 3–4 hrs (5–7 km), elevation: +/-100 m

After a quiet morning, we head to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, which includes part of Mauna Loa, the largest shield volcano on Earth. The park sits above a zone of constant volcanic activity—the very process that created the islands.

Trails will take us into massive craters venting sulfur vapors, and into lava tubes covered with ferns—landscapes in perpetual evolution! Hike along the Kīlauea crater, through cloud forest and giant ferns, and among ‘ōhi‘a trees. The views are spectacular.

Guided excursion depending on conditions (not included) or visit ‘Akaka and Waipi‘o waterfalls; or swim at Richardson Beach Park; or rent a 4x4 to reach the summit of Mauna Kea for sunset. Optional helicopter flight to see molten lava (not included / approx. $225).

Walks: 4–6 hrs, elevation: +/-300 m

On the way back to Kona, we reach Punalu‘u Beach and its black sand, a favorite resting place for sea turtles.

We then head to the southernmost point of the U.S. and follow the trail to the famous Green Sand Beach, whose color comes from olivine crystals produced by ancient volcanic eruptions.

Return to Kona for the night.

Walks on beaches and along cliffs: 3–4 hrs (8 km)

Flight to Līhu‘e on the island of Kaua‘i, then transfer to the hotel. Kaua‘i is nicknamed the Garden Isle and is considered by many to be the jewel of the Hawaiian archipelago—and we agree! Kaua‘i is the oldest island, with volcanoes dormant for over a million years. Erosion has carved an impressive landscape of lava cliffs and sharp ridgelines. Afternoon dedicated to beach time.

Overnight at the hotel.

When Mark Twain visited the Hawaiian Islands, he said Waimea Canyon was the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Its depth and red-orange rock tones are truly remarkable.

An early start allows us to reach the sublime Kalalau Lookout, with incredible views over the north shore, 1,200 m below! We then hike in one of the wettest places on Earth, Kōke‘e State Park. The Awa‘awapuhi Trail leads to extraordinary panoramas from the summits above the isolated north coast. If it rains, we can choose a more sheltered hike near the canyon, around the Cliff / Canyon / Black Pipe complex. At 1,000–1,200 m altitude, the air is cooler. With a bit of luck, we may spot the Nēnē, an endangered species native to the archipelago.

Hike: 5 hrs (15 km), elevation: +/-500 m

The island’s North Shore is known for unique landscapes. A narrow road winds all the way to the far end of the island, where the famous Kalalau Trail begins, clinging to cliffs above the ocean. The views are superb.

In the afternoon, you may stroll through the beautiful Limahuli Botanical Garden (paid entry, not included), enjoy nearby magnificent white-sand beaches, or admire bird colonies.

Hike: 2–3 hrs (7 km), elevation: +/-200 m (self-guided hike, according to current park regulations)

Weather permitting, optional helicopter flight above Kaua‘i’s cliffs (considered by many experts as one of the most beautiful helicopter flights in the world). Optional paid activity (approx. $210 per person for one hour).

Continue your journey with a flight transfer to the paradisiacal island of Maui. Maui is a large island made up of two dormant shield volcanoes. Of the three islands visited, it is by far the most touristic, and many couples choose to celebrate their wedding here to enjoy its dream beaches.

From December to April, humpback whales coming from the distant coasts of Alaska come to give birth off the island’s western side—ideal for whale watching from boats…

The submerged crater of Molokini, off the island, is a magical spot for scuba diving or simply snorkeling. Our hotel is located close to Kihei’s beaches and shopping streets.

Overnight at the hotel or in a condo (1–2 bedrooms, bathroom shared by 1 to 4 people).

Today’s program features the long and splendid road to the town of Hāna. Narrow and winding, it twists along cliffs before reaching Maui’s most remote locality.

We will stop at Wai‘ānapanapa State Park, where we can walk along sea cliffs on the “Ancient Kings” trail. Then we continue to our final destination and its red-sand beaches, where the Pacific’s giant waves crash. This brings our journey on Maui to an end.

Overnight at the hotel or in a condo.

This morning, you may enjoy a magnificent sunrise over the volcano that dominates Maui, in Haleakalā National Park. Your guide can offer a paid hike (approx. $150 per person). You will return to your apartment before noon.

End of the trip.

We recommend extending your stay on Maui to enjoy its beaches, or taking a connecting flight to Honolulu on the island of O‘ahu before boarding your return flight to Europe or to the U.S. West Coast.

Connecting flight (approx. $150) and hotel night in Honolulu not included (approx. $200–250 per room). Contact us

Possible extension on the West Coast (L.A., Seattle, San Francisco), or to Chicago, NYC or Washington.