Hawaii's Big Island and Oahu's Big City in 8 Days

From Honolulu to Hilo, this eight-day tour of Oahu and the Big Island showcases the biodiverse landscapes, wildlife-abundant waters, and layered culture of the Aloha State.

Country
The USA
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
From
$5,493 /person
Book this trip

Your trip at a glance

Top Activities

Hiking Diamond Head for sweeping views of Oahu from the shoreline to the mountains

Kayaking to Oahu's Mokulua Islands and snorkeling with sea turtles

Tasting Hawaiian coffee straight from the source on a Big Island coffee farm tour

Watching the sun descend and the stars emerge from the top of Mauna Kea

Uncovering volcano views and wildlife-rich trails in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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Preview:

Mokulua Islands Kayaking and Bishop Museum

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Overview

Yesterday began on the mountain, so it’s only fair that today starts in the water. This morning, you’ll meet up with your excerpt kayaking guide for a five-hour paddling tour to the Mokulua “Twin” Islands, a seabird sanctuary just offshore. You’ll paddle through the waves in an exhilarating and rewarding adventure before reaching the remote island beach. Here, you’ll have time to explore tide pools and coastal trails. You’ll also snorkel above the vibrant coral reefs in Kailua’s turtle feeding grounds, where tropical fish and green sea turtles tend to glide through the clear, warm sea. Upon your return to dry land, you’ll switch from nature to culture in the day’s second activity. This afternoon, you’ll visit the Bishop Museum, the state’s premier natural and cultural history institution. You’ll move about the immersive exhibits at your own pace, uncovering stories of the island’s origins, ecology, cultures, biodiversity, and more. When you’re finished in the museum, the rest of today and tonight is yours at leisure. Why not grab dinner in Honolulu and experience the city's contemporary culture? Or, savor a tropical cocktail as the sun begins to set, clinking your glass to a day well spent?

Highlights

Guided Mokulua Islands Kayaking Tour

Set out across the brilliant blue waters of Kailua Bay on this morning's guided and thrilling kayaking journey to the otherworldly Mokulua Islands. A true adventure, the day’s tour brings you beyond the shoreline to experience Oʻahu’s windward coast from the water, offering sweeping views of Lanikai’s powdery white sands and the dramatic Koʻolau Mountains. Upon reaching the island, you'll hike, swim, and snorkel — a holy trinity of Hawaiian activities.

The Bishop Museum

Dig deep into Hawaiian culture and history at The Bishop Museum, whose exhibits overlap with ancient Hawaiian navigation, royal artifacts, featherwork, and stories of Polynesian voyaging. Within the museum, you’ll also find fascinating displays on volcanology, native ecosystems, and Pacific Island cultures. A one-stop shop for all things Hawaiian history, the museum compliments the experiences you’ve had in Oahu thus far.

Accommodations

Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head (or similar)

Fall asleep to the rumble of the waves and wake up to views of Diamond Head from Lotus Honolulu, a luxury hotel with access to the best of Oahu. Rooms range in both style and size, with options for waterfront and park views, and all come with private lanais, Illy coffee systems and pods, air conditioning, and reusable water bottles. The property's crown jewel, however, is its location, as you'll be directly on beach, ready to swim, surf, and sunbathe at any given moment.

Location:

2885 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

Phone:

+18089221700

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How it works

01

Fill out request form

Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.

02

Meet your expert

Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.

03

Book your trip

Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.

04

Take-off

Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.

Ready to Go?

Let our local experts plan your dream trip.

What's included

Included in the final price

  • Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
  • 24/7 on-the-ground support
  • On-trip concierge service
  • Personalized trip crafting
  • Entry and exit information and assistance
  • Accommodations for seven nights
  • All meals and culinary experiences mentioned in the itinerary
  • All activities, guided tours, and experiences mentioned in the itinerary
  • Rental car for days in Oahu mentioned in the itinerary
  • Rental car for days on the Big Island mentioned in the itinerary

Not included in the final price

  • International arrival and departure flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Anything not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary

Ready to see the full itinerary?

Submit a free request to talk with our local experts.

Let's Go
Day 1:
Welcome to Hawaii!
Day 2:
Diamond Head and Authentic Luau Experience
Day 3:
Mokulua Islands Kayaking and Bishop Museum
Day 4:
Onward to the Big Island!
Day 5:
Lei-Making, Plunging Waterfalls, and Farm-to-Table Dinner
Day 6:
Coffee Farm Tour and Stargazing Atop Mauna Kea
Day 7:
Hiking Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Day 8:
Until the Next Time!