Compare Grand Hawaii Vacation by Globus vs Hawaii: Ocean and Islands Adventure by Discover Corps
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 13 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 4,989 | $ 4,595 |
| Price Per Day | $ 384 | $ 656 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A |
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 3 Dinners |
| Description | Every day is Hawaiian shirt day on this ultimate vacation to Hawaii and its lush, tropical islands. How else would you dress for palm-lined beaches, breezy scenic cruises, and traditional luaus with haupia and hula? Even your loudest prints will serve as camouflage as you journey through the resplendent rainforests of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii. A kaleidoscope of hues for the eyes, the Hawaiian Islands equally spread the wonder across all senses. The sweet fragrance of orchids and jasmine fill the air, the sounds of crashing waves and plucking ukuleles can be heard for miles, and the taste of rich Kona coffee, and fresh Hawaiian malasadas are worth the trip alone. Leading you to verdant valleys and sky-high volcanoes, sprawling plantations and scenic parks, and historic museums and heart-warming memorials, this tour of Hawaii is as beautiful as your boldest Hawaiian shirt. |
From towering volcanoes to some of the world’s best beaches, Hawaii is defined by its stunning natural beauty. On these islands, everything is more extreme - the ocean is bluer, the rainforests are greener and the warmth of the locals is exemplified by the Aloha state of mind. But if you dig deeper below the surface, you’ll quickly see that the ancient Hawaiian people have left a legacy of indigenous wisdom and sustainability that can serve as a model for many of today’s pressing issues. From tackling climate change to protecting biodiversity, innovative practices are being pioneered on these remote Pacific Islands. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN HONOLULU
Welcome to Honolulu! Meet your Tour Director in the lobby between 3pm and 6pm.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & TRADITION Located on the south shore of Oahu, this capital city is known for its white-sand beaches, cosmopolitan shopping, eclectic dining, and famed sites. Once the home of Hawaiian royalty, Honolulu welcomes visitors from around the world to explore this tropical paradise.
HONOLULU-PALM-TREES.jpg
Day 2: HONOLULU. EXCURSION TO PEARL HARBOR
Heroes of the Sea This morning, meet with your Tour Director and travel companions for breakfast and a welcome meeting. Next, head out on a guided sightseeing tour that includes Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial and Museum, the Punchbowl National Cemetery, Chinatown, the Hawaii State Capitol, ‘Iolani Palace, and Kamehameha the Great statue. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTSACRED SITE Visit the National Memorial and learn about one of the most pivotal moments U.S. history. Cruise over to the USS Arizona Memorial and pay your respects to the 1,177 crewmen that were killed here on December 7, 1941. To this day, over 900 crewmen are entombed in the ship’s wreckage 40 feet below the water here. You will also have an opportunity to visit the museum, an excellent way to learn about Pearl Harbor Day, the Japanese strategy and military craft, and the individuals involved in the attack.
PEARL-HARBOR.jpg
Day 3: HONOLULU
Island Treasures Today is free to relax, swim, enjoy water sports, or laze on the beach. Take the optional excursion to the Polynesian Cultural Center for authentic island arts, crafts, history, music, a dinner buffet, and a spectacular Polynesian show with more than 100 performers. (Breakfast)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Spend free time in Honolulu with an optional excursion on a sunset cruise featuring a dinner, show, and breathtaking views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the beautiful Kahala Gold Coast! Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO app.
HONOLULU-SKYLINE.jpg
Day 4: HONOLULU–HILO–HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK–NA'ALEHU–KONA
Polynesian Pleasures Board a morning flight to the “Big Island” of Hawaii. Upon arrival in Hilo on the east coast, drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Here, see Kilauea Crater, rising 4,090 feet above a volcanic wonderland of steaming fire pits, lava tubes, and fern forests. Next, enjoy an included lunch followed by a stop at [LF] Punalu’u Bake Shop to sample the famous Hawaiian malasada introduced to the area by Portuguese sugar workers in the 19th century. This traditional treat is not to be missed! Continue on to Kona, your home for the next three nights. (Breakfast,Lunch)
LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Hawaiian malasadas date back to the 19th century when an influx of Portuguese sugar workers arrived in Hawaii. In 1952, the grandson of Portuguese immigrants from the Azores Islands, Leonard Rego, opened a bakery and was the first to use island fresh eggs to make them golden brown on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside. The bread has grown in popularity and is a must try when on the Hawai’i!
VOLCANOES-NATIONAL-PARK.jpg
Day 5: KONA. EXCURSION TO COFFEE FARM & LUAU
Feasts & Fire This morning, visit the [LF] Kona Coffee Living History Farm. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a festive luau. You’ll have the chance to learn to hula, try some traditional Hawaiian specialties, and see captivating performances by Polynesian musicians and dancers. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Something’s brewing in Kona in the form of a working coffee farm! Visit Kona Coffee Living History Farm for the opportunity to learn about the history of Kona’s coffee industry and the remarkable pioneers who established these farms. Experience the rich tastes and traditions of the islands where warm tradewinds and warmer traditions create the perfect beans. TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM Join a spectacular cultural experience at tonight’s Feast & Fire Luau. Sit under the stars along the majestic Kona coast with breathtaking ocean and mountain views. Feast on island fares while dancers, musicians, and artists bring the stage to life through traditional dance, live theatrical performance, and music.
KONA-LUAU.jpg
Day 6: KONA
Surf’s Up! Today is free for independent activities. Find a special place to relax poolside and enjoy the warm tropical sun and balmy breezes or enjoy an optional snorkel cruise to Kealakekua Bay. (Breakfast)
FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE in Kona with an optional snorkeling cruise. This fantastic cruise and snorkel adventure shows you the Big Island’s most scenic sights and gives you plenty of time to explore its underwater side and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO app.
KONA.jpg
Day 7: KONA–KAUAI
Paradise Found A scenic flight to the “Garden Isle” of Kauai, whose lush landscapes featuring orchids, hibiscus, and plumeria are often used as a setting for Hollywood films depicting tropical paradise. Upon arrival, proceed to Kilohana Plantation and join your Tour Director, who hosts a special lunch. Afterward, enjoy a narrated train ride which takes you on a tour of the historic plantation that passes through fruit orchards, lush gardens, and tropical farmland. Next, view pretty `Opaeka`a Falls on the Wailua River before continuing to your resort. (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTRUGGED BEAUTY Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth largest island and is also the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain. Known for its rugged lush landscapes, Kauai has areas that are only accessible by air or sea. This adventurer’s playground has activities for everyone!
KAUAI-VIEW.jpg
Day 8: KAUAI. EXCURSION TO WAIMEA CANYON & KAUAI COFFEE PLANTATION
Gifts from the Earth Drive to Waimea, once the Polynesian capital of Kauai and the site where Captain Cook landed in the islands in 1778. Sightseeing highlights include Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and Hanapepe Valley. Enjoy a stop at [LF] Kauai Coffee Plantation and learn about coffee production and the history of the Kauai Coffee Company. En route back to your hotel, see Spouting Horn, the famous blowhole created from a lava tube that sends plumes of sea water into the sky. Enjoy an included dinner at the resort and spend your evening on Kauai exploring further, relaxing at the resort, or indulging in some souvenir shopping. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Kauai Coffee Plantation, the largest coffee plantation in the U.S. with over four million coffee trees! Learn why Kauai’s climate is perfect for growing coffee and produces some of the highest quality beans in the world. See how the coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted on the island.
WAIMEA-CANYON.jpg
Day 9: KAUAI
Beaches & Breezes Spend the day as you please! Take in refreshing ocean breezes from the beautiful white-sand beaches, immersing yourself in the heart of the island’s beauty. Enjoy free time to relax and enjoy your oceanfront resort. Optional tours include helicopter flightseeing excursion to see the beauty from the air. (Breakfast)
FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE of Kauai up in the air! Get a close-up encounter with the wonders of the Garden Isle of Kauai including sites of many famous movies and TV shows on this incredible optional helicopter flightseeing adventure! This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO app.
KAUAI-BEACH.jpg
Day 10: KAUAI–MAUI
Maui Magic A morning flight takes you to the “Valley Island” of Maui. Drive to the lush `Iao Valley to see the `Iao Needle, a spectacular volcanic spire. Continue on to Ka`anapali, your home for the next three nights. The balance of the day is at leisure. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Built around legendary Puu Kekaa (Black Rock) on famous Kaanapali Beach, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa welcomes guests to enjoy spectacular views and wide-open spaces for soulful reflection and a deeper connection to nature. In fact, there may be no land-based vantage point better for watching whales and the sun setting into the Pacific. The natural cove is a favorite snorkel location for encounters with honu (green sea turtles). Relax by the lagoon-style pool or at the full-service spa, dine at one of the numerous restaurants and join in the daily cultural activities or water sports.MAUI-IAO-NEEDLE.jpg
Day 11: MAUI
Take the High Road Enjoy a free day in Maui. There’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy your hotel’s facilities and beach. (Breakfast)
ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE in Maui with an optional Heavenly Hana tour. This cultural gem is accessible via a narrow, winding highway called the Road to Hana. A world famous 64.4-mile road, Road to Hana is marked by picturesque tiny bridges, gorgeous foliage, stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests and some of the best beaches in Hawaii. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO app.
MAUI-ROAD-TO-HANA.jpg
Day 12: MAUI OCEAN CENTER
Today enjoy an included visit to the Maui Ocean Center, recognized as one of the top aquariums in the world. Isolated in the center of the Pacific Ocean, Hawai‘i’s coral reefs evolved over millions of years into a unique ecosystem populated by rare species that exist nowhere else. Plunge into the Pacific and connect with astonishing marine animals at this multi-sensory aquarium, which has been inspiring ocean enthusiasts for the past 25 years. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Immerse yourself in the culturally rich history of Hawai‘i’ with your visit to the Maui Ocean Center. Explore the deep respect between the traditions and heritage of the island, its people and ocean life. From exhibits showcasing native marine species to programs highlighting the profound connection between the ocean and Hawaiian culture, you will celebrate the unique heritage of this beautiful island.
MAUI-OCEAN-CENTER.jpg
Day 13: MAUI
Aloha, until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more on Maui? Additional nights are available for purchase. (Breakfast)
MAUI.jpg
Day 1: Arrive in Honolulu and Meet the Group
Meals: Dinner
Upon arrival in Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, you’ll be be met at the airport and taken to your hotel just steps from the world famous Waikiki beaches. After a relaxing welcome dinner together, we’ll get to know one another and discuss the schedule for the week ahead.
Day 2: Journey to Oahu’s North Shore & Experience the Aloha Spirit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll set out for Hawaii’s iconic North Shore, famous for its big waves and stunning landscapes. Spend the morning in the historic Waimea Valley with a local organization helping to preserve the valley’s cultural heritage and rainforests. Assist with a reforestation initiative, swim in waterfalls, and see why the ancient Hawaiians deemed the valley sacred centuries ago. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Na Mea Kupono, an eco-farm that is home to Hawaii’s staple crop, taro. We’ll be hosted by this local family for a Hawaiin-style paina, or gathering, for our dinner as we learn more about their role in farming on the island.
Day 3: Climb Diamond Head & Sail out to Sea on a Catamaran
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Hawaii’s South Shore is crowned by the now extinct Diamond Head volcano. We’ll take a hike this morning to the top of the rim to get a panoramic view of Waikiki from above. For those who opt not to hike, we’ll have the option to visit the Bishop Museum, home of the royal Kamehameha family and now housing an array of artifacts covering Hawaii’s vast Polynesian heritage. After lunch in Waikiki, we’ll hit the sea on a catamaran ride over the turquoise Pacific waters.
Day 4: Fly to Maui & Explore the Tropical‘Iao Valley State Park
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy a free morning to explore Waikiki. Head to the beach for a surf lesson with the Waikiki beach boys, check out the area’s cafes and shops or simply relax on white sand beaches only steps from your hotel. We’ll take a short mid-day flight across the Hawaiian archipelago to the Valley Isle of Maui. After landing, we’ll head over to the towering emerald peaks of the ‘Iao Valley on Central Maui for a guided hike of the state park. A location revered by the ancient Hawaiians, the valley also served as the site of one of Hawaii’s most important battles as King Kamehameha I tried to unite the islands in the 1700’s. Later in the evening, unwind at our Kaanapali beachfront hotel.
Day 5: Snorkel off Lana’i & Lend a Hand Protecting Sea Turtles
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
We’ll have an early breakfast before cruising to the scenic coastline of Lana'i island with the Pacific Whale Foundation. Spend the morning with breakfast on the boat (expect large boat with other travelers) and then 1.5 hours of snorkeling. Scout for wild dolphins, including acrobatic spinner dolphins, friendly bottlenose dolphins, and curious spotted dolphins. Conservationists from the Foundation will narrate your journey and take about everything from whale migration to plastics in the ocean to reef health.
We’ll return to Maui and, after lunch, spend our first afternoon volunteering alongside the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute. Home to one of Hawaii’s largest sea turtle rescues and land based coral nurseries, we’ll join their staff on beach and marine debris cleanu , specifically collecting coral fragments. Take these pieces of coral back to the research center and aid in cutting them into smaller pieces to be grown at the center for a period of 8 months - something that would take the reef 20 years to regenerate! This coral is eventually placed back into the reef to bring back areas that are dead or dying.
Day 6: Maui Ocean Center Volunteering & Farewell Luau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll spend another morning helping the conservation team at the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute. On Maui and other Hawaiian islands, sea turtles are being threatened as their habitat is increasingly depleted. Green turtle populations are being impacted by events such as the 2018 hurricane that washed out the most important nesting beach for this species in the entire archipelago. We’ll continue to lend a hand on our projects while learning about some of the initiatives in place to preserve the fragile ecosystem both on land and underwater, including going out with the team to find turtles and tag them for research purposes.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll head back to the hotel where you’ll have some free time to enjoy the beach, swim in the ocean or venture into the coastal town of Lahaina. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a special farewell dinner together along with a traditional island luau.
Day 7: Depart Maui or Continue on for the Post-Trip Extension
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check-out of your rooms. The rest of the day is free to relax at the beach or explore nearby Lahaina until your flight home, or continue on to our optional post-trip extension along the gorgeous road to Hana.
