Hawaii : Under the sun of Waikiki

Venture into the Valley of the Priests and discover one of Hawaii’s last ahupuaa with this trip to the beautiful Waimea Valley. With stunning natural surroundings, thundering waterfalls and delicious shrimp awaiting you, the Waimea Valley tour offers you a great opportunity to get out into the countryside and experience the real Hawaii. This enchanting location is known as the Valley of the Priests, consisting of nearly 2,000 scenic acres that have been a holy place for more than 700 years. Now the valley houses a world-famous botanical garden, where over 5,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, ancient archaeological sites and one of Oahu’s most scenic waterfalls await you.

Leave the present behind you and delve deep into some of the darkest, most significant pages of Unites States history. This unforgettable tour takes you to all of the backdrops of the events that launched the United States to join the Second World War.

Visit Diamond Head, the most recognised landmark in all of Hawaii, to explore this saucer-shaped crater formed around 300,000 years ago, and look out across the Pacific for some of the best views of the surrounding area. Enjoy an educational and fun guided hike to the 763-foot summit of the most famous crater on Earth where incredible 360°views of Waikiki and the turquoise blue Pacific Ocean await you.

Glide over the vivid turquoise coral reefs of Waikiki, Honolulu’s world famous beachfront, and look down into the extinct volcano of Diamond Head rising above the city. View crescent-shaped Hanauma Bay, a marine reserve in the mouth on an old volcano, and white-sand Waimanalo beach. Hover over the strangely shaped Chinaman’s Hat island and the beautiful coral formations in Kaneohe Bay. You’ll soar over the cliffs of the Nuuanu Valley rainforest, and then fly along the breathtaking coastline to the legendary Sacred Falls and the panoramic Dole Pineapple Plantation. Your adventure into the blue skies of Oahu will also include sweeping views of Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri.

Experience all of Polynesia without leaving Oahu. Just an hour’s scenic drive away from Waikiki is the spectacular 420 acre Polynesian Cultural Center where Polynesian traditions, history and hospitality are brought to life for you to enjoy. Walk around traditional villages and witness natives from seven Pacific cultures show you the arts of dancing with fire, jewellery making and using plants to make clothes. You also have time to enjoy a relaxing canoe ride through the lagoon, feast on a Luau dinner buffet and watch an exhilarating evening performance.

Travel into the unknown on an exciting journey of discovery to the famous North Shore of Oahu with this brilliant adventure tour. Driving over the jagged Ko,olau Mountains to the windward side of the island, your first stop is the fabled Valley of the Temples, where you’ll visit the picturesque Byodo-In Temple, located at the base of stunning 2,000-foot lush green cliffs. Then follow the the scenic shores of Kahana Bay arriving at Laie Point, a great opportunity to observe several native plant species while marvelling at the breathtaking views of Kukuihoolua islet and the wild and rugged eastern Oahu coastline. Continuing North to Kahuku, visit a shrimp farm to see endangered wetland birds, including black-neck stilts, Hawaiian coots and moorhens, before stopping at the world-famous Sunset Beach where incredible waves thrill viewers, especially between November and April. Follow the stunning coastline of legendary Waimea Bay to stop at a well-known hangout of the amazing wild Green Sea Turtles.

Set out into the wilderness of the garden island, Kauai, with this personalised scenic tour of the Waimea Canyon and Wailua River. With your friendly driver to guide you through this incredible natural wonderland, you’ll stop off at Waimea Canyon and enjoy a Wailua river cruise, as well as visiting many other fantastic sights on the island.

Make a splash at Kapolei’s all new Wet’n’Wild Hawaii and spend a fun-filled day at the only water park in the state. Set in a lush, tropical environment, Wet’n’Wild is located on the paradisiacal outskirts of Kapolei, the “second city” of the vibrant island of Oahu. Enjoy over 25 thrilling rides and attractions that are sure to please all members of the family from small children to adrenalin junkies alike. Rated as Hawaii’s number one family attraction, come and join the fun at Wet’n’Wild!

Prepare yourself for the climb up Koko Head’s 1,048 stairs. Over the course of .7 miles, this trail gains over 1,000 feet and will definitely bump up your heart rate, but all the sweating and panting are worth it to see the view from the top. This is arguably Oahu’s most popular training ground, where serious athletes come to test their cardio, endurance, and fitness. Along with a motivational guide, tackle the crater one step at a time and work your way toward the top, where the view looks out toward Honolulu and the southern shoreline below. 

Discover where locals go, which restaurants they prefer, and discover non-crowded beaches close to Waikiki. Get great insider information on the best local stores for bargain-hunting and where to find original Hawaiian souvenirs. Learn about Hawaiian culture and history from your expert guide, as well as where to watch Friday night fireworks (Ala Moana Beach) and which club counts a living legend as one of its members (Anuenue Canoe Club).

Get on a flight to Hilo for an adventure day to volcanoes and see the only active volcano of Hawaii and waterfalls from a helicopter. Then, your driver will show you the best sites of the island. Lunch included.

Early morning pickup in Oahu takes you to the airport for your 45-minute flight to Kauai. Upon landing, your guide meets you in an air-conditioned van and you set off on your island adventure. Visit majestic Waimea Canyon, the biggest canyon in the Pacific. From the lookout, get breathtaking views of the canyon’s deep green valleys and rugged cliffs. Continue by van to the coast. Driving past Poipu Beach, stop at Spouting Horn Park, an ocean blowhole where the sea surges through a hole in the rock shelf. Further along the highway, Mount Ha’upu is said to sport a likeness of Queen Victoria’s profile on the mountainside. Your Kauai adventure wraps up on the east side of Kauai with a cruise along the Wailua River. As you glide down the 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) river to Fern Grotto, your guide points out gorgeous Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls.