Anini Hawaii- Explore Napali coast beaches

Welcome to Hawaii. Under-sea volcanoes that erupted thousands of years ago formed the islands of Hawaii.

On arrival in Kona, a representative from our side will pick you up at the airport to drop you to your accommodation.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

(Overnight at Kona)

Begin your day post breakfast.

Of all the islands, Hawaii, or The Big Island, is known for its authentic atmosphere. This Island has preserved much of its original Hawaiian character and culture. Not only is the Big Island by far the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, it is also the most diverse, offering active volcanoes, vast coastlines with white, black and green beaches, rain forests, giant waterfalls, lava deserts and ocean hot springs.

Close to Kona is a little-visited gem, the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. Here, the ancient Hawaiians built an extensive system of fish ponds that nourished the people year round.

We walk along the beaches and trails, past the impressive historic installations. Then there is time to swim and relax in the bay with the sea turtles.

(Overnight at Kona)

Today we will explore the fabulous “City of Refuge” or “Pu’uhona O Honaunau” National Historical Park, which houses a picture perfect Polynesian Village perched on lava cliffs.

We have time for some shorter walks, then we will continue to the southern end of the island and walk the windswept trails to the famous green sand beach. Here, olivine crystals from ancient eruptions have created one of just two of the world’s green sand beaches!

At Punaluu Beach, we marvel at a pitch-black beach where turtles like to rest.

Continue to Hilo and reach to check into your accommodation.

(Overnight at Hilo)

Post breakfast, head out on a helicopter tour over the lava flows and prepare for an excursion to the base of Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii.

In the afternoon walk along Mauna Kea’s Saddle Road, complete with volcanic landscapes with islands of old-growth forest that provide a unique habitat for endemic birds and plants. On a clear day, we are offered clear views of the extensive high altitude lava fields of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa and possibly the summits of the volcanoes.

Late afternoon, we take an inter-island flight to Lihue on Kauai and transfer to our hotel. Our hotel is located on the beach in Kapaa.

(Overnight at Kaapa)

Post breakfast we set out to explore Volcanoes National Park which hosts Mauna Loa – the World’s largest shield volcano.

The park is remarkable as it sits on the actual hot spot where islands are being born, producing never-ending volcanic activity. Trails lead through massive, cooled craters, steep banks venting sulfurous gasses, and fern-covered lava tubes. This is truly a primordial landscape, raw and still in the making.

Our walk takes us along Kilauea Crater’s Rim, clad in cloud forests of tree ferns and native Ohia. The views are spectacular.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the recent and ongoing volcanic activity on the Big Island of Hawaii and the partial closure of Volcano National Park we have made some adjustments, including alternate walks, for the time that the park remains partially closed. This is a very fluid situation and the daily activities on Big Island will depend on the current situation on the day and weather conditions. Please expect changing conditions and be prepared for unannounced changes or closures.

Head back to the accommodation for the night.

(Overnight at Kaapa)

Kauai is called the Garden Isle and considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Islands. Kauai is also the oldest Island, where volcanic activity has been dormant for over 1 million years. Erosional forces have created a truly stunning landscape of sheer volcanic cliffs and spires.

Mark Twain dubbed Waimea Canyon “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. Both the canyon’s deep red color and its size are remarkable.

An early start brings us to fantastic Kalalau Lookout, with incredible views over the wild north shore 1200m (4000 feet) below us. Then we embark on a hike through one of earth’s wettest spots in the famous Kokee State Park. The Awa’awapuhi Trail will lead us to even more amazing viewpoints over the north shore.

On a rainy day, we may choose to alter the walk to the drier side of the canyon at the Cliff/Canyon/Black Pipe complex. The elevation is between 1,000-1,200m which makes for crisp air. With a little luck, we see the endangered Nene Goose, a Hawaiian native.

Head back to the accommodation for the night.

(Overnight at Kaapa)

The plan today is to visit Kauai’s famous North Shore, however due to extensive flooding in April 2018, causing roads and bridges to wash out, we may instead take an alternative and very beautiful hike at Shipwreck Beach (Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail).

Napali Coast is a narrow winding road leads to the far end of the island where you can hike the northern section of the famous Kalalau Trail high above ocean cliffs (Self-guided walk due to state park rules). The views are superb.

Due to the rough surf, Shipwreck Beach, located on the island’s south coast, is relatively quiet and frequented primarily by surfers. The real gem is the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail which winds its way along with cliff-side. Keep your eyes open for sea turtles and whales.

Return to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Kalalau Trail: 4 miles /7 km out-and-back, elevation +/- 600 ft/200m, 2-3 hours.
Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail: Shipwreck Beach to Punahoa Point is 3.7 miles / 6km out-and-back, 2 hours, no significant elevation. Driving = Approx 2hrs total (completed in segments)

PLEASE NOTE: Due to floods on Kauai last year, there is extensive damage on the North Shore resulting in road and bridge closures affecting travel to the Napali Coast. It is not yet known when the coast will be accessible. In the case where our groups are unable to visit this area, we will undertake another beautiful walk.

(Overnight at Kaapa)

Post breakfast our representative will drop you to the airport, for the flight back home.