Hawaiian Island Odyssey
- Hollywood & Santa Monica in Los Angeles
- Honolulu & Pearl Harbor
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Maui & Kauai Islands
- Union Square & Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco
Driving in Los Angeles is a way of life – and a glamorous one at that. So roll down the windows and head out on one of the fabulous scenic drives around the city. Cruise the Sunset Strip; check out the entertainment hot spots on Hollywood Boulevard, or journey through the city’s historic, cultural and architectural roots along Wilshire Boulevard. Enjoy classic boardwalk fun on the historic Santa Monica Pier, visit “the Mouse” at Disneyland, window shop on Rodeo Drive, and take in any number of LA’s fabulous museums and attractions. The view from the Getty Centre, sitting high above the city, is as spectacular as the art collection inside.
Waikiki is the classic Hawaiian destination and offers the best in Hawaiian nightlife, shopping and dining. From here, you can take a catamaran trip out to sea, go under the surface in the Atlantis Submarine to see sunken ships, airplanes and reef structures and the marine life that call it home. The iconic North Shore of Oahu, featured in many films and television shows, is truly where you can spot the perfect wave; take surfing lessons in the summer months and say you have ridden a North Shore wave! Haleiwa Town is a great place to visit before or after the beach; make sure to try a ‘shave ice’ in one of many flavours. A leisurely hike up Diamond Head (Leahi), which offers panoramic views extending along the south shore of the island, is well worth the trip. The trip to the Pearl Harbour; the site that drove America into WWII is also worth a visit.
Hawaii Island is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain, often referred to as ‘The Big Island’. From rainforest to snow-capped mountain and black sand beaches Hawaii has some of the most diverse, dramatic landscapes in the world. Hawaii was the birthplace of the islands’ famous King Kamehameha so visitors can soak up the history and culture at Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. With stunning resorts, incredible golf course, snorkelling with manta rays, horseback riding in Waimea or sailing along the Kona Coast, Hawaii, the Big Island is your island for adventure.
Hawaii Island is also home to Volcanoes National Park. Make sure to visit Maunaloa, the planet’s largest volcano when measured from the sea floor, and hike through its volcanic craters (it hasn’t erupted since 1984). Conversely, Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It has been erupting continuously since 1983 and it is not known when it will stop, so be sure to witness this unique and awe-inspiring phenomenon while it’s still active. Visit Puu Oo Vent, where the activity centres and lava spews into the sea. You can also investigate the Thurston Lava Tube – a 500 year old lava cave, culminating in a lush tropical rainforest.
Maui’s beaches are regularly described as the best in the world but there is so much more to this idyllic island than its famous sands. Known as ‘the valley isle’, Maui is dotted with quaint towns, artist communities and amazing wildlife. Head to Haleakala National Park – home to Maui’s highest peak or take a sunset whale-watching cruise. The trails, natural pools and focal pinnacle of Iao Valley State Park are also worth a visit; it is the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai, where King Kamehameha succeeded in uniting the five Hawaiian Islands. Another must do while in Maui is the visit to Hana. The road to the village is widely regarded as one of the best drives in the world – with over 600 hairpin turns and 54 narrow bridges, this drive boasts scenery from plunging seaside cliffs, waterfalls and lush rainforests – be sure to slow down and enjoy the views!
The Napali Coast on the island of Kauai is one of the most isolated and peaceful areas of Hawaii. Appreciate the grand scale and beauty of these enormous cliffs by doing an air tour or take a guided kayak tour and get a glimpse of what early settlers must have felt as they arrived on the island. Visit the peaceful town of Hanalei for its colourful shops, local eateries and unique art galleries or Poipu Beach Park, a great place to view wildlife including humpback whales and the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal. Waimea Canyon, sometimes called ‘the Grand Canyon of the Pacific’, is one of the islands biggest attractions; it stretches 14 miles and is 3,600 feet deep. There are 40 hiking trails and multiple sightseeing lookouts by car, if you don’t fancy walking! Waimea Canyon Drive ends in Kokee State Park; 4,000 acres of dense forestry on a high plateau.
Surrounded by San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the ‘City by the Bay’ is arguably the most friendly and beautiful in America and there is certainly something here for everyone. Perhaps begin by driving over the Golden Gate Bridge or explore the city on foot and visit Fisherman’s Wharf, home to the city’s playful resident sea-lions at Pier 39 or Union Square for world-class shopping and dining. Be sure not to miss Alcatraz – the famous island prison a short boat ride across the bay. If you fancy getting out of the city for a few hours, visit Muir Woods and the great sequoias, relax in bohemian Sausalito or take a hot air balloon over the Wine Country.
Daily departures year round.
Please call us on (01892) 779900 or email info@awwt.co.uk stating your travel dates, and preferred standard of accommodation for a detailed & competitively priced quotation.