Hawaiian Island-Hopping Ideas for Everyone

For many travelers, choosing just one Hawaiian island to visit is harder than it sounds. Each island is distinct, with a unique slice of Hawaiian life that’s worth a visit. Since hopping between them is easier than ever, here are five potential itineraries—one for every type of traveler.

For the First Timer

Oahu (3 nights) – Maui (4 nights) – Kauai (3 nights)

• In Oahu, savor Hanauma Bay’s breathtaking natural beauty. This former volcanic crater is a protected marine life conservation area where you can swim and snorkel with over 400 species of Hawaiian fish, turtles, and other marine life.

• No visit to Hawaii is complete without a genuine luau experience, and Maui's best is the Old Lahaina Luau, featuring a sumptuous buffet dinner, traditional arts and crafts demonstrations, a dramatic imu presentation, and Hawaiian revue.

• Kauai is for sailing, great food, and sunsets, and the NaPali Sunset Sail delivers all this and more in an awesome evening of cruising just off the colorful Na Pali Coast.

The Adventure Seeker

Big Island (4 nights) – Kauai (4 nights) – Maui (3 nights) – Oahu (3 nights)

• Marvel at five active or dormant volcanoes, including Kilauea, on the 260-mile Grand Circle Island Excursion. Also, visit a black-sand beach, Kona coffee plantation, Volcano National Park, and, time permitting, Rainbow Falls.
• On Kauai, witness breathtaking mountain and ocean views as you hike Kalihiwai Valley and the lowland rainforest to the spectacular five-tiered Kalihiwai Falls.
• Board a chopper to view Maui's famous Haleakala National Park and Haleakala Crater, plus the Hana Rainforest Preserve, the largest rainforest in the US.
• Hop into a custom Jeep to explore Oahu's diverse landscapes, including Diamond Head, Pali Lookout, the famous North Shore surfing beaches, and the Dole Pineapple and Coffee Plantation.

Ring of Romance

Kauai (3 nights) – Maui (4 nights) – Oahu (3 nights)

• Experience Kauai the way it was meant to be seen on a deluxe helicopter tour that soars over Hanapepe Valley, Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, and Mt. Waialeale.
• While you feast on an exquisite dinner buffet, the Teralani 2 catamaran takes you to see some of Maui's most breathtaking and beautiful sights.
• Connect with local pro photographers on Oahu for a day of shooting unique sights like Magic Island Lagoon, Waikiki Beach, Sans Souci State Recreational Park, and the War Memorial Natatorium.

Family Flavor

Oahu (3 nights) – Maui (4 nights)

• Visit Oahu's amazing Polynesian Cultural Center and see authentic villages, live arts and crafts demonstrations, the pageant of the long canoes, and an extravaganza of song and dance.

• Enjoy a genuine Hawaiian experience at Maui's Old Lahaina Luau, featuring a sumptuous buffet dinner, traditional arts and crafts demonstrations, dramatic Imu presentation, and Hawaiian revue.

Seasoned Traveler

Maui (4 nights) – Lanai (3 nights)

• Board a chopper to view Maui's famous Haleakala National Park and Haleakala Crater, plus the Hana Rainforest Preserve.

• On Lanai, it's all about the beaches: Polihua Beach, though remote, is an awesome stretch of golden sands; Shipwreck Beach is a magnet for strolling and beachcombing; and Hulopoʻe (named "#1 Beach in America") is best known for snorkeling, surfing, and dolphin-watching.

Take advantage of free night offers at selected hotels, sightseeing add-ons, and an Alamo rental car. Contact your Synergy International Travels consultant, who'll be happy to arrange details that will assure the best, most fulfilling Hawaii vacation experience for you.