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FAMILY VACATION TO HAWAII
SHARED BY LAILA

17 NIGHTS/7 STOPS 

Once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Hawaiian islands: a breathtaking diversity of mountain landscapes, volcanoes & beaches.

After California and Maine, Laila and her family wanted to explore another state during their time as expatriates in the United States. They chose Hawaii because they didn’t want excessively long driving distances during their trip. Thus, the average driving time from one place to another was 2 hours max. Island-hopping was easy and quick thanks to good domestic flights. Also, they considered it would be easier traveling to Hawaii from the US than from Europe. A non-stop flight with United or Hawaiian from NY will take you to Honolulu before you know it! Hawaii’s extraordinary biodiversity, ranging from volcanoes to magnificent waterfalls and colorful  beaches, made this trip unique. The family tried to avoid the tourist-popular part of each island concentrating instead on the more authentic places. They found charming lodging options that allowed them to basically stay away from the crowded all-inclusive resorts. Do enjoy this stunning itinerary created and tested by Laila and her family. The budget for the whole trip was around $ 3420 per person for 17 nights (excluded food and activities) .
17 nights and 7 stops
 $$
island hopping with domestic flights
All year round. Best months from July to march
island hopping & nature discovery
ABOUT LAILA: Laila and her husband have always taken advantage of travelling in and around the places where they lived. They have 3 boys, so you can imagine the challenges that come with keeping them boosted and active during the holidays. She actively seeks unique locations, thrilling activities and authentic hotels with charm and character. Her ingredients for a perfect trip: sporty activities, good food, charming locations, and local culture.
  WHAT LAILA LOVED ABOUT THIS TRIP
Variety of beaches: red, black and green
Hana road, swimming in water falls and trails
Hiking Waimea Canyon in Kauai
Sleeping in tent on Pohihale Beach
O'ahu: Honolulu
Kauai: Hanalei Bay
Kauai: Polihale Beach
Kauai: Koke'e State Park
Maui: Lahaina
Big Island: Volcano Park
Waikoloa Village
 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP
O'ahu Island: Honolulu
Hawaiian spirit
Hotel on Waikiki beach
Pearl Harbor
NEW YORK – HONOLULU
KONA-NEW TORK
10 hours
DOMESTIC FLIGHT & RENTAL CAR
3 domestic flights (o’ahu-kauai-maui-big island)
5 hours on the road & 3 hours in the air
7 stops
AVERAGE BUDGET PER PERSON
TOTAL  = $ 3420 /pp for 17 nights
$ 840 pp for 17 nights 
$ 455 pp Hiking tour for 2 nights + 3 days all included (food, car and guide)
$1100 /pp intl flight 
$485 /pp domestic flights
$540 /pp car rental
AIRPORT O’AHU ISLAND TO HONOLULU 
 

15 km / 20 min

Honolulu - Waikiki Beach

Honolulu - Waikiki Beach

Hawaian spirit
2 NIGHTS
HONOLULU (O’AHU) TO
PRINCEVILLE ( KAUAI)
 + 

40 min flight+ 25 km / 25 min
Princeville

Princeville

Beach & boat trip
3 NIGHTS
KAUAI: PRINCEVILLE TO
POHIHALE BEACH PARK

100 km / 2
Pohihale State Park

Pohihale State Park

Beach camping
1 NIGHT
KAUAI: POHIHALE TO
KOKE’E
STATE PARK

45 km /1h
KOKE'E STATE PARK

KOKE'E STATE PARK

Hiking & camping
1 NIGHT
KOKE’E SP (KAUI) TO
MAKAWAO (MAUI)
 
+

70 km/1h30+40 min flight+20 km/20 min
Maliko Retreat

Maliko Retreat

Volcano, snorkeling, waterfalls & surf
5 NIGHTS
MAKAWAO (MAUI) TO
VOLCANO PARK (BIG ISLAND)
 
+

35 min flight + 45 km / 40 min
Big Island - Volcano

Big Island - Volcano

Volcano & Jungle & Black beach
2 NIGHTS
BIG ISLAND: VOLCANO PARK 
TO WAIKOLOA VILLAGE
 

150 km / 2h
Waikoloa beach

Waikoloa beach

Huricane & rain
3 NIGHTS

GOOD TO KNOW

  • Prepare or buy food in advance when going to Volcano Park & Hana road because there is nothing on hand nor in the area
  • Bring very warm clothing for evening sunset in Haleakala. It was windy and freezing cold!
  • One day in Honolulu was sufficient for us. It’s very touristic, the main attraction is Pearl Harbor and Waikiki beach. 
  • Unfortunately the road was closed in Hanalei, Kauai island and the National Volcano Park was closed on Big Island. We should have adapted slightly our itinerary to stay longer in Maui if we had known. We recommend you to check carefully the situation in Hawaii when you start planning your trip and adjust it in function of conditions. 
  • Kauai island offers great hiking trails. Beware that the trails can be very steep and strenuous. Tell your hiking guide if you have fear of heights!  Thrills are guaranteed!
  • Big Island was quite disappointing for us as the Volcano state Park was still closed and we were threatened by hurricane Lane. We didn’t see what we should have seen. 
  • We loved the little surfer town Paia in Maui. Here is our list of favorite restaurants: Paia Fish Market & Café des amis. Another great restaurant is Nuka in the little town of Haiku (15 m drive from Paia). They serve delicious sushis and margaritas!
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