Exploring Hawaii’s National Parks
Tour Description
Experience unique cultural and natural beauty within Hawaii’s national parks. Expert biologists, naturalists, and cultural interpreters will introduce you to six of the seven Hawaiian national parks on this NPCA tour. Throughout the exciting nine-day itinerary, you will have a chance to meet the friendly people of Hawaii, witness the natural beauty of four Hawaiian Islands, and explore multiple historical sites. Meet with national park rangers to learn more about volcanic activity and view the effects of eruptions, spot marine life while cruising between Molokai and Maui, and participate in an authentic Hawaiian family luau. This Hawaiian tour is no ordinary experience.
ParkScapes Highlights
Hawaiian National Parks
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park on Hawaii’s Big Island. Tour Haleakala National Park on Maui. And visit Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai.
Natural Resources
Hawaii boasts many uncommon natural features. It is home to over 100 volcanoes (five active ones), lush rainforest valleys, the highest coastal cliffs in the world, and a wide variety of endemic—and often endangered—plants and birds.
Cultural & Historical Heritage
Native Polynesians migrated to Hawaii hundreds of years ago; today, sacred sites cover the terrain. Ancient temples and age-old fishponds share Hawaiian stories with you—among them a ceremonial site that dates back to 1790 and a sanctuary to Hawaiians seeking refuge.
Hawaiian Luau
At a local backyard luau, learn to cook using a traditional underground oven, sing Hawaiian songs, and dance hula. At the award-winning Old Lahaina Luau, experience a professional hula show and buffet feast.
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Tour Map
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Daily Itinerary
January 23: Honolulu, Oahu, to Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii
From the air on your flight to Hawaii, views of turquoise blue waters, sandy beaches, volcanic landscapes, and lush rainforest come into sight as you fly into the Hawaiian Islands. Gather in the early afternoon for a lei greeting with your guide at the Honolulu Airport on the island of Oahu. Then board an inter-island flight for Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii and proceed to your welcome reception. Volcano House (D)
January 24: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Spend the day exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with an expert volcanologist. Meet with a park ranger to hear the latest news on the active volcano of Kilauea and view the measuring devices that predict eruptions. On short walks within the Kilauea Caldera, you view Halemaumau Crater, Kilauea Iki’s devastated crater, and Nahuku Lava Tube. Then on to where recent eruptive activity has crossed and closed Chain of Craters Road. Nature and Madam Pele permitting, you may be able to see evidence of the active lava flow, perhaps as a glow on the bottom of clouds near the top of the cliffs or as it flows into the ocean. Volcano House (B,L,D)
January 25: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Continue to explore the beauties of the volcano area today with a morning bird walk and discussion of conservation in the park. Spend the afternoon investigating the visitor center, the Volcanoes Art Center, or hike one of the trails with your guide. Enjoy an evening presentation about the local culture and efforts to protect the national park. Volcano House (B,L,D)
January 26: Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Bid farewell to Hawaii Volcanoes, for you are on your way to the other side of the Big Island, via Punalu`u Black Sand Beach where we search for green sea turtles. Enjoy a lunchtime picnic, followed by a guided walk through Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park to learn about Hawaiian places of worship and how ancient Hawaiians pardoned those who broke the laws. Explore Kailua-Kona on your own in the afternoon and evening. Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort (B,L,D)
January 27: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park & Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Your morning activity features Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, where you will tour the fishpond and heiau (sacred site). Continue on to the largest restored sacred site, Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, which was built for favor of a Hawaiian war god. End the day at a private backyard luau—a part of the Hawaii that few visitors get to experience. Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort (B,L,D)
January 28: Iao Valley State Park, Maui
After breakfast, board an inter-island flight to Maui. The rest of your day will be spent at Iao Valley State Park. This lush green valley is a sacred site to the Hawaiian people and is the historic location of a fierce battle between Maui warriors and the army of King Kamehameha I. After dinner, an early bedtime is suggested to prepare for tomorrow’s trip to Molokai. Outrigger Aina Nalu (B,L,D)
January 29: Kalaupapa National Historic Park, Molokai
Another early morning breakfast prepares you for the inter-island flight to Molokai, where you have the rare opportunity to tour Kalaupapa National Historic Park. Kalaupapa is home to the former Hansen’s disease (leprosy) settlement. The historic park is also home to many endangered species and the highest coastal cliffs in the world. Your return ferry trip to Maui will show you the islands from another angle, and if you’re lucky, you may see a humpback whale! Dinner and evening activities will be at your leisure in historic Lahaina. Outrigger Aina Nalu (B,L)
January 30: Haleakala National Park, Maui
Spend your morning at Haleakala National Park—an internationally recognized biosphere reserve. Arrive at Park Headquarters for a brief orientation to the park then proceed to the Haleakala Visitor Center for an interpretive session on Hawaii's indigenous plants, animals, and Mt. Haleakala—the world's largest dormant volcano. Among the special features of Haleakala is the famous silversword, a plant that closely resembles the yuccas and agaves of the American Southwest. Your farewell dinner at the Old Lahaina Luau means a traditional hula and feast. Outrigger Aina Nalu (B,L,D)
January 31: Aloha Maui!
Your tour concludes with breakfast on Maui. Departures home. (B)
Note: Participants are encouraged to visit Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial on your own, if flying home via the Honolulu Airport. The USS Arizona Memorial, the final national park in Hawaii, is only 15 minutes from the Honolulu Airport and is dedicated to the memory of the many Americans who lost their lives on “a date which will live in infamy.”
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Tour Details
NPCA Member Price
$4,495 per person double occupancy; $895 single supplement
Price Includes
All accommodations, meals as noted (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, and D-Dinner), inter-island airfare from Oahu to Hilo and Kona to Maui, ground transportation, entrance fees per the itinerary, bus and meal gratuities and professional guide services.
Price Does Not Include
Roundtrip airfare to and from destination, gratuities for naturalist guides or hotel housekeeping, fees for fuel-surcharges or extra baggage per the airlines, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, or personal expenses.
Payments/Cancellations
Space is confirmed by calling the NPCA at 800.628.7275. A $500 per person deposit is due at registration. Final payment will be invoiced separately and is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing and is effective upon date of receipt. Cancellations up to 90 days prior receive a refund, less a $200 per person handling fee. Cancellations within 90 days of departure could result in the loss of 100% of your total cost.
Travel Insurance
To protect yourself from the loss of deposit and cancellation fees, you are encouraged to purchase travel insurance. If you need assistance, NPCA recommends contacting Travel Insurance Services.
Arrive/Depart
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii/Kahului, Maui, Hawaii
Length of tour
9 days/8 nights
Pace
Easy and at your own pace.
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