A Big Island Adventure: April 4-11, 2020

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival on the Big Island

Stop At: Hilton Waikoloa Village, 69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
After a long flight, you will be greeted by your Trouvaille hosts at the Kona International Airport and transported to the residence at the Hilton Waikoloa Village for check-in and time to rest, refresh, and recharge. This is one of the biggest resorts on the Big Island and there’s much to see, so go for a stroll before dinner!
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner: We will have a group dinner at Kamuela Provision Company, with outdoor seating and a beautiful sunset view.
Accommodation included: Our residence for this trip will be at the Hilton Waikoloa Village or the near Hilton Grand Vacation Club.

Day 2: Waimea and Snorkeling

Stop At: Pololu Valley Lookout, End of Hwy. 270, Island of Hawaii, HI 96755
After breakfast, we’ll drive north for a scenic view at the Pololu Valley Lookout, where you’ll be able to see the rugged coastline of the island. The group will then descend the trail down to the ocean where you can walk around, explore the beach, and ponder what it’s like to be on a secluded island with no one around.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Into The Blue, 69-450 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
We will go on a 4-hour private snorkeling cruise in the afternoon where.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: We’ll then drive to Waimea and enjoy an exquisite lunch sourced with local produce and meats at Merriman’s.
Accommodation included: Our residence for this trip will be at the Hilton Waikoloa Village or the near Hilton Grand Vacation Club.

Day 3: Dolphins and Astronomy

Stop At: Hilton Waikoloa Village, 69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
Spend your morning at the resort where you can swim with dolphins at Dolphin Quest, hang out and swim at the lagoon, get in some spa time at the Kohala Spa, or go shopping at King’s Shops just down the road to explore unique shops, art galleries, and more.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Mauna Kea Summit, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI
In mid-afternoon, we’ll drive to the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station at elevation ~9200’ to learn about the massive astronomical observatories on the Mauna Kea summit and how astronomers are working nightly to probe the depths of the cosmos from nearby asteroids to galaxies far, far away! We then continue our trek up the Mauna Kea road to the summit to watch a Mauna Kea sunset, which is not to be missed. At an elevation of almost 14,000 feet, be sure to dress warmly as we aren’t at the beach anymore.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: We will enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
Accommodation included: Our residence for this trip will be at the Hilton Waikoloa Village or the near Hilton Grand Vacation Club.

Day 4: Today is Volcano Day!

Stop At: Volcano National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii, HI
After breakfast, we’ll head over to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to learn about volcanoes, witness the nearby Kilauea Crater, and take a hike across Kilauea Iki. It’s a surreal scene with steam coming up all around you as you hike across solid lava – and even walk through a lava tube.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Our residence for this trip will be at the Hilton Waikoloa Village or the near Hilton Grand Vacation Club.

Day 5: Let’s go hiking!

Stop At: South Point Complex, South Point Road, Naalehu, Island of Hawaii, HI
We’ll spend the day driving to South Point, which is the southern-most geographical location in the United States, and go on a scenic hike to Green Sand Beach (Papakolea Beach). We’ll bring a sack lunch, you bring your swimsuit and towel, and we all hang out at the beach for a relaxing day of sun, green sand, and water. The beach is the site of an eroded volcanic cinder cone that is secluded, scenic, and not to be missed.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: We will provide a sack lunch during our hike to Green Sand Beach.
Accommodation included: Our residence for this trip will be at the Hilton Waikoloa Village or the near Hilton Grand Vacation Club.

Day 6: Anyone like waterfalls?

Stop At: Akaka Falls State Park, End of Akaka Falls Road Off Hwy 220, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI
Today we explore the northeastern side of the island and begin that with a visit to ‘Akaka Falls State Park’. We enjoy a short, easy hike to see Kahuna Falls, ‘Akaka Falls, and all of the surrounding natural beauty. Lunch is in Hilo a short drive away, followed by visiting sites such as Rainbow Falls, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and Liliuokalani Gardens.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: We will dine for lunch in Hilo, Hawaii.
Accommodation included: Our residence for this trip will be at the Hilton Waikoloa Village or the near Hilton Grand Vacation Club.

Day 7: Let’s go on a helicopter tour!

Stop At: Paradise Helicopters, 2450 Kekuanaoa St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Hilo to board a helicopter to gain an amazing view of the active lava flows and area rainforests on the southeastern part of the island. Helicopter rides in Hawaii are absolutely fabulous, safe, and fun ~ so be sure bring your camera and prepare to be amazed. The rides last about 1 hour. We’ll have lunch in Hilo again, followed by a return to the resort for time to relax, unwind, and reflect on the amazing beauty, diversity, and dynamism of the island.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner: We’ll have a final dinner together at Kamuela Provision Company.


Accommodation included: Our residence for this trip will be at the Hilton Waikoloa Village or the near Hilton Grand Vacation Club.