The Hawaiian Islands | Explore the Natural Wonders of the Island of Hawaii

Day 1: Your Home Town / Island of Hawaii

Board your comfortable flight for the land of Aloha. Upon arrival, pick up your pre-registered Hertz convertible car and enjoy the scenic drive to Hilton Waikoloa Village for a seven-night stay in a MAKAI oceanfront guestroom. Your MAKAI privileges include upgraded furnishings, reusable water bottles, complimentary spa access, reserved seating at the Kona Pool, priority restaurant reservations and a dedicated toner concierge. This expansive resort offers everything you need, from an ocean-fed lagoon with white sand beach and three pools with waterslides to an onsite luau, Dolphin Quest, Kohala Spa, championship golf, canal boats and tram transfers and multiple restaurants and bars.

Spend your day relaxing poolside before a celebratory dinner at KPC - Kamuela Provision Company. Take in the sunset views as you dine on locally sourced cuisine ranging from succulent prime steaks to Hawaiian seafood specialties.

Day 2: Lagoon Relaxation & Manta Ray Experience

Spend your day exploring the underwater world by snorkeling in the four-acre lagoon teeming with tropical fish and rare green sea turtles, or honu. Pause for a snack at The Lagoon Grill then enjoy an afternoon of paddleboats, water bikes, hydro-bikes, kayaks or just relaxing on the powdery beach with your tropical drink in hand.

This evening, witness the legendary Kona green flash sunset from a spacious catamaran on the Manta Ray Adventure. Then, learn about the majestic manta rays that swim in the bay with the opportunity to hop in the ocean to snorkel alongside as they come to the surface attracted to the plankton which are drawn near by the lights on the boat.

Day 3: Dolphin Quest

Swim, play and splash in one of the resort's three pools including a 175-foot waterslide, river pool and cascading waterfalls. Delight in a private cabana experience which includes a reserved poolside space with shading, bottled water, popsicles, cold oshiboris and more.

In the afternoon, enjoy a magical, up-close personal encounter at Dolphin Quest. Guided by marine mammal experts, this interactive, hands-on experience gives you insight into the dolphin's fascinating abilities and natural history. Play with Keo as she chases her toys and retrieves them for you and listen to the sounds of Kona as she clicks, squeaks and whistles while you frolic alongside these gentle creatures. Tonight, take a bite of a fresh wood-fire baked pizza, handmade pasta or signature entree at Nui Italian.

Day 4: Native Habitats Delight

After a quick morning meal, embark on the full-day Endangered Native Habitats Experience. Explore two exceptional habitats revealing the unique evolution of the island with native flora and fauna only found here. Begin at the cloudmist rainforest on Maunaloa, in search of the rare and endangered birds' - palila and akiapolaau. Savor a mid-day lunch, then discover the sub-alpine dryforest on Maunakea to find hidden bird species of the forest including 'amakihi, 'I'iwi, 'elwpaio and 'apapane.

This evening, head over to The Shops at Mauna Lani for a variety of shopping and dinner options. Savor cilantro and ginger crusted mahi mahi at Tommy Bahama's, enjoy the finest USDA prime steaks at Ruth's Chris Steak House or relish the super-fresh local Ahi tuna, moi and butterfish at Sushi Shiono.

Day 5: Explore at you Leisure

This awe-inspiring island offers endless options for nature and wildlife discovery. Hop in your car and head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, Puu Oo Vent, Kilauea Visitors Center, Thurston's Lava Tube and so much more. Or, visit the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach, the lush valleys of Hilo or the spectacular views along the Hamakua Coast.

For an authentic experience this evening, delight in the Legends of Hawaii Luau at the resort, bringing to life the ancestral song or mele, dance or hula and fire dancers to retell the epic stores of Hawaii and her remarkable people. Under the swaying palms and magical night sky, your evening of entertainment includes a lavish Hawaiian buffet with kalua pig, fresh island fish, tropical fruits and island-style desserts.

Day 6:  Spectacular Scenic Flight

Begin your day with a Loco Moco, griddle breakfast wrap or ham and cheese croissant sandwich delivered by room service. Then the adventure begins with a once-in-a-lifetime Circle of Fire Helicopter Ride. Fly over the most geologically active environment on earth highlighting the most current areas of volcanic activity, marvel at the lava flowing below you, view tropical rainforests and towering waterfalls and see the unique black sand beaches from above as you learn about the history and diverse nature of this island.

Day 7: Leisure Day

Spend your last day on the island doing as much or as little as you like. Relax by the pool, beach or lagoon, bike ride to Hapuna Beach State Park, replenish with a pampering treatment at Kohala Spa, tee off at one of the championship golf courses, enjoy one of the resort's flower lei making, hula or ukulele classes or discover the resort's 1,800-piece art collection with works from Asian, Western and Oceanic cultures.

Toast to your last evening at Kona Tap Room, a fun gathering spot with casual fare and 16 craft and domestic brews on tap. Try one of their signature surftinis or beertails, snack on mahi mahi tacos and beer-braised short rib sliders, and enjoy the nightly entertainment before retiring for the evening.

Day 8: Island of Hawaii / Your Home Town

Before hitting the road, grab a savory croissant and specialty coffee at Waikoloa Coffee, then enjoy your scenic drive to the airport. As you board you comfortable flight back home, reminisce about the natural wonders you discovered and beginning planning your next family, romantic or adventurous vacation. Aloha!