Dream Design

Island hopping in the tropics

  • Palm lined road on Oahu in Hawaii with mountainous background
Big Island – Maui – Oahu – Kauai

Island hopping
in the tropics

For the ones to struggle to sit still, the ones who use holidays as a chance to embrace the outdoors, to push boundaries and bond through challenge and achievement – a trip to Hawaii may just be the perfect match.

Ohana (meaning ‘family’, famously) is deeply important in these parts, making the islands a place to spend time together exploring and experiencing things that are hard to come by at home.

From taking a thrill-seeking trip to one of the largest active volcanoes in the world, to learning to surf at North Shore. And if there’s any energy left, joining a traditional Hawaiian party with entertainment, delicious food and of course hula.

View from helicopter window down to mountains in Hawaii
Two surfers on the beach in Hawaii
Close up of pink hibiscus

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Where you’ll be going

Get to know where you'll be exploring in Hawaii, from the iconic Big Island who is younger than it may seem to the lush corners of Kaua’i.

  • Tall coconut trees in front of a green mountain

    DAY 1 - 3

    Hawai'i Big Island

    The largest yet youngest, Big Island offers a vast contrast to its siblings. More like otherworldly desert than rainforest, lava rocks flank the roadsides and the heat of the volcanoes can be felt under foot on the black sand beaches. Playing astronaut comes easy in these infernal lunar landscapes home to one of the world’s largest active volcanoes.  

    Stay at: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
  • A rainbow shining over green mountains in Maui, Hawaii

    DAY 4 - 6

    Maui

    Maui is all about the experiences; ride The Road to Hana, known as one of the world’s most scenic drives; watch the sunrise at Haleakalà National Park from the top of the crater (that’s one for the photographers and romantics); and fly over the cliffs of Moliki, there’s a significant chance that a full circle rainbow might appear.

    Stay at: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
  • Waikiki beach with Diamond Head mountain in background

    DAY 7 - 9

    Oahu

    The most populated of the islands – and the unofficial home of the humble pineapple – Oahu is the vibrant gathering place. North Shore is where the surfers look to hang ten, Ko Olina is its own community with shopping and golf on its doorstep, and alongside the nightlife of Waikiki is the National Historic Landmark of Pearl Harbour.

    Stay at: Halekulani
  • A picturesque waterfall in Kauai, illuminated by the warm hues of a sunset sky.

    DAY 10 - 13

    Kaua'i

    As its nickname ‘the Green Island’ would suggest, the pristine beaches on Kaua’i’s North Shore are surrounded by verdant landforms from valleys to rugged cliffs, producing the most picturesque diorama in Hawaii. Kilauea lighthouse is great for unparalleled panoramic views, and a boat ride along the Napali Coast shows the waterfalls cascading into the sea from a different perspective.

    Stay at: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
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A taste of what’s to come Island hopping in the tropics journal

Day 2
Day 3
Day 5
Day 6
Day 9
Day 10
Day 2
Day 3
Day 5
Day 6
Day 9
Day 10
  • View from helicopter window down to mountains in Hawaii

    7am

    After a day getting our bearings, we’re about to really start the adventure. The Big Island is known for its volcanoes, so what better to kick things off than a helicopter tour over them. Later we’re going on a visit to Kaʻū, where we’ve been told the must see spots include Jaggar Museum, Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) and Halema‘uma‘u Crater.

    Explore
  • Mountainous valley on the Big Island of Hawaii

    6:57pm

    The kids have been going on all day about Hawaiian mythology after the stories we heard on yesterday’s tour – mainly about the goddess Pele. It’s preoccupied them until this evening anyway, and they don’t know anything about this surprise. We’re going on a private catamaran to watch the sunset, then diving below the ocean’s surface for a night snorkel with some special gentle giants – manta rays.

    Explore
  • Surfboards used as signs to Hana, Hawaii

    1:37pm

    We arrived on Maui yesterday and had a chilled day before an early rise this morning. We were taken for breakfast at a local favourite before moving onto Hana to explore the Ke’anae Peninsula, Hanawi waterfall and the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa. We’ve stopped off for lunch at the Hana-Maui Resort now, perched right on a headland so we’ve got amazing views to accompany our food.

    Explore
  • Top view of turtle swimming

    11:30pm

    No prizes for guessing what resides in Turtle Town – developed by submarine volcanoes, the coral reef is home to the Green sea turtle. We kayaked and snorkelled around here for hours, getting to see views like Haleakalā summit, Molokini Crater, Pu`u Olai, the Makena and Wailea coastlines. This evening we went to the kids’ first luau. I’m not sure which they loved most, the food or the flaming knife stunts.

    Explore
  • Lifeguard hut and palm trees on the beach in Hawaii

    12:14pm

    After capping our time in Maui off with a sunset sail, we landed on Oahu yesterday. We spent the day exploring Waikiki but today we’re in search of the perfect surf, and for that we need to go to North Shore. We’ve opted for a surfing lesson to help the kids out, after which we’re heading to Haleiwa Town for a spot of lunch and (hopefully) some sweet shaved ice.

    Explore
  • A picturesque landscape featuring a vividly colored ocean and tall green mountains

    6:43pm

    We arrived on ‘the Green Island’ of Kauai today for our final few nights. We were told it’s the oldest and most lush of all the islands and it doesn’t disappoint, there must be at least 15 different shades of green alone. We’ve got a pretty loose itinerary for our time here, but we are visiting some must-sees like Hanalei Bay, Poipu Beach and Waimea Canyon – which at 10 miles long and some points as deep as 3,600 feet has earned the nickname ‘the Grand Canyon of the Pacific’.

    Explore
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Where to stay

  • North America & Canada, Hawaii, Mauna Lani, Pool
    Mauna Lani
    The homely welcome of ‘ohana’ is embodied at this boutique-feeling property; a beloved haunt of Elvis, some of the staff have been here since his heyday, and are still passionately sharing their heritage with inquisitive guests. Tucked into the serene coastline of Kohala in the middle of five great mountains, the ancestral tales of Mauna Lani’s landscape are oh-so-plenty that there’s no need to wait until bedtime to hear them.
    Mauna Lani


Where to stay

  • North America & Canada, Hawaii, Mauna Lani, Pool
    Mauna Lani
    The homely welcome of ‘ohana’ is embodied at this boutique-feeling property; a beloved haunt of Elvis, some of the staff have been here since his heyday, and are still passionately sharing their heritage with inquisitive guests. Tucked into the serene coastline of Kohala in the middle of five great mountains, the ancestral tales of Mauna Lani’s landscape are oh-so-plenty that there’s no need to wait until bedtime to hear them.
    Mauna Lani


Where to stay

  • North America & Canada, Hawaii, Andaz Maui, Exterior
    Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
    A sleek boutique-style property whose moniker means ‘personal style’ in Hindi, Andaz Maui lures in laid-back-luxe-lovers with its zen atmosphere and enviable location best suited for lollygagging. The second biggest island in Hawaii’s family archipelago, Maui’s mantra is one Andaz’s modern beach enclave has lovingly adopted – that while it may be a place to be seen, relaxing is the main agenda.
    Andaz Maui


Where to stay

  • North America & Canada, Hawaii, Andaz Maui, Exterior
    Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
    A sleek boutique-style property whose moniker means ‘personal style’ in Hindi, Andaz Maui lures in laid-back-luxe-lovers with its zen atmosphere and enviable location best suited for lollygagging. The second biggest island in Hawaii’s family archipelago, Maui’s mantra is one Andaz’s modern beach enclave has lovingly adopted – that while it may be a place to be seen, relaxing is the main agenda.
    Andaz Maui


Where to stay

  • USA, Luxury Hawaii Holidays, Halekulani, Swimming pool
    Halekulani
    From its prime location by the fresh water springs, this luxury oasis lives up to its name of a ‘house befitting heaven’. Perhaps the most acclaimed of all five-star Hawaii hotels, it offers generously-sized rooms and suites with a private lanai and latest high-tech touches.
    Halekulani


Where to stay

  • North America & Canada, Hawaii, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Main Pool
    1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
    Fulfilling the eco-loving side of its brand, this outpost lives and breathes all things nature; the healing powers of which have been thoughtfully considered throughout – from reclaimed materials to local vegetation in each space. Better known as Hawaii’s ‘Garden Island’, with its leafy valleys and tropical rainforests, sustainably focused 1 Hotel couldn’t choose a better location for its flagship than Kaua’i.
    1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Explore all the
places to stay

  • North America & Canada, Hawaii, Mauna Lani, Pool
    Hawaii
    Mauna Lani

    The homely welcome of ‘ohana’ is embodied at this boutique-feeling property; a beloved haunt of Elvis, some of the staff have been here since his heyday, and are still passionately sharing their heritage with inquisitive guests.

    Explore this place
    • USA, Luxury Hawaii Holidays, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Resort view
      Hawaii
      Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

      An enchanting enclave of pools, terraces and gardens located oceanfront in Wailea, this award-winning luxury retreat includes newly designed rooms and suites offering spacious private lanais, many with views of the ocean and gardens.

      Explore this place
    • USA, Luxury Hawaii Holidays, Halekulani, Beach view
      Hawaii
      Halekulani

      From its prime location by the fresh water springs, this luxury oasis lives up to its name of a ‘house befitting heaven’.

      Explore this place
  • North America & Canada, Hawaii, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Exterior
    Hawaii
    1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

    Fulfilling the eco-loving side of its brand, this outpost lives and breathes all things nature; the healing powers of which have been thoughtfully considered throughout – from reclaimed materials to local vegetation in each space.

    Explore this place
    • North America & Canada, Hawaii, The Laylow, Hideout by Night
      Hawaii
      The Laylow

      A mid-century modern dreamland where summer is eternal, as the name would suggest, this is a place where you can “lay low” within the bustle of Waikiki in preparation for days of exploration.

      Explore this place
    • USA, Luxury Hawaii Holidays, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'Upulehu, Beach
      Hawaii
      Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'Upulehu

      This exceptional resort hidden away on the exclusive Kona–Kohala Coast captures the essence of Hawai’i’s golden age.

      Explore this place

Extraordinary
experiences

    • Waikiki beach with Diamond Head mountain in background
      Feel the heat of the Big Island’s volcanoes.

      Take to the skies on a helicopter tour over the brooding landscape to experience the sheer size of the natural formations. To make it really special, the doors are off so you can really feel the heat.

    • A beach scene featuring tall palm trees, surrounded by scattered rocks along the shore.
      Swim with gentle giants after the sun has set.

      A catamaran cruise at dusk is the gateway to the world of seafaring titans. When the sun has dipped below the horizon, don mask and snorkel for a glimpse into the underwater world of the manta ray after dark.

    • A surfer walking into the sea while holding a surfboard
      Search for the swell on Oahu’s North Shore.

      Stretching out over seven miles, it’s often said that if you’re in search of the perfect wave, you can find it on North Shore. Summer months are best for a gentler surf session, whereas winter brings in the big, frothing walls of water for the more seasoned pros.

Itinerary essentials
  • 13
    NIGHTS
IDEAL TIME
  • Jan - Dec
    GREAT YEAR ROUND
WHEN TO GO
  • 18hrs 19min
    LHR - SEA - KOA
FLIGHT TIME
  • 1hrs 55min
    BY ROAD
  • 1hr 52min
    BY AIR
ALL TRANSFERS
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
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