Natural Hawaii
Pearls of the Pacific

Saturday 25 February - Saturday 10 March 2012 (15 days)
Pre-tour Oahu extension from Thursday 23 February 2012 (2 days)

Saturday 23 February - Saturday 09 March 2013 (15 days)
Pre-tour Oahu extension from Thursday 21 February 2013 (2 days)

Aloha! We're off on a superb trip to Hawaii, a fascinating group of mid-Pacific islands offering breathtaking volcanic scenery, a range of fascinating endemic birds and huge seabird colonies, and probably the best place in the world for a chance of (safely) seeing an active lava flow. Join renowned expert Doug Pratt on this delightful, comfortable and exciting tour for an amazing experience, and a greater understanding of the forces that shape our planet.



Take a journey to the mid-Pacific Ocean, where the idyllic islands of Hawaii offer breathtaking scenery, impressive seabird colonies, fascinating endemic birds and plants, rich Polynesian culture, and a chance to see the world's most active volcano. Hawaii is more than golden beaches, swaying palm trees and luxury resorts. It is a land rich in history with a great variety of landscapes including snow-covered mountains, luxuriant forests, extensive lava flows and semi-deserts, lovely beaches, cascading waterfalls, pounding surf and calm turquoise waters.

The tour will be led by Doug Pratt who is a world-renowned authority on Hawaii. This is not just a birding tour, although we have a good chance of seeing all the birds that anyone can reasonably expect on the islands we visit. This is a tried and true itinerary, with something for everyone. Book now - this special tour is limited to 7 participants and Doug.



Hawaii map
Prices
Main Tour:
2012: £ 5,995
2013: £ tbc
Extension:
2012: £ 635
2013: £ tbc

Single supps
Main Tour:
2012: £ 995
2013: £ tbc
Extension:
2012: £ 195
2013: £ tbc

Deposit:
£ 500 per person


The price is per person and includes return scheduled flights London/Hawaii, internal flights, airport taxes, accommodation as detailed above, meals as detailed above (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), transport admissions, incidental tips, and the services of the leaders.

The price excludes the cost of meals not listed, travel insurance, drinks, and other personal expenses.

This trip will be operated in conjunction with Naturalist Journeys of the USA

Please note that we require full payment 18 weeks before departure on all USA tours.

Accommodation will be as described with all rooms en suite.

Leader: Doug Pratt

Numbers: Max. 7 clients


Outline Itinerary
Day 1 We catch our scheduled flight from London, via San Francisco and Honolulu, arriving in Maui during the evening of the following day. Overnight Honolulu or Maui depending on flight times
Day 2 Overnight Maui (D)
Day 3 Overnight Maui (B)
Day 4 Overnight Maui (B, L)
Day 5 We fly to the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Overnight Kona Seaside Hotel (B,D)
Day 6 Overnight Kona Seaside Hotel (B,L)
Day 7 Overnight Kona Seaside Hotel (B,L)
Day 8 Today we loop around the southern end of the Big Island, a fantastic drive with much to see. We climb upward eventually reaching Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Overnight Hale Ohia Cottages (B,L)
Day 9 Kilauea Volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983, and geologists think the current eruption could last many more years. Visitors come to witness the fiery stream of lava as it makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. Overnight Hale Ohia Cottages (B,L)
Day 10 Mid-day, we catch a flight from Hilo airport to Lihue on Kaua'i. Overnight Kaua'i (B)
Day 11 Kauai, the smallest of the islands we visit, retains the richest native flora and fauna of the large islands. Overnight Kaua'i (B,D)
Day 12 Overnight Kaua'i (B,D)
Day 13 (FULL MOON) Overnight Kaua'i (B,L, D)
Day 14 We depart Kauai today and return via Honolulu & San Francisco, arriving in London early on Day 15.
Oahu Pre-trip Extension
Day 1 Scheduled flight from London, via California and Honolulu, arriving in Honolulu during the evening or the following day. Overnight Honolulu depending on flight times
Day 2 Arrival by 3:00 pm . We can settle into our accommodations on the beach, and have some time to birdwatch at Kapiolani Park, where beautiful, delicate Fairy Terns roost for the night. Overnight New Otani Hotel, Honolulu (D)
Day 3 Doug has designed a route today that is highly scenic and highly productive for finding species unique to Oahu. Overnight New Otani Hotel, Honolulu (B, D)
Day 4 We arrive at the airport mid-day for our short flight to Maui and the start of our main tour. (B)

Click here for a full, printable itinerary