1. Kauai: Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Valley Bus Tour
Explore Kauai's striking and unparalleled nature on a bus tour to the iconic Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Valley. Discover the latter on a short nature trail to truly immerse yourself in the area and see Waimea Canyon from above with its red and green hues. Journey through the heart of Kauai’s countryside and ascend a mountain via a meandering road engulfed by trees and endless fields to reveal the impressive Waimea Canyon. It’s hard to believe the immense cliffs and deep gorges of the Waimea Canyon could exist on a small island. Head back down the mountain to watch ocean waves propel jets of water through lava rock at the Spouting Horn Blowhole. In quaint Hanapepe town amid sugar cane fields, view Hanapepe Valley from the lookout and cross the famous Hanapepe Swinging Bridge. Then stop for a delicious lunch at the charming Waimea Plantation Cottages' Chicken in a Barrel BBQ restaurant. Stroll through the picturesque grounds with stunning ocean front views fronting a two-mile black sand beach. Next, venture down a nature trail in Koke’e State Park for an easy hike surrounded by native Hawaiian flora and fauna. The first portion of the hike is a gradual uphill stroll for about 30 yards, then the land levels, hugging the contours of the hill. On your walk, listen for the lyrical chirping of the rare red 'apapane or i’iwi bird species who sip nectar from the blossoms on the native trees. Then, peer at the expanse of Waimea Valley from Puu Hinahina lookout point and visit the recently unveiled King Kaumuali‘i Statue at Pa‘ula‘ula, more commonly known as the Russian Fort. Finally, stroll through the Kauai Coffee Plantation beneath the warm Hawaiian sun near the coast and see the entire coffee process from initial blossoming and harvesting to the final roasting. Sample the exclusive line of estate-grown Hawaiian coffees.