Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanos National Parks, with moderate day hikes

In this trip we want to explore the both National Parks of Hawaii - Hawaii Volcanoes on the Big Island and Haleakala in Maui. We start with experiencing Hawaii Volcanoes with its young, rocky, otherworldly landscape and volcanic shores and, in the contrast, a very lively Kona coast. Then we catch an evening flight to Maui that lasts less one hour.

Hiking Haleakala Summit can make feel like another, colorful and cloudy, world. We will plan to catch make it it there by sunrise or sunset one day. And then we will explore a lush rain-forest and swim at Ohe'o Gulch and drive along scenic Hana Highway.

The adventurous part of this trip can be (optional) addition of American Samoa National Park to the itinerary. In this case on the last day of the trip instead of flying home will fly to Honolulu that is the only connection to Pago Pago airport and a non-stop flight to it lasts about 6 hours. For the National Park of American Samoa, a tropical preserve of rain-forest and coral reef, we want to allocate just two days (one night stay.) Accommodation (not numerous there) can be in a hotel or private properties.

Spring weather in the areas is warm with day average temperatures 84-87 degree F (65 degree at night). See updates of weather forecasts at: https://bit.ly/3tA7E9J

Trip's summary:

• 7days/6nights trip for a small group of 6 explorers.
• The starting point is Kailua-Kona, KOA, and ending point is Kahului, OGG.
• Level of activities: Easy to Intermediate.
• Hotel and airbnb accommodations in Hilo and Wailuku.

Clothes and gear recommended:

• good hiking shoes,
• warm jacket for evenings, be ready to layer up,
• hiking poles if you used to them,
• consider hydration bladder for hikes,
• sunglasses,
• day backpack,
• sunscreen,
• hat,
• swim-suite, flip flops (all beach accessories),

Tentative cost $750 (to be finalized 1.5 months before the start.) What will be included:

• 6 nights stay in 2-people occupancy non-smoking room (two beds in room),
• Transportation by minivan covering approx. 500 mi of road-tripping total,
• Park entrance fees,
• Organized hikes in all days.

What is NOT included:

• Getting to Kailua-Kona, KOA, transfer from Kailua-Kona, KOA to Kahului, OGG, returning from Kahului, OGG,
• Transfer to Honolulu, HI,
• Meals, snacks, water.

Sunrise: 6:20am. Sunset: 5:50pm. Everyday we want to start off from the hotel at 7 am or 7:30am, or 8am as the latest. If you are a nigh owl, please try to adjust yourself for an earlier getup during the trip - the purpose of it is to use more of daylight at winter time for activities.

There will be a Zoom meeting on this trip and a WhatsApp group chat will be formed for the group to communicate and prepare for the trip. Please be available to connect by WhatsApp (provide the organizer with your WhatsApp contact info to be included in the group.)

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