Maui

Famed as one of the most romantic and magical places on earth, Maui's reputation actually has its origins deep in the mists of time.

When you uncover the legends of Hawaii, one name towers above all — Maui, the demigod. Long ago, Maui looked upon the people of his island. He saw that the days were too short for them to finish their work and enjoy life because the sun flew so swiftly across the sky. Maui therefore hid in the crater of the island's highest mountain and snared the fierce sun god, making him promise to travel more slowly. To this day, the sun keeps his word and even makes his home in Mt. Haleakala, the "House of the Sun". The legends of Hawaii still live on the Magic Isle of Maui, because the ancient culture that fostered those legends is more alive and vibrant than ever.

Voyaging canoes, hula, chanting and the musical Hawaiian language itself. And everywhere you look the pride in Maui's past and optimism about her future can be seen in the faces of her warm, friendly people. And there is something more, something you can feel everywhere, in the breathtaking natural wonders, in the incomparable harmonies of sky and sea, in the fragrant flowers and cascading waterfalls. Some call it magic, some call it aloha, some just call it Maui.

Every area of Maui is so astonishingly different in climate, culture and geography from every other that touring Maui is like visiting seven islands in one.

If you are looking to explore Maui as well as enjoying the fantastic beach right outside your hotel then here are out top tips for things to do during your 5 nights on the Magic Isle.

Hire Some Bikes
Few places are more friendly to bikers than Maui. You can bicycle from the East End of the island at the Wailea Resort to Kapalua on the West End if you are up for a challenge; much of the ride is along a spectacular shoreline road. There are guided downhill bicycle tours from the summit of Haleakala, through the flower farms and small towns of Upcountry to the beach at Paia. In 38 miles, the elevation drops 10,000 feet and it’s really not as strenuous as you might think. Bicycle rentals are available all over the island.

Diving and boat trips
Maui has some of the finest diving spots in Hawaii, with dozens of reputable operators to choose from. There are two marine conservation areas, one at Honolua Bay on West Maui and the other at Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater offshore at Wailea. Boats go from Lahaina and Ma’alaea offering a number of dive and snorkel excursions. Glass bottom boats and a pleasure submarine open up the wonders to non-swimmers.

Drive
One of the world's most scenic drives is located on Maui, the Hana Highway. With 54 bridges in 56 miles along the winding lava shore, through old plantation towns, past miles of beaches and through towering forests, it’s an experience that just cannot be missed. A drive to the summit of Haleakala Volcano is also a must. Haleakala crater appears like the surface of an alien planet and the views of Maui from the summit are amazing. We can assist with renting you a car whilst on Maui should you choose this option.

Walk
Walk into a rainforest alive to the songs of birds found nowhere else on the planet. Discover waterfalls with plunge pools for swimming, and walks into valleys so deep they never see a sunrise or a sunset. There are trails into the dramatic lunar landscape of Haleakala crater too. There are trails and nature walks for every level of skill. You can obtain free maps marking the most popular trails.

Whale Watching
From November through April, Maui welcomes the humpback whales - Hawaii's largest seasonal visitors. They come to Hawaii to mate and give birth. Maui’s south and west coastlines provide abundant opportunities for watching this endangered species, and various companies offer whale-watching excursions.

General Sightseeing
Visit nostalgic plantation towns, tour the historic preservation district of Lahaina, see the biggest Buddha outside of Asia, stop at old Hawaiian churches, or visit a museum dedicated to Maui's whaling history. Walk through an aquarium and watch the fish swim around and above you, or marvel at the beauty of ‘Iao Needle and the West Maui Mountains. Drive to the pools of ‘Ohe‘o Gulch or under the canopy of giant redwood trees in Olinda. The choices are endless.

Maui – San Francisco

Depart Maui – 1035 / Arrive Honolulu – 1109 – 34 minutes.
Depart Honolulu – 1300 / Arrive San Francisco – 2055 – 4 hours 55 minutes

On arrival at San Francisco we recommend you take one of the registered and metered cabs waiting right outside the terminal to your hotel. If you would prefer we will happily arrange a private meet and transfer at an additional cost.

Hotel Diva - 3 nights.

Experience the ultimate in modern design at the Sexy Boutique Hotel. Hotel Diva is striking with its cutting edge appeal -- the first that dared to be different! The avant-garde Hotel Diva is in the center of all that San Francisco has to offer with its central location to Union Square. If it's shopping that you're looking for, you can't beat Hotel Diva just steps from Union Square, with everything from Louis Vuitton to H+M. Enjoy the energy of the City in a neighborhood abundant with innovative restaurants, clubs, and nightlife. The Curran and American Conservatory Theatres are conveniently located directly across the street. Hotel Diva provides ultra-modern rooms, and guarantees superior hotel service. They also offer exclusive hotel specials and packages, as well as a personalized and unique experience for your stay.

While staying at Hotel Diva, guests can take advantage of the swanky artist-designed lounges, all outfitted with complimentary use of iMac computers. For music-lovers, iPods are available for $10 to $15 per day at the front desk, complete with special Diva music mixes. Hotel Diva provides complimentary room delivery from the adjacent Colibri Mexican Bistro. The hotel also features complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access throughout the hotel, a 24-hour fitness room, a 24-hour business center, complimentary coffee and tea from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., valet parking and same-day dry cleaning.

San Francisco

An incredibly diverse city, with dramatically differing neighbourhoods, there is so much to see and do here so we hope you haven’t become too relaxed after your time in Hawaii. We recommend that you book a city tour and ensure that you have bought ferry tickets for Alcatraz prior to leaving the U.K. as this gets booked up. There are quite a few tours companies selling city tours and Alcatraz as combination tours online, however you will need to book this yourself due to regulations with the ferry company.

Here are some of the highlights you should consider during your San Francisco stay. Believe us when we say there is so much more, these are just our favourites!

Alcatraz
Park rangers conduct tours by recounting the prison's thrilling history along with intriguing anecdotes about Al Capone and other legendary figures that made a "home" here.

Chinatown
This electric neighbourhood of 100,000 people is not to be missed, and it's not hard to find: listen for the clack of mahjongg tiles and nose out the salty spicy squid.

Golden Gate Bridge
Stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building, this well-known bridge is the gateway to San Francisco.

North Beach
San Francisco's historically Italian beachless North Beach section remains a vibrant and lively neighbourhood, filled with unusual shops, quaint cafes and delicious restaurants.

Ferry Building Marketplace
The Golden Gate City's old Ferry Building is now one of the finest farmer's markets in the world. This San Francisco landmark property is home to many ethnic restaurants and specialty food stores.

Fisherman’s Wharf
Open seafood markets, street performers, souvenir shops, restaurants and sidewalk vendors are among the many attractions on this world famous stretch of Wharf.

Union Square
A shopper's paradise, this bustling square near the theater district has everything from upscale department stores and boutiques to discount houses. After a $25-million facelift in 2002, the cosmopolitan hub boasts a huge amphitheater, granite pedestals on which street entertainers perform and a tree and flower-lined environment in which to enjoy an espresso or an elegant meal.

Coit Tower
Monument built in honour of the city's volunteer firemen, with an observation deck that provides a great view of San Francisco.

Pier 39
This third most visited attraction in the U.S. is a hive of activity with rides, entertainment, restaurants, shops and lively street entertainers. You can easily hop a ferry across the bay to Alcatraz or Tiburon, but don't miss the celebrated sea lion colony that inhabits the nearby abandoned docks.

Nob Hill
One of the most upscale areas of San Francisco, this is the site of two landmarks: The Fairmont Hotel and The Mark Hopkins. We suggest you make a visit to the ‘Top of the Mark’ bar located at the Mark Hopkins Hotel, superb panoramic view of the city while sipping a cocktail!

Lombard Street
Known as the "crookedest" street in the world, the steep, hills and sharp curves of this one-way road pass by grand Victorian mansions and attract millions of tourists each year.

Cable Cars
Since 1873, cable cars have run up and down the hilly city, though after the 1950s, these cars have been kept in operation more out of historic nostalgia. Seventeen miles of track remain and have been deemed a historical landmark.

Pacific Heights
The much photographed and very attractive neighbourhood where you will find multi-coloured Victorian homes.

Sausalito
Sausalito is a charming waterfront community that lies across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Because of its Mediterranean flair and breathtaking views, it is often compared to the French Riviera.

San Francisco – U.K

We’ve booked you on an evening flight directly home to the U.K. so that you have time to do some last minute shopping or fit in some more sightseeing before you take a cab from your hotel to the airport. Once again if you prefer we can arrange a private transfer at an additional cost.

Depart San Francisco – 1855 / Arrive London Heathrow – 1300* – 10 hours 5 minutes
* = Next day arrival.