California & Hawaii 

Sun, surf, and cities

Combine California’s two most iconic cities with two Hawaiian Islands

Your trip starts in style, spending time in the fabulous Los Angeles. You can make LA a beach holiday and stay in Santa Monica or choose somewhere near the theme parks or the attractions of Hollywood. Then, fly west to experience two different sides of Hawaii – the lively Waikiki Beach and the calmer Maui. As you’ll need to break up the flight from Hawaii back to the UK, stopping in San Francisco means exploring another fantastic Californian city. There’s plenty to do in the Golden Gate City, whether you want to get to know its varied neighbourhoods, indulge in some shopping, or take the opportunity to go wine tasting in nearby Napa.

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Car rental tour
12 nights
Los Angeles, Oahu, Maui, San Francisco

Experiencing Cali thrills and Aloha chills

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California and Hawaii

From £3,095 per person

  • tick12 nights
  • tickBoard Basis - Room Only
  • tick12 nights 3-4 star accommodation
  • tickFly with United Airlines from London Heathrow
  • tick3 nights Dream Hollywood - Los Angeles
  • tick3 nights Queen Kapiolani Hotel - Honolulu (Oahu)
  • tick3 nights Hyatt Regency Maui - 3 nights Hotel Emblem - San Francisco. Excludes transfers.
  • tickBased on selected March 2025 departures

Recommended itinerary

Los Angeles

City of Angels

You’ll need to break up the flight from the UK to Hawaii, and Los Angeles is a great place to stop. Not only do you get a blast of California sunshine, but the eight-hour time difference starts to help you acclimatise to Hawaii time, which is ten hours behind the UK.

What to do in Los Angeles

Get to know LA

Arrange a Go City LA All-Inclusive Pass to spend your days exploring – it includes over 40 tours and attractions. Head to Malibu for a Celebrity Homes tour, hike up to Griffith Park to gaze at Los Angeles from above or join the Californians on the Santa Monica boardwalk with a full-day rental of a bike or rollerblades. And you don’t just have to look at the water, as a whale watching trip is yours if you want it.

Where to stay in Los Angeles

The addresses to know

If it’s glamour you’re clamouring for, Los Angeles hotels deliver in spades. Consider Shutters on the Beach if you can’t wait to get into beach mode, or Dream Hollywood if you’re looking for full-on Hollywood opulence.

Oahu

Fly west

Leave Los Angeles behind for the six-hour flight over the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii. You’ll land in Honolulu, where most hotels are nearby in Waikiki Beach. Stretch your legs along the palm-lined Kalakaua Avenue after a short transfer.

What to do in Oahu

Beach bliss and vibrant nightlife

Oahu is Hawaii’s epicentre and home to the state’s vibrant capital, Honolulu. It’s a hub of activity that appeals to all types, whether you want to get adventurous on the waves, tour cultural sites, or let loose with a night on the town. Beyond Honolulu, you’ll find picturesque botanical gardens and idyllic beaches.

Where to stay in Oahu

Big and beautiful beach resorts

Large beachfront resorts fringe the busy shoreline in Waikiki. Consider The Laylow for its lush greenery and easygoing feel or the historic Royal Hawaiian, known as the Pink Palace.

Maui

Calm and low-key

It takes less than an hour to fly from Oahu to Maui. An island of swaying palm trees and hula dances on sandy shorelines might be the first thing your imagination conjures up, but look a little further and uncover endless ways to get active. Hike trails weaving through national parks and plunge into crystalline waters with your eyes peeled for turtles. Or give in to the laid-back vibes with a good book and a soothing dose of sunshine.

What to do in Maui

Visit Wailea

Wailea’s crescent-shaped beaches might command most of the attention, but this pocket of South Maui is also home to luxury resorts, pristine golf courses, soothing spas, and high-end shops – the likes of Gucci and Tiffany & Co can be found here. We highly recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your time in Maui.

Where to stay in Maui

Resorts galore

Maui is home to some magnificent beachfront resorts. Many are perfect for families, but if you want something quieter, consider the exceptional adults-only Hotel Wailea for a luxurious island stay.

San Francisco

Golden Gate City

You can fly directly from Maui to San Francisco, heading back east for the final stop of your holiday. In contrast to your beach time in Hawaii, San Francisco is a fabulous city to spend on-the-go. It has brilliant museums – head to Golden Gate Park to see the California Academy of Sciences, bike across the Golden Gate Bridge for epic views, and stop for lunch in Sausalito. If you stay a little longer, you might want to take the chance to spend a day tasting wine in the glorious Napa Valley.

What to do in San Francisco

Do things your way

You could shop up a storm in Union Square, visit the Sealions on Pier 39, or indulge your foodie side at the Ferry Building Marketplace. Of course, a popular option is taking a boat to the infamous Alcatraz prison and learning more about its equally infamous former inmates. Hop on a City Sightseeing Tour to check off all the major sights.

Where to stay in San Francisco

Union Square and beyond

Choose The Handlery Union Square for a base near the city’s best shopping. Or stay near Fisherman’s Wharf to be close to the water and stay at Hotel Caza, Hotel Zoe, or The Argonaut. Although it’s pretty easy to move around the city, use the traditional cable cars to avoid walking the steepest hills!