Here's a route that won't leave you freezing.
And for good reason, it blows hot and cold.
Alaska and Hawaii: two dream destinations, which seem totally opposite but which ultimately complement each other.
One offers breathtaking glacial landscapes and abundant maritime and terrestrial fauna.
The other is characterized by its volcanoes, some of which are still active, and its beaches which are among the most beautiful in the world.
You first start with the cold, arriving in the northern territories, in Alaska.
An extraordinary experience awaits you in Denali Park, where you will not fail to observe the richness of the fauna: bears, caribou, elk, wolves are numerous in the region.
Then head to the North of the State, towards the small town of Fairbanks, gateway to the Arctic, before returning via Wrangell St Elias Park, the largest natural park in the world.
Then south of Anchorage, the fjords of Kenai Park await you again in a majestic setting.
Then comes the heat, when you arrive on the island of Oahu and in the Hawaiian capital of Honolulu.
The famous beaches of Waikiki, the Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, the Diamondhead Crater and the wild region of the North Shore are the unmissable places that you will have the opportunity to discover.
This trip ends with the most beautiful island in the archipelago, Maui.
This is where the most beautiful beaches are located, but not only that.
The interior of the island is also very rich, the Haleakala volcano, the numerous waterfalls, or the richness of its seabed, whales, dolphins and even giant turtles, make it an exceptional place.
A journey of contrast between fjords and volcanoes, breathtaking landscapes and two diametrically opposed cultures for an unforgettable journey.
Program
Day 1: France / Anchorage
Flight to Alaska.
Welcome to Alaska.
Night in Anchorage.
Wrangell St Elias
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Days 2 and 3: Anchorage / Denali (379 km – 5 hours drive)
Pick-up for your vehicle.
The landscape offers you different panoramic views with distant glaciers in the background.
In Willow, you can visit the home of a professional veteran of the Yukon Quest and Iditarod dog sled races, and in Talkeetna, you can take a one-hour aerial tour flying over Mount McKinley.
This park is one of the highlights of Alaska.
We suggest as an option, a guided wildlife tour of Denali National Park.
Day 4: Denali / Fairbanks (200 km – 2h30 drive)
Departure towards Fairbanks, gateway to the Arctic and its oil wells.
The landscape changes and the Alaska Range gives way to a wide valley irrigated by the Nenana.
You can stroll along the Tanana River, take a cruise on an authentic paddle steamer, Pioneer Theme Park, visit the number 8 dredge used to extract gold from gravel or the famous University of Fairbanks Museum.
Day 5: Fairbanks / Glennallen (399 km – 4.5 hours drive)
We will spend the first part of our day on the Glenn Highway, past countless rivers, lakes, glaciers and finally the majestic Wrangell-St.Elias National Park.
Day 6: Glennallen / Wasilla / Palmer Area (237 km – 3 hours drive)
Continue your journey towards Cooper Center.
Visit and walk to get to the foot of the famous Matanuska glacier.
On the Lost Lake Trail
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Days 7 and 8: Wasilla / Palmer Area / Seward (267 km – 3h30 drive)
Discovery of the magnificent Kenai National Park.
Possibility (strongly recommended) to visit this park by boat, sea kayak or plane, to observe its impressive fjords and glaciers.
You can also visit it simply by hiking.
Day 9: Seward / Anchorage / Oahu (204 km – 2h30 drive)
Drive to the airport, return your vehicle then fly to Honolulu.
Pick-up of your vehicle at the airport.
Welcome to the island of Oahu, the essential center of the entire archipelago!
We recommend staying 3 nights on Oahu to spend two full days.
Days 10 and 11: Discovery of Oahu
You can discover the surroundings of Honolulu: the Diamond Head crater, Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial.
But above all, it is the tour of the island that you must do on your first day to let yourself be captivated by the interior tropical forests or the waves towards the North or "North Shores", HQ for surfing enthusiasts: on the program , sport, relaxation, papaya… Banzai Pipeline is one of the spots where the waves are the highest in the world, especially in winter.
Second stop: Waimea Valley.
The beach is nice but you especially have to enter the park which gives access to beautiful lush vegetation and has a beautiful waterfall where you can swim.
To the north, near La'ie, you can visit the Polynesian Cultural Center which traces the history and customs of the Hawaiian people and connections with the peoples of the Pacific, particularly Polynesia.
Hanauma bay - Oahu
STEVEN PHRANER / sphraner - stock.adobe.com
The eastern road which runs along the Ko'Olau Mountains is beautiful because the road is wedged between sea and mountain, there are beautiful beaches where you can stop with turquoise water, notably Kahana Bay or Kailua Park.
Before reaching Honolulu, don't miss Makapu'u Point with a view of the mountains and the sea. A 30-minute drive from Waikiki is Hanauma Bay: it's a must-see on Oahu, the water is turquoise and an ideal spot for snorkeling.
It is a small bay with white sand and reef in the water which enriches the underwater life.
It is also possible to take a short 30-minute walk to reach the mountain which dominates the bay for a breathtaking view of the bay and the volcanoes in the interior of the island.
15 minutes from Waikiki, visit Pearl Harbor: Visit Pearl Harbor and relive the historic moment that plunged America into World War II during your visit to the Arizona Memorial.
The Pearl Harbor tour also includes a visit to the Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery and the city of Honolulu.
The most visited site in the area remains the American ship Arizona Memorial anchored at Pearl Harbor, northwest of Honolulu: 1.5 million visitors come to pay homage to the 2,335 American soldiers who died during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941.
Day 12: Oahu / Island of Maui
Return your car to the airport and inter-island flight to Maui.
Maui is commonly cited as the most beautiful island in the Pacific!
The majestic Haleakala, culminating at 3,055 meters, is a jewel dominating the island.
Waikiki beach and diamond head
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Days 13 to 15: Island of Maui
Don't miss Iao Valley Park and its abundant vegetation.
Take the magical Road to Hana to reach the East Coast and tour the island.
It's a bit long but the southern road which runs along the volcano is sublime and overlooks the ocean, especially at the end of the day with the setting sun...
On the West Coast, Lahaina and its beaches are ideal for a sea trip to meet humpback whales.
The island of Maui is full of numerous waterfalls and also allows for seaside bathing... Haleakala Crater: you have to go up early in the morning to watch the sunrise.
You will see a magnificent sea of clouds from which the rising sun emerges and the crater lights up more and more.
Unforgettable!
Suggestion: Also opt for a helicopter flight over Haleakala Crater, Oheo Gulch, the town of Hana, the rainforest and the rugged Northeast coast.
Haleakala, Maui - Hawaii
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Days 16 and 17: Maui / France
Free day in Maui to enjoy the beach one last time... Return your car to the airport and return flight to France.
Day 18:
Arrival in France
The price includes
The international flight
Air taxes
Domestic flights
16 nights accommodation in standard category hotels
Mid-range car rental in Alaska from day 2 and car rental on each island with unlimited mileage, LDW / liability insurance
Our French-speaking assistance/concierge service is at your disposal 24/7