Wild Encounters: Hawaii

Arrive in Honolulu, Hawaii’s international gateway, before connecting on to Maui. Collect your car and make your way to the Fairmont Kea Lani, a spacious beachfront resort designed with families in mind. Settle into your suite, wander through tropical gardens, or take a refreshing swim before strolling down to Polo Beach. As evening falls, watch your first Hawaiian sunset light up the horizon in warm shades of gold.

 The next morning brings a private kayak adventure along Maui’s calm coastal waters. Glide in clear-bottom kayaks that reveal the world beneath, keeping an eye out for dolphins offshore and monk seals resting nearby. At a sheltered reef, snorkel with graceful green sea turtles and schools of tropical fish before returning to the resort. The afternoon is yours for poolside relaxation, beach games, or simply soaking in the ocean views together.

 A new day begins with a private guided journey along Maui’s legendary Road to Hana. This winding coastal drive showcases black-sand beaches, rainbow eucalyptus groves, hidden waterfalls, and tide pools teeming with sea life. Pause to watch surfers on the North Shore, taste exotic fruit at a local stand, and explore a dramatic sea cave. The route balances discovery with time to play and explore, before returning to Wailea in the evening.

 Your time on Maui continues with an exclusive whale-watching experience. Step aboard your private vessel alongside a naturalist guide who shares fascinating insights into these gentle giants. From December to April, Maui’s waters host migrating humpbacks—watch for breaches, tail slaps, and tender moments between mothers and calves. The flexibility to linger where activity is richest makes this encounter both intimate and extraordinary. Return ashore for a leisurely afternoon at your resort.

Journey across the channel to Lanai this morning by private boat, watching for dolphins or seabirds en route. Arriving at Hulopoe Bay, transfer to the Four Seasons Lanai, perched dramatically on a cliff above a protected marine reserve. Spend the afternoon exploring the lush gardens, strolling the beach, or simply settling into your new island retreat, where tranquillity and comfort meet in perfect balance.

 Set out with your naturalist guide for a hike along the Koloiki Ridge Trail. Starting in shaded pine groves, the path opens onto sweeping views of Lanai’s valleys and across to Molokai and Maui. Along the way, learn about the island’s ecosystems and keep an eye out for native birdlife. In the afternoon, children can climb, swing, and play at Lanai Adventure Park, while parents enjoy a slower pace. Reunite in the evening for a relaxed family dinner by the ocean.

 On your final day, enjoy the island at your own rhythm. Families may opt for horseback riding across Lanai’s rugged uplands, teeing off on a world-class golf course, or joining a cultural tour to discover the island’s heritage. Alternatively, spend time along Hulopoe Bay exploring tide pools and watching for playful spinner dolphins offshore. However you choose to spend it, this day offers a balance of adventure and relaxation before your onward journey.