Hawaii & French Polynesia with San Diego and Papeete Stays, 5 March 2026 (21 nights)

This 1,200-acre cultural park is a haven of lush vegetation, beautiful flora and vibrant attractions. Boasting more than 16 museums and performance venues, and even San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park provides a beautiful day out surrounded by nature.

Home to over 12,000 animals across 680 species and sub-species, San Diego Zoo is an unrivalled wildlife experience. As the most visited zoo in the US, it puts great emphasis on conservation and education, giving visitors opportunity to get close and learn more about their favourite animal.

A renowned attraction, SeaWorld San Diego is a thrilling aquarium and adventure park. With an array of indoor and outdoor exhibits, live shows and more, a trip to SeaWorld San Diego is perfect for all the family. From dolphins, to sea turtles, visiting this unique attraction is a fun way to spend the day.

Also known as the USS Arizona Memorial, this floating shrine is only accessible by boat and sits directly over the sunken warship. The resting place of 1077 crewmembers whose names are enshrined on the memorial, here you can see parts of the craft still jutting out of the water.

This breath-taking vantage point offers unrivalled views of the Koolau Cliffs and Windward Coast. Nestled among mountain peaks at over a thousand feet high, visitors can take in the scenery of the lookout for free before carrying on to the town or coast.

This beautifully restored palace is a key part of Hawaii’s identity. Built in 1882, this restored landmark features original artefacts including furniture, accessories and photographs. Visitors can tour the palace, gallery and grounds self guided or with a guide.

Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Park is considered a sacred site in Hawaii, and known as an area of peace and forgiveness. Once a sanctuary for those who violated sacred laws, it is now a beautifully preserved National Park rich with Hawaiian history.

Relax and unwind at the picturesque Magic Sands Beach Park during your time in Kona. A beautiful public beach within easy reach of the centre, it features stunning white sand and a rocky shoreline. The perfect place to enjoy a swim or snorkelling, you’ll discover the true beauty of Hawaii here.

Another popular attraction in the area is the Hulihe’e Palace; also known as the former holiday home of the Hawaiian royal family. Now a museum, it houses an array of artefacts and furniture.

Constructed in the 20th century, the Notre Dame Cathedral is a catholic cathedral that's surrounded by awe-inspiring tropical plantlife. A unique feature on the island, it's popular with tourists looking to find out more about the island's religious past.

This iconic sculpture depicts two tiki on the top of Tuhiva Hill. Inaugurated in 2017, it overlooks the Bay of Taiohae and stands at 12 metres tall. A fascinating sculpture, it makes for a great photo opportunity whilst on the island.

Arguably the most popular attraction to visit on the island is the Vaipo Waterfall. Standing at 1148 feet, this impressive waterfall is the tallest of its kind in Polynesia. Lying within the breathtaking Hakaui Valley, it’s a natural marvel of beauty.

Just off the coast of Moorea, in the clear shallow waters around Papetoai, you’ll find an interesting collection of tiki sculptures – each of which stands between 1.5 metres and 2 metres tall. Created and placed by a local artist in 1998, as a tribute to the Polynesians who were obliged by missionaries to cast their religious symbols into the sea, this is a fascinating sight and one that highlights an important part of Polynesian culture and history. You can venture out and find these yourself, as they’re not far from the coast, but embarking on a guided tour will make that feat a lot easier.

Just one of the numerous beaches you’ll find in Moorea, Plage de Ta’ahiamanu is the perfect place to unwind when visiting this idyllic paradise. While here, you’ll never be too far from refreshments, and you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere here. With dramatic rainforest-covered mountain peaks in the background, and sparkling clear waters before you, there are certainly worse places to spend some time soaking up the sunshine.

If you’re looking for breathtaking views of Moorea’s inspiring landscapes, you’ll find plenty along the Three Pines Pass – which will take you to the Three Pines Lookout. A relatively easy, but wholly rewarding, hiking trail, this route will take you into the luscious heart of Moorea along the foot of an ancient caldera. When you arrive at the lookout point, you’ll be met with unrivalled views of Opunohu Valley and the pineapple fields that litter the island. Along the way, you’ll also spot several unique plants and some interesting wildlife – with eagle-eyed hikers even able to spot archeological ruins among the trees.

If you’re looking for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of Papeete’s city centre, then heading to the Gardens of Paofai is far from a bad idea. Beautifully landscaped gardens in the heart of this vibrant city, this wooded area is the ideal destination to take a stroll in the shade or sit and relax. You’ll find a few ornamental fish ponds to admire here too, with the walking trails taking you to several spaces that offer a tranquil serenity. This is the ideal place to sit and enjoy the laid-back coastal ambiance here.

The Papeete Market is a vibrant marketplace in the heart of the capital, and the perfect place to spend some time if you want to soak up some of the culture and cuisine that make this region so unique; here, among the busy stalls, you’ll find a variety of local foods and produce alongside hand-crafted artwork from all the archipelagos that make up French Polynesia – not just Papeete and Tahiti. If you’d rather admire from a distance, you’ll find somewhere to sit and sip on a coffee here, too.

Offering visitors a comprehensive look at pearls, including the process of collecting them and the legends associated with these unique cultured gems, the Robert Wan Pearl Museum is a truly fascinating place to visit when in Papeete. Immersing you in the intriguing world of pearls, with an exploration of historic individuals who held an affinity for pearls, how pearls are farmed around the world, and what it takes to spot the perfect pearl yourself, you’ll leave the Robert Wan Pearl Museum with a new appreciation for these interesting gemstones.

A small park in central Papeete, Bougainville Park is a beautiful spot to stroll when exploring this interesting city. Here, you’ll find tree-covered walkways and picturesque plant-life to admire. Once somewhere where important festivities and celebrations took place, perhaps most notably when King Pomare V ceded the islands to France in 1880, this park is now positioned as a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of this port city’s busier streets.