Kalifornien & Inselhopping Hawaii in einer Traumkombi

About the destination: San Francisco is a major, lively and cosmopolitan city in California. In San Francisco, history and modernity combine to give visitors an unforgettable experience. From Mission Dolores, the city's first stone building or the city’s legendary cable cars to the high-tech Financial District. A trip to San Francisco is bound to leave you with incredible memories. A boat trip is a great way to explore the “City by the Bay.” Explore Fisherman's Wharf, full of shops, galleries and restaurant offering delicious seafood. Stroll down the Golden Gate and admire the views over the bay and the Pacific Ocean, visit the various maritime museums, and , of course, no visit to San Francisco is complete without an excursion to Alcatraz, the island prison that once held some of the country’s most notorious criminals, such as Al Capone. If it’s a more relaxed environment you’re after, pass through the stately architecture and flowing lagoon of the Palace of Fine Arts. The Transamerica Pyramid has become the city's most famous landmark. The 260 metre high pyramid structure is situated in the heart of the Financial District. Located between three hills, San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinese settlement outside Asia with pagodas, colourful bunting, decorated balconies and Chinese characters combining with the sounds and exotic aromas of this fascinating area. The Painted Ladies are charming Victorian wooden houses situated on the fringe of Alamo Square and the Haas-Lilienthal House is a well-maintained jewel of a bygone era. San Francisco thrives on variety and has a contagious energy. This city is magical and everyone should come here at least once.

About the destination: Maui, often called “The Valley Isle,” blends dramatic volcanic landscapes with lush rainforests and some of Hawaii’s most iconic beaches. At its heart rises Haleakalā, a massive dormant volcano whose summit sits above the clouds. Many visitors make the pre-dawn pilgrimage to watch sunrise from Haleakalā National Park, then explore the alien-like cinder cones and high-altitude trails that stretch across the crater. Later in the day, the park’s lower Kipahulu district reveals a different side of Maui, with waterfalls, coastal views and bamboo forests. Along the west and south coasts, golden-sand beaches frame clear, warm waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. Kāʻanapali and Wailea offer full-service resorts, oceanfront paths and easy access to reefs where you might spot turtles and tropical fish just offshore. In winter, humpback whales migrate through the ʻAuʻau Channel, and boat tours from Lahaina or Māʻalaea Harbor bring you close to these gentle giants. As evening falls, beachside restaurants and traditional lūʻaus combine island cuisine with hula and live music. For a taste of old Hawaii, wander the historic streets of Lahaina (subject to ongoing recovery after recent wildfires; check current conditions before visiting) or head upcountry to the cooler slopes of Kula and Makawao. Here you’ll find farmers’ markets, ranch lands, local art galleries and small eateries showcasing farm-to-table ingredients. Food trucks across the island serve everything from poke bowls and shave ice to inventive fusion dishes, making casual dining a highlight of any stay. No trip to Maui is complete without driving at least part of the famous Road to Hāna. This narrow, winding route along the island’s northeast coast passes dozens of waterfalls, black- and red-sand beaches, and lookout points with sweeping Pacific views. Plan to take it slow, stop frequently, and respect local communities and fragile ecosystems along the way. Whether you spend your time hiking, surfing, or simply relaxing on the sand, Maui’s mix of adventure and tranquility leaves a lasting impression.

About the destination: Hawaii Island, often called the Big Island, is the largest and geologically youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, offering dramatic contrasts in scenery and climate. Here you can stroll across hardened lava fields in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, wander through lush rainforests, and relax on white-, black-, and even green-sand beaches all in a single day. The island’s laid-back atmosphere and less crowded feel compared to other Hawaiian islands make it ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. Most visitors divide their time between the sunny Kona side on the west coast and the greener, more local-feeling Hilo side on the east. Kailua-Kona is the hub for ocean activities: snorkeling with manta rays at night, coffee farm tours in the famous Kona coffee belt, and exploring historic sites like Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Hilo, by contrast, offers cascading waterfalls such as ʻAkaka Falls, botanical gardens, and easy access to the island’s volcanic landscapes. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless options. You can hike across the Kīlauea Iki crater, explore lava tubes, or star-gaze near the summit of Maunakea, one of the best astronomical observation points in the world (be sure to go with a guided tour and respect cultural sensitivities). Along the Kohala Coast, luxury resorts sit beside excellent snorkeling spots and calm beaches, while North Kohala’s backroads lead to verdant valleys like Pololū, where a short hike rewards you with expansive coastal views. To deepen your experience, take time to learn about Native Hawaiian culture and history, still very much alive on Hawaii Island. Visit cultural centers and heiau (temples), attend a local hula or music event, and sample island cuisine—from poke and fresh ahi to loco moco and shave ice. Driving is essential for exploring the Big Island, so plan a flexible itinerary and allow extra time for scenic stops; the journey between sights is often as memorable as the destinations themselves.

About the destination: We are in Laguna Beach, a place where the rhythm of life seems to follow its own rules. The relaxed atmosphere of this city contrasts with the atmosphere full of sounds: the sharp and melancholy notes of a saxophone mingle with the almost shameless trill of the gulls that flit freely on the beach. This unusual combination of artistic flowering and natural beauty is possibly what attracts more than three million tourists each year visiting the beaches of Laguna Beach and its small center just a few blocks away. Before our eyes unfolds the outline of the coast that stretches indefinitely, as if giving a warm embrace to the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean; Here there are no big hotels that break with the uniformity of the luxurious Californian mansions and the elegant condominiums located in front of the sea. A walk through Main Beach Park, the main beach of the city, reminds us of the atmosphere of opulence and total relaxation that is lived in this place. Men and women of different ages play leisurely volleyball while others simply watch life from the staked benches in the vicinity. We crossed a small wooden pier to leave behind the coast and we entered the city; The rumors of the beach are transformed into urban bustle, without the atmosphere being tense by the change of sand to pavement under our feet. The cleanliness in this city is overwhelming. Not a single waste ruins the neatness of these avenues surrounded by palm trees. This way we reach Broadway Street, the widest street in the city, where all kinds of shops are located, from restaurants such as Romeo Cucina, known for its healthy food, to boutiques and exclusive beauty salons such as Blu Laguna Salon & Spa. The flow of cars passing through here is constant but not tumultuous. No horn interrupts the distant music of a saxophonist that reaches our ears. Following the recommendation of the locals we stop at the famous ice cream shop Dolce Gelato to mitigate the heat that prevails in the streets, and taste the specialty of the place: pistachio ice cream.