Our team recently had the incredible opportunity to explore Seattle, Tacoma, and Washington State on a familiarisation trip hosted by the State of Washington Tourism, Visit Seattle, Port of Seattle, and other local partners, with support from Hawaiian Airlines.
This exciting itinerary was filled with site inspections, cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural wonders, giving us a comprehensive look at some of Washington State’s most captivating destinations, as well as a touch of Hawaii in Honolulu.
The journey began with a comfortable Hawaiian Airlines flight from Sydney, with a quick stopover in Honolulu. The overnight departure allowed us to sleep and arrive refreshed, and we highly recommend the Extra Comfort seats for an even more relaxing experience. Upon arrival in Seattle, we checked into the conveniently located Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Convention Center, ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
Our exploration of Seattle kicked off with a scenic ride on the Seattle Centre Monorail, taking us to the iconic Chihuly Garden & Glass and Space Needle—both offering breathtaking views and vibrant artistic displays. A visit to the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) added a quirky and fascinating insight into Seattle’s rich music and cultural heritage. We then ventured underground with Bill Speidel's Underground Tour, one of Seattle’s most unique experiences, before unwinding on a scenic Argosy Harbor Cruise with panoramic views of the city skyline. To top off the day, we enjoyed an electrifying Foo Fighters concert at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners.
 Chihuly Garden & Glass |  Space Needle & Seattle Skyline |
The next leg of our journey took us to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, a region of spectacular natural beauty. A ferry ride to Bainbridge Island provided gorgeous views of the Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains. We continued with a scenic drive through lush landscapes, stopping for a totem tour and site inspection at the 7 Cedars Hotel. One of the highlights was Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, offering awe-inspiring mountain vistas. That evening, we stayed at the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor and dined at Downriggers on the Water, with its beautiful harbour views.
Hurricane Ridge Olympic Peninsula Visitors Bureau
The Olympic Peninsula continued to amaze us with breakfast at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge and a visit to the charming town of Forks, known for its "Twilight" fame. We explored the quirky John’s Beachcombing Museum before heading to Ruby Beach for a picnic lunch. Surrounded by dramatic sea stacks and rugged coastline, it was a truly picturesque spot. Our day concluded with a stay at Lake Quinault Lodge in the lush Quinault Rain Forest, where we enjoyed a memorable dinner at the Salmon House Restaurant.
Our adventure continued with an exploration of Mt. Rainier National Park. The historic Paradise Inn provided the perfect base to soak up the majestic scenery, and a scenic hike to Myrtle Falls showcased the area’s incredible natural beauty. That evening, we headed to Tacoma for a luxurious stay at the Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma Point Ruston Waterfront and dined at Woven Seafood & Chophouse, savouring a delightful fusion of Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific Northwest flavours.
In Tacoma, we delved into the city’s rich cultural scene with a private tour of LeMay – America’s Car Museum, home to one of the world’s largest car collections. A guided exploration of Tacoma’s vibrant neighbourhoods was followed by a delicious lunch and site inspection at Muckleshoot Casino Resort. We rounded out the day with a sweet stop at the Seattle Chocolate Factory for a tour and tasting, and finished with a visit to the inspiring Museum of Flight, where we immersed ourselves in the history of aviation and space exploration.
LeMay, America's Car Museum, Tacoma.
The final leg of our trip took us to Honolulu, where we stayed at the Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites and enjoyed a walking tour of several Aqua-Aston properties, including the stunning Espacio – The Jewel of Waikiki. This stopover allowed us to experience Hawaiian hospitality firsthand and soak up the lively atmosphere of Waikiki, blending relaxation with professional insights into the island's tourism offerings.
This familiarisation trip offered a wealth of experiences, from Seattle’s urban charm to the natural wonders of Olympic National Park and Mt. Rainier, and a warm Hawaiian finale in Honolulu. We returned with fresh inspiration and valuable insights into these incredible destinations, excited to share the unique travel opportunities in this remarkable part of the USA.
Check out our Washington State self-drive offer here. Don't hesitate to contact us so you can experience these incredible destinations for yourself.
