Hawaiian Islands

Aloha—welcome to Hawaii! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Morning orientation with your Tour Director. Your sightseeing excursion features the sunken USS Arizona and its impressive memorial to the men still entombed there, as well as Punchbowl National Cemetery with its beautiful views of Honolulu. Other sites include bustling Chinatown, ‘Iolani Palace, and the statue of King Kamehameha the Great.

Today is at leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions, including activities near world-famous Waikiki Beach or a full-day optional outing to the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore, where you’ll enjoy a dinner buffet and the colorful Ha: Breath of Life stage show.

This morning, depart for Hilo on the “Big Island” of Hawaii with its spectacular scenery that includes misty plateaus, craggy cliffs, tropical rainforests, bamboo groves, and lava deserts. On arrival, tour Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. See Kilauea Crater, rising 4,090 feet above a volcanic wonderland of steaming fire pits, lava tubes, and fern forests. Arrive in Kona on the sunny side of the “Big Island” in the early evening.

The following two days are free to explore the charming and historic town of Kailua-Kona. Optional activities include a snorkeling cruise to a coral reef to view magnificent tropical fish; or a helicopter ride along the Kohala coastline—over the famed Parker Ranch and an active volcano.

Today is yours to relax and explore the resort area of Kailua, situated between Kailua Bay and the dormant Hualalai Volcano. Kailua is rich in history, featuring the historic Hulihe’e Palace, former vacation home of the Hawaiian Royal Family, and Ahu’ena Heiau, the restored personal temple of King Kamehameha the Great. This area is renowned for its famous Kona coffee, one of the most sought-after coffees in the world.

Morning transfer to Kona International Airport for the flight to the “Garden Isle” of Kauai. Drive along the scenic southern shore via Poipu Beach to Waimea, once the Polynesian capital of Kauai and the site where Captain Cook landed on the islands in 1778. Sightseeing highlights include Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the lush and fertile Hanapepe Valley, and a photo stop at Spouting Horn, a dramatic blowhole on the ocean’s edge. Later, arrive at your oceanside hotel in Kapa’a.

Kauai has a lot to offer, and your Tour Director will suggest several optional outings for the duration of your stay, including a North Shore trip to Hanalei Bay, the locale for filming many Hollywood movies. Also available is an evening out at a traditional luau feast complete with dinner, drinks, and a captivating international revue of dance and music.

This morning, fly to Maui, the “Valley Island.” On arrival, sightseeing begins with a visit to the ‘Iao Valley, the “Yosemite of the Pacific,” to view the ‘lao Needle. Then, head through lush farm country and along the shoreline via Maalaea Boat Harbor to Lahaina, once a whaling center and capital of the Hawaiian monarchy. Enjoy free time to explore this colorful island town.

A full day at leisure to enjoy Maui’s splendid beaches or to relax by the pool at the hotel. A variety of optional outings includes the Road to Hana, one of the world’s most spectacular scenic drives, with 54 bridges and many waterfalls. Just a short stroll away is Whalers Village with Maui’s best assortment of art galleries, boutiques, and oceanfront restaurants. Return to Lahaina town, and take a stroll down Front Street. Enjoy the stunning sunset and ocean views while visiting shops, art galleries, and restaurants. At Lahaina Harbor, you’ll find Maui whale-watching tours (seasonal, from Dec to May), snorkeling trips, surfing lessons, and fishing charters. You can also walk the Historical Trail, mapping Lahaina’s historical sites and ending at Banyan Tree Park, home to the second-largest Banyan tree in the world!

Your vacation ends this morning. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the Valley Island further.