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 Pearl Harbor, 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 drive up the scenic Kohala coastline to hike and immerse yourself in stunning private waterfalls and delve into ancient Hawaiian history.

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. Tonight, perhaps join the optional He 'Ohana Kakou Luau featuring an abundant Hawaiian buffet and Polynesian show beside Kailua Bay.

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 have suggestions including experiencing the majestic scenery of Kauai on a spectacular waterfall helicopter journey.

This morning, fly to Maui, the “Valley Island" and travel between the beautiful West Maui mountains and Haleakala volcano. Sightseeing includes a visit to Iao Valley, a stunning landscape that Mark Twain called the "Yosemite of the Pacific" to view Iao Needle. Continue past Maalaea Harbor and see the offshore islands of Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokai before arriving at the Kaanapali Beach resort area.

A full day at leisure to enjoy Maui’s splendid beaches, relax by the hotel pool or go on an optional outing like the Road to Hana, one of the world’s most spectacular scenic drives, with 54 bridges and many waterfalls. Just a short stroll from the hotel is Whalers Village with Maui’s best assortment of art galleries, boutiques, and oceanfront restaurants. Ride the free Ka'anapali Trolley and see the former vacation place of the Royal Chiefs of Maui who enjoyed lawn bowling using stones on what are now the Ka'anapali Golf Courses. Be sure to catch the stunning sunset and ocean views.

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